GDT: Offseason GDT II

[BigKing]

Budaj is totally going to be the gaj backing up Quick.

Quick is going to play 70 games next season. Sutter is going to ride him into the ground like he did with Kipper. Would of been nice to use Jones more often when we had a better back-up. Now Quick is going to have to play every game out of necessity.

If Quick goes down, well none of this really matters then. The cap is going to force them to roll the dice on goal and hope Quick holds up.

Don't want to call it mismanagement per se, but missing hard on Gibson, losing Berube for nothing, Bartosak blowing it and then missing on the Dillon pick leaves an extremely ugly goaltending situation behind Quick.

The Kings seemed to be a bit of a goalie factory for awhile there but it is pretty sad behind Quick at this point.

 

[YP44]

That's just dumb.

not really. the NHL wants the expansion team to be competitive right away. To do that in todays NHL you have to have good prospects and build with youth. Makes sense. If they want this team to succeed it has to be made up of more than cap dumps

 

[YP44]

Budaj is totally going to be the gaj backing up Quick.

Quick is going to play 70 games next season. Sutter is going to ride him into the ground like he did with Kipper. Would of been nice to use Jones more often when we had a better back-up. Now Quick is going to have to play every game out of necessity.

If Quick goes down, well none of this really matters then. The cap is going to force them to roll the dice on goal and hope Quick holds up.

Don't want to call it mismanagement per se, but missing hard on Gibson, losing Berube for nothing, Bartosak blowing it and then missing on the Dillon pick leaves an extremely ugly goaltending situation behind Quick.

The Kings seemed to be a bit of a goalie factory for awhile there but it is pretty sad behind Quick at this point.

it's hard to forecast stupid (bartosak), and losing Berube sucks but with Tokarski clearing I was surprised he got picked up.
If a Tokarski or someone is put on waiver this fall I could see LA claiming and Waiving Budaj

edit: seeing as how bartosak will be a UFA I wonder what team signs him. I hope it's the canucks as their fans were one of the worse for bashing the kings because of voynov.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Is he really that highly regarded around the league though? Seems like the Kings aren't even sure about him. If Gravel gets playing time in the NHL this season, I could see him as an intriguing option.

If a guy like Kempe would be exposed under these rules, I can imagine many 'better' (read: pedigree) prospects would be in a similar boat.

hahah Winnipeg rejects that so frigging fast.

I don't think the jets will have that much cap space once their RFA's are re-signed. Carolina is a team that needs to spend to get to the floor next year.

This, they're a team with 'cap space' now, but with a ton of blue chip youngsters...

Budaj is totally going to be the gaj backing up Quick.

Quick is going to play 70 games next season. Sutter is going to ride him into the ground like he did with Kipper. Would of been nice to use Jones more often when we had a better back-up. Now Quick is going to have to play every game out of necessity.

If Quick goes down, well none of this really matters then. The cap is going to force them to roll the dice on goal and hope Quick holds up.

Don't want to call it mismanagement per se, but missing hard on Gibson, losing Berube for nothing, Bartosak blowing it and then missing on the Dillon pick leaves an extremely ugly goaltending situation behind Quick.

The Kings seemed to be a bit of a goalie factory for awhile there but it is pretty sad behind Quick at this point.

To be fair I can't imagine an organization weathering losing four goaltenders for nothing practically immediately after trading several others. We traded Bernier, Scrivens, Jones for assets then lost Berube to waivers, Bartosak to stupid, Dillon to surgery and the void. And still have Budaj and Quick at least. Like you said I don't think it's mismanagement, goaltending isn't a position where you can 'plan' for unforeseen issues three organizations deep, there just aren't enough spots, yet you don't really need to with so many 'average' goalies being readily available.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

it's hard to forecast stupid (bartosak), and losing Berube sucks but with Tokarski clearing I was surprised he got picked up.
If a Tokarski or someone is put on waiver this fall I could see LA claiming and Waiving Budaj

edit: seeing as how bartosak will be a UFA I wonder what team signs him. I hope it's the canucks as their fans were one of the worse for bashing the kings because of voynov.

I don't see LA waiving Budaj at this point. I think they reward his loyalty and performance unless an immense prospect somehow becomes available.

And I almost guarantee Bartosak ends up with another team, too.

 

[YP44]

I don't see LA waiving Budaj at this point. I think they reward his loyalty and performance unless an immense prospect somehow becomes available.

And I almost guarantee Bartosak ends up with another team, too.

I just hope it's to a team whose fanbase on here called out LA for not voiding Voynov. Colorado and Vancouver would be perfect IMO

 

[Peter James Bond II]

Winnipeg has a **** ton of cap space...

Brown and Martinez for Myers.

Sign Yandle and Demers

Muzzin-Doughty
Yandle-Myers
McNabb/Greene-Demers

Really do not think they would sign 2 defenesmen. I believe they will
be promoting youth and that Gravel and Dowd will be on this team.
Possible that Gravel has some 7th D sit outs, but believe he will play.
Think that Mersch, Kempe and Forbort will be given shots too.
(no way 5 youth make it though)
I don't think that both Gravel and Forbort play, though. Forbort may be moved. I think they are higher on Gravel now. Not necessarily given up on him, but Gravel is emerging to be better and that will just play out.

 

[Cook24]

Really do not think they would sign 2 defenesmen. I believe they will
be promoting youth and that Gravel and Dowd will be on this team.
Possible that Gravel has some 7th D sit outs, but believe he will play.
Think that Mersch, Kempe and Forbort will be given shots too.
(no way 5 youth make it though)
I don't think that both Gravel and Forbort play, though. Forbort may be moved. I think they are higher on Gravel now. Not necessarily given up on him, but Gravel is emerging to be better and that will just play out.

I believe they will be promoting youth but mainly just on the offensive side. Guys like Kempe, Mersch, and Dowd coming in. Defense, the only one I can see sticking around is Gravel, and mainly just as a #7 and occasionally getting in to rest a guy or in case of injury. I think Forbort is trade bait or career minors. Ladue might be up in a year or two. So I do believe, if we can make the cap space, well likely end up with 2 new defenseman, whether it be trade or free agency.

 

[Johnny Utah]

Kempe is not making the Kings roster.

Kings have tons of LW's....even without Lucic. Pearson, King, Clifford, Andreoff (LW/C), and Mersch. Even Brown can play LW.

Kings need to deal a LW.

Lombardi has long been a GM who copied the Detroit model of keeping young players in the AHL for as long as they can to develop. King and Nolan spent 2-3 seasons each in the AHL/ECHL; same with Martinez, Muzzin and Voynov.

This is Kempe's first pro season.

 

[WHOneedsSOX]

Kempe is not making the Kings roster.

Kings have tons of LW's....even without Lucic. Pearson, King, Clifford, Andreoff (LW/C), and Mersch. Even Brown can play LW.

Kings need to deal a LW.

Lombardi has long been a GM who copied the Detroit model of keeping young players in the AHL for as long as they can to develop. King and Nolan spent 2-3 seasons each in the AHL/ECHL; same with Martinez, Muzzin and Voynov.

This is Kempe's first pro season.

I think Mersch spends the majority of the season in the AHL. King is allowed to walk in the 2017 off-season as he prices himself out and Mersch takes his spot.

 

[Cook24]

Kempe is not making the Kings roster.

Kings have tons of LW's....even without Lucic. Pearson, King, Clifford, Andreoff (LW/C), and Mersch. Even Brown can play LW.

Kings need to deal a LW.

Lombardi has long been a GM who copied the Detroit model of keeping young players in the AHL for as long as they can to develop. King and Nolan spent 2-3 seasons each in the AHL/ECHL; same with Martinez, Muzzin and Voynov.

This is Kempe's first pro season.

Not saying I take everything the mayor says to heart but, on a podcast a couple days ago he thinks there's a good chance Kempe, Dowd, and Mersch make the Kings roster. The Kings are gonna need as many cheap players as they can get. Let the young guys learn, and deal two of King, Clifford, or Pearson(only if return is right)

 

[lumbergh]

Not saying I take everything the mayor says to heart but, on a podcast a couple days ago he thinks there's a good chance Kempe, Dowd, and Mersch make the Kings roster. The Kings are gonna need as many cheap players as they can get. Let the young guys learn, and deal two of King, Clifford, or Pearson(only if return is right)

I think King gets dealt for a pick at the draft. I would like to see all three make the roster, but I have doubts.

 

[BigKing]

Kempe is not making the Kings roster.

Kings have tons of LW's....even without Lucic. Pearson, King, Clifford, Andreoff (LW/C), and Mersch. Even Brown can play LW.

Kings need to deal a LW.

Lombardi has long been a GM who copied the Detroit model of keeping young players in the AHL for as long as they can to develop. King and Nolan spent 2-3 seasons each in the AHL/ECHL; same with Martinez, Muzzin and Voynov.

This is Kempe's first pro season.

Agree with the dearth of LWs so I see someone being moved for picks or teams sitting by and waiting for one of them to get put on waivers.

The Detroit model is a model for a different CBA. Once successful teams run into cap problems due to retaining talent, they need to have ELCs or other smaller contracts contributing in a meaningful way or they are not going to be competitive.

For Detroit, Dylan Larkin played six AHL playoff games before becoming a full-time NHLer this season at 19 years old.

Is Kempe as good as Larkin at the moment? No, but he has been playing against men since 2013-14 and was drafted in the same 1st round as Larkin. Kempe would not be asked to play as important a role as Larkin has been for Detroit so he would most likely be sheltered a bit as well.

I can see Kempe making the team mainly because his wheels would be a real upgrade to the team speed department. I won't be shocked if he is in Ontario to start the year but I'll be shocked if he is down there to finish the year.

 

[Peter James Bond II]

Kempe is not making the Kings roster.

Kings have tons of LW's....even without Lucic. Pearson, King, Clifford, Andreoff (LW/C), and Mersch. Even Brown can play LW.

Kings need to deal a LW.

Lombardi has long been a GM who copied the Detroit model of keeping young players in the AHL for as long as they can to develop. King and Nolan spent 2-3 seasons each in the AHL/ECHL; same with Martinez, Muzzin and Voynov.

This is Kempe's first pro season.

Both Lombardi and Sutter mentioned needing to add speed.
Since Kempe has NHL speed, skills, and a wicked shot, he can certainly play on the Kings next year. Every year, no name, somewhat obscure players (often Euros and Russians) that are not elite top ten overall picks make the NHL and do well.
While he just finished his first year here, he played 2+ years in the SEL. While he has been sporadic, he is one that rises to the occasion - scored 8 goals in the AHL playoffs last year at the age 0f 18 with no games under his belt. He then was said to be the best player on Team Sweden in the World Jrs. Teammate Nylander played over 20 games for the Leafs
this year. Kempe is bigger and stronger. He may be faster than Carter, Pearson, or Gaborik. There are players that make other players better and then there are players that play better when paired with elite players. He may be the latter and could see him making an impact this year. Stother's said he was the best player the last game and talked about a few big hits he made and even played the footage to the team between periods. Is being hot and cold and going full force an issue with him? Hard to say..but he's still 19. Seems like if they instill that with him to be full force, 100%, he should be able to. Will he make mistakes? Of course, all rookies do. but he has all the tools and ability to be an impact player now.

 

[WHOneedsSOX]

Both Lombardi and Sutter mentioned needing to add speed.
Since Kempe has NHL speed, skills, and a wicked shot, he can certainly play on the Kings next year. Every year, no name, somewhat obscure players (often Euros and Russians) that are not elite top ten overall picks make the NHL and do well.
While he just finished his first year here, he played 2+ years in the SEL. While he has been sporadic, he is one that rises to the occasion - scored 8 goals in the AHL playoffs last year at the age 0f 18 with no games under his belt. He then was said to be the best player on Team Sweden in the World Jrs. Teammate Nylander played over 20 games for the Leafs
this year. Kempe is bigger and stronger. He may be faster than Carter, Pearson, or Gaborik. There are players that make other players better and then there are players that play better when paired with elite players. He may be the latter and could see him making an impact this year. Stother's said he was the best player the last game and talked about a few big hits he made and even played the footage to the team between periods. Is being hot and cold and going full force an issue with him? Hard to say..but he's still 19. Seems like if they instill that with him to be full force, 100%, he should be able to. Will he make mistakes? Of course, all rookies do. but he has all the tools and ability to be an impact player now.

Didn't Stothers' also say Kempe's compete level wasn't where it should be every game? And that he took plays/games off?

 

[Trolfoli]

Kings need to move out multiple wings. The only question at this point is if Brown/Gaborik are going and being replaced by Pearson/Toffoli or if Pearson/Toffoli are going.

Pearson/Toffoli's cap hits will put them in the core/first line position soon. Those spots in the cap structure are filled by Brown/Gaborik. Moving Brown/Gaborik may be hard. Moving Pearson/Toffoli will be easier and you get a return instead of retaining salary.

Then there's Lewis/Steeger that are probably gone.

King: You have to think that King being re-upped was part of Sutter's contract. Really who know's what will happen with King. I would like to see Lucic/King/Mersch down the left side. MOAR SIZE!!!!

Lucic: I've moved to the "they shouldn't sign him" camp. I want to read all the posts about the second guy Lombardi overpaid for that he couldn't sign (Sekera).

 

[Kingspiracy]

Kings need to move out multiple wings. The only question at this point is if Brown/Gaborik are going and being replaced by Pearson/Toffoli or if Pearson/Toffoli are going.

Pearson/Toffoli's cap hits will put them in the core/first line position soon. Those spots in the cap structure are filled by Brown/Gaborik. Moving Brown/Gaborik may be hard. Moving Pearson/Toffoli will be easier and you get a return instead of retaining salary.

Then there's Lewis/Steeger that are probably gone.

King: You have to think that King being re-upped was part of Sutter's contract. Really who know's what will happen with King. I would like to see Lucic/King/Mersch down the left side. MOAR SIZE!!!!

Lucic: I've moved to the "they shouldn't sign him" camp. I want to read all the posts about the second guy Lombardi overpaid for that he couldn't sign (Sekera).

I'd like to see Lucic re upped for something like 6m x 4 years. Otherwise its starting to get too difficult to fit him on the team. He would be the 3rd highest paid on the team.

I got a bit irritated with the mighty dwighty this year for some reason, he's still too passive for such a big unit. At least Nolan and Clifford play with a bit of sandpaper when they're not producing.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

I'm not sure those guys WILL be on the roster next year, but I get the feeling DL and Sutter are going to create opportunity for guys to win jobs and surprise in camp where there really wasn't this past year. There will be SOME cheap youth on the team, but it's up to them who it is.

Hell for all we know our 2nd pick this year comes in and blows the doors off. BUt that wouldn't happen last year due to no opportunity.

 

[Trolfoli]

I'm not sure those guys WILL be on the roster next year, but I get the feeling DL and Sutter are going to create opportunity for guys to win jobs and surprise in camp where there really wasn't this past year. There will be SOME cheap youth on the team, but it's up to them who it is.

Hell for all we know our 2nd pick this year comes in and blows the doors off. BUt that wouldn't happen last year due to no opportunity.

It wouldn't shock me for a large youth movement next year. Lombardi is working on a tight re-tool schedule. He has probably 3-5 years max before the wheels fall off completely. Before that time he has to identify who he believes the core is going forward, find out what prospects will be able to make the jump, and fill the spots by draft/trade that they can't fill from the AHL.

Really the Kings don't have time to ease 1 or 2 prospects in per year. Just throw em in and see what happens. Move out players that won't be here in 3-5 years to make space.

Yeah... Scuderi... They'll re-sign him. Don't worry. (Joke)

 

[YP44]

Kempe is not making the Kings roster.

Kings have tons of LW's....even without Lucic. Pearson, King, Clifford, Andreoff (LW/C), and Mersch. Even Brown can play LW.

Kings need to deal a LW.

Lombardi has long been a GM who copied the Detroit model of keeping young players in the AHL for as long as they can to develop. King and Nolan spent 2-3 seasons each in the AHL/ECHL; same with Martinez, Muzzin and Voynov.

This is Kempe's first pro season.

I think Kempe will get a call up at some point next year for a cup of coffee like Mersch. Just to expose him to the NHL grind and expectations.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

One note on Kempe, he can play any forward position and has had some nice goals playing RW. Go back to the WJC, he was playing on his offwing for the most part. Hoping he can play like how Tomas Sandstrom did with a knack for driving to the net and getting pucks through at any given opportunity.

 

[KingsCourt]

can the playoffs end already?...i'm ready to see some offseason drama

 

[Omni Owl]

can the playoffs end already?...i'm ready to see some offseason drama

Seriously, I could give a **** about the post-season this year.

 

[KingCanadain1976]

hmmm he can play rw I would line us up like this then

Lucic Kopitar Kempe
Pearson carter toffoli
Mersch dowd brown
clifford andreoff versteeg


trade king gaborik nolan for picks and a 2nd pairing defenseman

 

[Fishhead]

Before the Kings trade someone like Gaborik, I think it needs to be seen what can be done to improve the defense. If there isn't anything out there to be had at a reasonable price, this team is going to need all the offense it can get.

Gaborik could be traded for a defenseman, but in most cases the only teams looking to pick up a guy like Marian would be contenders and those teams rarely have a surplus of defense that they are willing to trade. The best bet would be a bubble team who really wants some income from the playoffs.

Normally I wouldn't see DL trading Gaborik anyways, but who knows what he does this offseason after his comments.