One way to compete and have a shot...and especially against Vegas...(by taking from them)
Deal Iafallo anywhere for a #2 pick 4 million cap saved
Deal Durzi anywhere for a #2 or #3 pick 1.7 million cap saved
Deal Grundstrom anywhere for a 5th or 6th 1.3 million cap saved
That's 7 million. Have apx 6.5 million now?
That's 13.5 and have to sign Vilardi, Kupari, perhaps JAD.
Give Yannetti a few more swings in the 35 to 80 range in this deep draft.
Sign Vilardi 3 million per year bridge
Sign Barbashev to 5.75 million, 6 years 27 yrs old and plays C or W.
Sign Adin Hill to 5.75 million 6 years
May have to move 1 to 2 more contract(s) out.
Could even move Turcotte and / or Bjornfot...or even Lizotte.
1 other addition would be a tough 3rd LHD.
I didn't say this was ideal, pretty or advocated by me...and not the
kind of term one would want for Barbashev or Hill. But they will
both get it. Maybe they even get more than this.
I just stated this would make the Kings be able to contend.
Byfield Kopitar Kempe (it works and could be better, with QB taking another step)
Fiala Barbashev Vilardi (Fiala needs a better and more skilled fit. This is it)
Moore Danault Arvidsson (best 3rd line in NHL?)
JAD Lizotte Kaliyev (Arthur needs line 3, but will have to beat out Moore)
Anderson Doughty
Gavrikov Roy
some vet? Clarke
I'm sure most would prefer PLD, Lindholm, or ? to Barbashev, but
he's a helluva player and bet he would benefit Fiala and Vilardi.
PLD, Linholm, etc would cost the #1 2024 and possibly Gabe, Kaliyev, etc.
Are you overpaying Barbashev, Hill? ANY PATH FORWARD, gives up the
going rate or slightly higher for talent...or you lose young / future assets.
The luck path is just that, luck. Where you get 2 stars out of each draft,
your AHL players develop into studs, in which 1-2 move onto your NHL
team each year...this is rare. The AVS won, by adding a few key players:
Kadri, Nuchuskin, Burakovsky and Lehkonen to their core....but they
could not keep them. Vegas won by some shrewd trades and signings,
a goalie playing beyond expectations and a vet like Marshessault
playing the best hockey of his life...a great team effort.
The best teams on paper (Bruins) can lose in round 1.
The team above could beat Vegas, that loses Barbashev, Hill and Stone out for part of the rest of his career? Could beat Edm or Avs. or anyone. Keep the bluechip youth and #1 2024.
It's dep[endant and a little risky, that Hill maintains his high level of play.
That said, I'm fine with signing Korpisalo, 2-3 yrs. But, getting Barbashev.
I say Fiala reaches 100 pts with Barbashev.