Rumor: Planning Ahead: 2019 Off-Season Part 2

[HeadInjury]

I do think this team has a bit of Boston/St. Louis in them.

Kovy must click this year.

Need Mikey Anderson/Kupari to steal a spot. A camp standout at least.

Kopi/Carts/Quick need to rebound big. If Quick is dealt the two goalies they have need to be solid.

Trade Toffoli and Lewis at the deadline. Time for Luff and Wagner to step up.

This team could compete for an 8th spot or could be another top 5 pick at this point.

This coming season is irrelevant really in terms of what our record ends up being. So I don't care if younger players replacing more experienced players helps or hurts us in terms of our record.

But I do care about creating openings for young players when those players aren't ready and should be in Ontario developing.

Mikey Anderson is a perfect example. Some people are putting him on a pairing with Doughty. That kid needs to start in the AHL.

Others talk about Brickley making the team when he was disappointing at the AHL level last year.

There was a time long ago when posters here were calling Corvo a bust. That was before he ever played in the NHL. While I wasn't a fan because what he did to that waitress, he eventually developed into a player who had a long NHL career. It's great that there is the occasional surprise who demonstrates he can play at the NHL level, but there are also a lot of Yannick Lehoux's in the mix who we hear is going to be great and never is. We need to be patient with everyone at let them develop.

 

[LAKings88]

This coming season is irrelevant really in terms of what our record ends up being. So I don't care if younger players replacing more experienced players helps or hurts us in terms of our record.

But I do care about creating openings for young players when those players aren't ready and should be in Ontario developing.

Mikey Anderson is a perfect example. Some people are putting him on a pairing with Doughty. That kid needs to start in the AHL.

Others talk about Brickley making the team when he was disappointing at the AHL level last year.

There was a time long ago when posters here were calling Corvo a bust. That was before he ever played in the NHL. While I wasn't a fan because what he did to that waitress, he eventually developed into a player who had a long NHL career. It's great that there is the occasional surprise who demonstrates he can play at the NHL level, but there are also a lot of Yannick Lehoux's in the mix who we hear is going to be great and never is. We need to be patient with everyone at let them develop.

It’s a new NHL. Young guys on entry levels are needed.

Anderson and Kupari are the only two prospects that could be difference makers. (Solid players but not stars) Anderson isn’t 18. He won championships in college. Not saying he won’t be in the AHL but I think he will make a good case for himself. Kupari has more worts. He is more like a Kempe. Doubt he makes the team but he could surprise with his speed and skill. Also played in a men’s pro league.

These two are LAs top prospects at the moment. Everything else is a hope and a prayer.

Luff, Wagner, and Grundstrom are fillers and likely bottom sixes with some skill.

LAs cupboard is very meh honestly.

#5 needs to be a hit. Especially with disappointment that is Vilardi’s situation.

Everyone is saying it’s another tank year. I’m not as convinced. I think with better coaching it could be a black hole team. Maybe a just missed the playoffs and score in the lottery to rectify the drop from 2 this year if we are lucky team.

 

[BigKing]

I am only "anti-tank" because I believe the team is in a uniquely poor position to actually do a successful tank...especially after losing out on one of the two elite players in this year's draft. Look at the teams that are drafting in the top 10 this year...which team would you LEAST like to be going forward tank-wise? LA would have to be 1st or 2nd on your list. The problem, of course, is that unlike Ottawa or the NYR the Kings have very few movable assets that have any value. The pieces that are movable (Toffoli, Carter, Quick, Martinez) have limited value and will not be much help towards getting prime assets for a tank rebuild. The prospect pool (as discussed) is ok but underwhelming if you are banking on them to lead the way. Hoping to get top 3 picks for the next 2-3 years is a fool's errand subject to the whims of lottery balls in addition to putting a dreadful product on the ice.

The problem with Blake/Luc is that they are sending decidedly mixed signals. If a full tank is the plan, why hire a higher profile coach on an expensive 5 year contract? TM is going to be motivated to gets this team into the playoffs if he has any pride in his work. I doubt he became the coach to oversee a 5 year tank. So if TM can get better performances from AK, DD, JQ, JC, DB, and TT (almost a layup given how they performed last year) the team will likely improve by 15-20 points. How does that help the tank? Will Blake sign some 2nd tier UFA's or make trades this summer to fill holes? If he does, how does that help the tank? If he doesn't, is he really being fair to the team and the coach who are trying to win?

IMO, Blake is trying to play the middle road which is the worst thing the team can do. That is the path into the black hole. He either needs to work with this core and make them into a playoff team or announce a tank and try to get Doughty and Kopitar to waive their NMC and get the best value he can for them NOW while they still have value. If the plan is just to "ride it out", they might as well hire one of the Laker towel boys as the GM and one of the beer league guys as coach. If I'm AEG, I see the "ride it out" option as a tremendous waste of money for the next five years (at least!) with no guarantee of having a better outcome.

I get it. Thing is I think it is much easier for Blake to set this team up to finish Bottom 5 then it is to get them to be a contender. If he doesn't bring in any help on the blueline then better performance from the forwards--which I expect--isn't going to matter. Now, if young guys take a big step forward and they play their way into that black hole spot when he is expecting Bottom 5 then, cool: what they already have is better than they thought.

What this team has proven though is that they don't deserve a god damn thing. Kopitar, Doughty et al. are on a "prove it" season, much like 2018. There is zero reason to go out and try to add pieces to a team that just laid a giant shit for 82 games plus pre-season. Go out, bust your ass and buy-in to the new coach's system. See where the kids are after this season, the cap, and then see if you can add: if warranted. Speaking of said coach, he was given five years because, as he said, it is a marathon and not a sprint. Everything they are saying speaks to not making the playoffs next year.

I think they are pretty high on their current prospects and are excited about all the picks they have this year. I see Blake moving Toffoli around the TDL with Martinez being a possibility as well. Quick could be in play for more futures prior to the start of the season. Defensive corp will be trash which will help Blake's plan to finish low in the standings. It won't be an outright tank as playing these guys might lead to the realization that Walker or Roy are actually viable NHL defensemen. Also allows all of the kids to play together in Ontario and then maybe get some cups of coffee at the end of the season.

They don't need to come out and say "we are tanking" because they aren't completely doing that because a five-year tank isn't the plan: this past season was the unexpected tank and this season should lead to a Top 10 pick and maybe a late 1st depending on other moves. They would be delighted if Year 2 of T-Mac saw them make the playoffs but I feel Year 3 is the target and Blake should have some money and assets to make moves.

I totally understand how that might be "middle-of-the-road" but they aren't getting 11/8 to waive those clauses: they love living here and have already achieved Cups and personal awards. They can buy-in to the plan because--at least with Doughty--they probably think they can make the playoffs next season regardless.

 

[BigKing]

It’s a new NHL. Young guys on entry levels are needed.

Anderson and Kupari are the only two prospects that could be difference makers. (Solid players but not stars) Anderson isn’t 18. He won championships in college. Not saying he won’t be in the AHL but I think he will make a good case for himself. Kupari has more worts. He is more like a Kempe. Doubt he makes the team but he could surprise with his speed and skill. Also played in a men’s pro league.

These two are LAs top prospects at the moment. Everything else is a hope and a prayer.

Luff, Wagner, and Grundstrom are fillers and likely bottom sixes with some skill.

LAs cupboard is very meh honestly.

#5 needs to be a hit. Especially with disappointment that is Vilardi’s situation.

Everyone is saying it’s another tank year. I’m not as convinced. I think with better coaching it could be a black hole team. Maybe a just missed the playoffs and score in the lottery to rectify the drop from 2 this year if we are lucky team.

I don't want to be "rah-rah" prospects guy, but JAD actually played NHL games last season and could be a 2nd line player if it all shakes out. He's a little better than "meh" for me.

As for it being a tank year, it is in the sense that I don't see Management actively trying to make the team better. They will most likely have a better season with a competent coach and the fact that it would be hard to replicate last season's horrible performances.

Agree we need impact players on ELC's as that has been a glaring problem for years now; however: we don't need them next season because next season doesn't matter. It will be a big deal though when salary is shed (Kovy/Phaneuf/Carter) and legit help can be traded for/signed to go along with the ELC guys.

 

[tomd]

I get it. Thing is I think it is much easier for Blake to set this team up to finish Bottom 5 then it is to get them to be a contender. If he doesn't bring in any help on the blueline then better performance from the forwards--which I expect--isn't going to matter. Now, if young guys take a big step forward and they play their way into that black hole spot when he is expecting Bottom 5 then, cool: what they already have is better than they thought.

What this team has proven though is that they don't deserve a god damn thing. Kopitar, Doughty et al. are on a "prove it" season, much like 2018. There is zero reason to go out and try to add pieces to a team that just laid a giant **** for 82 games plus pre-season. Go out, bust your ass and buy-in to the new coach's system. See where the kids are after this season, the cap, and then see if you can add: if warranted. Speaking of said coach, he was given five years because, as he said, it is a marathon and not a sprint. Everything they are saying speaks to not making the playoffs next year.

I think they are pretty high on their current prospects and are excited about all the picks they have this year. I see Blake moving Toffoli around the TDL with Martinez being a possibility as well. Quick could be in play for more futures prior to the start of the season. Defensive corp will be trash which will help Blake's plan to finish low in the standings. It won't be an outright tank as playing these guys might lead to the realization that Walker or Roy are actually viable NHL defensemen. Also allows all of the kids to play together in Ontario and then maybe get some cups of coffee at the end of the season.

They don't need to come out and say "we are tanking" because they aren't completely doing that because a five-year tank isn't the plan: this past season was the unexpected tank and this season should lead to a Top 10 pick and maybe a late 1st depending on other moves. They would be delighted if Year 2 of T-Mac saw them make the playoffs but I feel Year 3 is the target and Blake should have some money and assets to make moves.

I totally understand how that might be "middle-of-the-road" but they aren't getting 11/8 to waive those clauses: they love living here and have already achieved Cups and personal awards. They can buy-in to the plan because--at least with Doughty--they probably think they can make the playoffs next season regardless.

I understand your points as well. I think the real answer is that the Kings aren't set up for a "proper" tank nor are they set up for near/intermediate term success. In that light, I don't they'll make anyone happy...black hole teams rarely do....

 

[KINGS17]

I get it. Thing is I think it is much easier for Blake to set this team up to finish Bottom 5 then it is to get them to be a contender. If he doesn't bring in any help on the blueline then better performance from the forwards--which I expect--isn't going to matter. Now, if young guys take a big step forward and they play their way into that black hole spot when he is expecting Bottom 5 then, cool: what they already have is better than they thought.

What this team has proven though is that they don't deserve a god damn thing. Kopitar, Doughty et al. are on a "prove it" season, much like 2018. There is zero reason to go out and try to add pieces to a team that just laid a giant **** for 82 games plus pre-season. Go out, bust your ass and buy-in to the new coach's system. See where the kids are after this season, the cap, and then see if you can add: if warranted. Speaking of said coach, he was given five years because, as he said, it is a marathon and not a sprint. Everything they are saying speaks to not making the playoffs next year.

I think they are pretty high on their current prospects and are excited about all the picks they have this year. I see Blake moving Toffoli around the TDL with Martinez being a possibility as well. Quick could be in play for more futures prior to the start of the season. Defensive corp will be trash which will help Blake's plan to finish low in the standings. It won't be an outright tank as playing these guys might lead to the realization that Walker or Roy are actually viable NHL defensemen. Also allows all of the kids to play together in Ontario and then maybe get some cups of coffee at the end of the season.

They don't need to come out and say "we are tanking" because they aren't completely doing that because a five-year tank isn't the plan: this past season was the unexpected tank and this season should lead to a Top 10 pick and maybe a late 1st depending on other moves. They would be delighted if Year 2 of T-Mac saw them make the playoffs but I feel Year 3 is the target and Blake should have some money and assets to make moves.

I totally understand how that might be "middle-of-the-road" but they aren't getting 11/8 to waive those clauses: they love living here and have already achieved Cups and personal awards. They can buy-in to the plan because--at least with Doughty--they probably think they can make the playoffs next season regardless.

It's much easier to tear it down to the studs and foundation than it is to remodel this mess.

I think Blake's job at this point is to acquire as many future assets as possible. I don't think if Martinez is moved soon the defense can be anything other than bottom five in the NHL.

I agree with you on the coaching situation with McLellan. Blake brought him in to teach a structured system to the kids that will be used in LA and in Ontario. Who cares if the vets thrive or not under his system, I don't.

 

[KingsOfCali25]

All these young guys are rumored to being moving or wanting out and LA is looking to be picking up old vets. Wtf is management doing!

Send Quick + 3rd to Columbus for Wennberg and Murray

Send Carter + Toffoli to Philadelphia for Patrick + MacDonald + 2nd

Send Martinez to Winnipeg for Roslovic

Send Iafallo to Edmonton for Puljujarvi + pick

 

[tomd]

It's much easier to tear it down to the studs and foundation than it is to remodel this mess.

I think Blake's job at this point is to acquire as many future assets as possible. I don't think if Martinez is moved soon the defense can be anything other than bottom five in the NHL.

I agree with you on the coaching situation with McLellan. Blake brought him in to teach a structured system to the kids that will be used in LA and in Ontario. Who cares if the vets thrive or not under his system, I don't.

I'm surprised you feel that way...I really believe if the current roster buys into TM's structure and game plan they could be an 85 point team next year. That puts them in the 11-14 draft range based on this year's standings. That would have a MAJOR impact on the tank.

 

[tomd]

All these young guys are rumored to being moving or wanting out and LA is looking to be picking up old vets. Wtf is management doing!

Send Quick + 3rd to Columbus for Wennberg and Murray

Send Carter + Toffoli to Philadelphia for Patrick + MacDonald + 2nd

Send Martinez to Winnipeg for Roslovic

Send Iafallo to Edmonton for Puljujarvi + pick

you forgot the /sarcasm

 

[KingsFan7824]

I am only "anti-tank" because I believe the team is in a uniquely poor position to actually do a successful tank...especially after losing out on one of the two elite players in this year's draft. Look at the teams that are drafting in the top 10 this year...which team would you LEAST like to be going forward tank-wise? LA would have to be 1st or 2nd on your list. The problem, of course, is that unlike Ottawa or the NYR the Kings have very few movable assets that have any value. The pieces that are movable (Toffoli, Carter, Quick, Martinez) have limited value and will not be much help towards getting prime assets for a tank rebuild. The prospect pool (as discussed) is ok but underwhelming if you are banking on them to lead the way. Hoping to get top 3 picks for the next 2-3 years is a fool's errand subject to the whims of lottery balls in addition to putting a dreadful product on the ice.

The problem with Blake/Luc is that they are sending decidedly mixed signals. If a full tank is the plan, why hire a higher profile coach on an expensive 5 year contract? TM is going to be motivated to gets this team into the playoffs if he has any pride in his work. I doubt he became the coach to oversee a 5 year tank. So if TM can get better performances from AK, DD, JQ, JC, DB, and TT (almost a layup given how they performed last year) the team will likely improve by 15-20 points. How does that help the tank? Will Blake sign some 2nd tier UFA's or make trades this summer to fill holes? If he does, how does that help the tank? If he doesn't, is he really being fair to the team and the coach who are trying to win?

IMO, Blake is trying to play the middle road which is the worst thing the team can do. That is the path into the black hole. He either needs to work with this core and make them into a playoff team or announce a tank and try to get Doughty and Kopitar to waive their NMC and get the best value he can for them NOW while they still have value. If the plan is just to "ride it out", they might as well hire one of the Laker towel boys as the GM and one of the beer league guys as coach. If I'm AEG, I see the "ride it out" option as a tremendous waste of money for the next five years (at least!) with no guarantee of having a better outcome.

They're basically locked into the black hole. If they really wanted to get rid of guys, it had to be done in those couple years where Lombardi was still trying to squeeze out wins. Even then, a player with actual talent like Carter was already 30 during the 14-15 season. He wasn't going to be traded in the summer of 2014, so that year wouldn't count. So the earliest to trade him is in the summer of 2015, when he would've been 30 going on 31 in the 15-16 season. DL went all in during 15-16, so trading Carter in 2015 wasn't even a thought. Now you've got a 31 year old Carter in the summer of 2016, and he has 6 years left on his contract. How many players that old with that term were traded that summer? Weber was the one and only, and Montreal willingly took his contract because they got tired of Subban. There wasn't anyone that old with that term traded at the 2017 deadline either. There wasn't anyone that old with that term traded in the summer of 2017 either.

Unfortunately, the team was near the top of the league when Kopitar signed his contract in 15-16. Unfortunately, Brown only started producing again after 4 Sutter-aided poor seasons, at the age of 32/33/34, and he's going to be 35 in Nov, so you never know when he'll hit a non-Sutter related cliff. Maybe he's putting up 25 goals and 55 points when he's 37 or 38, and maybe he isn't. Nobody is going to give you anything to take that chance though.

There is no non-black hole option. Kopitar still partially owns this franchise for 1 more season, and then he gets to pick 7 teams to be traded to. There's no tank option if you can't tank the right way, and they can't add guys other than the potential Kovalchuk's of the world. The bed has been made. At least the next 5 years will likely be a waste of time, and you just have to hope they turn on another coach and lose enough to get the highest picks they possibly can every year. Hopefully more and more people stop going to games, and they give little effort in an empty rink, so at least nobody will boo them.

 

[tomd]

They're basically locked into the black hole. If they really wanted to get rid of guys, it had to be done in those couple years where Lombardi was still trying to squeeze out wins. Even then, a player with actual talent like Carter was already 30 during the 14-15 season. He wasn't going to be traded in the summer of 2014, so that year wouldn't count. So the earliest to trade him is in the summer of 2015, when he would've been 30 going on 31 in the 15-16 season. DL went all in during 15-16, so trading Carter in 2015 wasn't even a thought. Now you've got a 31 year old Carter in the summer of 2016, and he has 6 years left on his contract. How many players that old with that term were traded that summer? Weber was the one and only, and Montreal willingly took his contract because they got tired of Subban. There wasn't anyone that old with that term traded at the 2017 deadline either. There wasn't anyone that old with that term traded in the summer of 2017 either.

Unfortunately, the team was near the top of the league when Kopitar signed his contract in 15-16. Unfortunately, Brown only started producing again after 4 Sutter-aided poor seasons, at the age of 32/33/34, and he's going to be 35 in Nov, so you never know when he'll hit a non-Sutter related cliff. Maybe he's putting up 25 goals and 55 points when he's 37 or 38, and maybe he isn't. Nobody is going to give you anything to take that chance though.

There is no non-black hole option. Kopitar still partially owns this franchise for 1 more season, and then he gets to pick 7 teams to be traded to. There's no tank option if you can't tank the right way, and they can't add guys other than the potential Kovalchuk's of the world. The bed has been made. At least the next 5 years will likely be a waste of time, and you just have to hope they turn on another coach and lose enough to get the highest picks they possibly can every year. Hopefully more and more people stop going to games, and they give little effort in an empty rink, so at least nobody will boo them.

It's worse than you think if Capfriendly is to be believed...they show Kopitar with a full NMC for the remainder of his contract. Brown's contract has the 7 team list.

 

[KingsFan7824]

All these young guys are rumored to being moving or wanting out and LA is looking to be picking up old vets. Wtf is management doing!

Send Quick + 3rd to Columbus for Wennberg and Murray

Send Carter + Toffoli to Philadelphia for Patrick + MacDonald + 2nd

Send Martinez to Winnipeg for Roslovic

Send Iafallo to Edmonton for Puljujarvi + pick

Who are the old vets they're looking to get? Marleau? That might be only to get rid of Carter's contract, which makes no sense for Toronto, so I would say they're probably not looking at picking up Marleau. No matter how much he didn't grow from year 1 to year 2, you're not getting the 2nd overall pick from 2 years ago for Carter and Toffoli coming off of complete trash seasons. Or really even if they had good seasons, because you don't tend to get talented 20 year olds for old guys.

I'm surprised you feel that way...I really believe if the current roster buys into TM's structure and game plan they could be an 85 point team next year. That puts them in the 11-14 draft range based on this year's standings. That would have a MAJOR impact on the tank.

There's not much you can do if the vets actually buy in, and produce. It's tough to get rid of them, so they're here. They are professionals, there still has to be some level of pride in them, despite whatever they were doing from day 1 of training camp last year. If they do try, then you just have to live with what happens. At least it might make buying a ticket seem worth doing. The overall picture though, choices being made can't center around anyone that is still here from 2014. Anyone remaining from that season has lost all benefit of the doubt, and they would have to go a long way to get that back. The absolute minimum would be winning 1 home game in the playoffs again. That hasn't happened since jazz hands.

 

[tomd]

There's not much you can do if the vets actually buy in, and produce. It's tough to get rid of them, so they're here. They are professionals, there still has to be some level of pride in them, despite whatever they were doing from day 1 of training camp last year. If they do try, then you just have to live with what happens. At least it might make buying a ticket seem worth doing. The overall picture though, choices being made can't center around anyone that is still here from 2014. Anyone remaining from that season has lost all benefit of the doubt, and they would have to go a long way to get that back. The absolute minimum would be winning 1 home game in the playoffs again. That hasn't happened since jazz hands.

I only mentioned it because K17 is one of the leaders of the tank movement and anything that might be positive for next year is anathema to him. His sanguine response to having a real and legitimate coach was surprising in that light. Everything else being equal, that has to be worth a minimum of 10 points in the standings.

 

[KingsFan7824]

It's worse than you think if Capfriendly is to be believed...they show Kopitar with a full NMC for the remainder of his contract. Brown's contract has the 7 team list.

Anze Kopitar - CapFriendly - NHL Salary Caps

One thing that might help, is the money starts coming down below that double digit mark after next season. The cap hit still sucks, and it would still likely be quite difficult to find 1 of the 7 teams Kopitar could list that could take him on. I doubt the Kings would retain 50% for 4 years. That sort of retention is usually for 1 year rentals, like Lucic. Even going 25% to $7.5m for 4 years would be a lot for guy that's going to be 33 before he plays a game for another team.

 

[tomd]

Anze Kopitar - CapFriendly - NHL Salary Caps

One thing that might help, is the money starts coming down below that double digit mark after next season. The cap hit still sucks, and it would still likely be quite difficult to find 1 of the 7 teams Kopitar could list that could take him on. I doubt the Kings would retain 50% for 4 years. That sort of retention is usually for 1 year rentals, like Lucic. Even going 25% to $7.5m for 4 years would be a lot for guy that's going to be 33 before he plays a game for another team.

Got it...thanks!

 

[DoktorJeep]

We’re Effing stuck with being an irrelevant, also ran for at least 10 more years is my basic expectation. There isn’t a single player in the organization for the foreseeable future who is a top 10 player in the league.

I’d like to believe the rhetoric about comparisons to Boston, but I don’t buy them. It’s stupid to try and draw parallels between the Kings and other teams. The Flyers would probably be the closest at this point. They won back to back cups in the 70s, and squat for 40+ years. If that happens to the Kings, it’s safe to say I saw at least 2 cups in my lifetime.

 

[KINGS17]

I'm surprised you feel that way...I really believe if the current roster buys into TM's structure and game plan they could be an 85 point team next year. That puts them in the 11-14 draft range based on this year's standings. That would have a MAJOR impact on the tank.

Obviously, I don't think these vets are disciplined enough or care enough to play any system the right way. Unfortunately, there is nothing Blake can do to move Kopitar or Doughty. The best Blake can do is remove as much support from them as possible.

 

[Peter James Bond II]

I don't want to be "rah-rah" prospects guy, but JAD actually played NHL games last season and could be a 2nd line player if it all shakes out. He's a little better than "meh" for me.

As for it being a tank year, it is in the sense that I don't see Management actively trying to make the team better. They will most likely have a better season with a competent coach and the fact that it would be hard to replicate last season's horrible performances.

Agree we need impact players on ELC's as that has been a glaring problem for years now; however: we don't need them next season because next season doesn't matter. It will be a big deal though when salary is shed (Kovy/Phaneuf/Carter) and legit help can be traded for/signed to go along with the ELC guys.

Agreed....teams are looking at Dach, Cozens, Krebs, Newhook, Boldy, Zegras as potential top 10 picks and none of them socred 39 goals like JAD did his draft year. Don't underestimate him and his goal scoring ability. The next season, he scored 40 and then 20 in 32 games this season. Those are near elite goal scoring numbers. You really cannot say he's a 3rd line center at this point. He may well become a second line forward....same for Grundstrom. Nothing can stop him from being a top 6 forward. Give these guys another 2 years before you can say that.

Kupari may indeed surprise, but no one should be surprised if he makes the team and scores 30+ points. His skating AND skill is elite. This does not necessarily make his game elite - the skating and skill are - just needs to put it together. No reason he can't'

Consider he scored 33 points in Liiga this season BEFORE his 19th bday. He turned 19 the last day of the season. How many 18 year olds have EVER scored over 30 points in Liiga?
Not many, I'm certain.

Kärpät

Liiga

43

12

21

33

65

13

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

Here's Kakko's numbers: Kakko turned 18 in Feb. So he's 11 months younger and YES, is the better player. Wish the Kings were drafting 1 or 2 and could nab him.
However, don't short sell Kupari. He's a legit talent and may be better than the player the Kings take at #5, 2 weeks from today. Seriously.

Liiga

45

22

16

38

10

1

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

 

[The Tikkanen]

Obviously, I don't think these vets are disciplined enough or care enough to play any system the right way. Unfortunately, there is nothing Blake can do to move Kopitar or Doughty. The best Blake can do is remove as much support from them as possible.

The other question is does ownership support a tank or a full re-build. Let's not forget Blake is an employee and follows orders. He could want to sign Panarin and make a bunch of trades or he could want to tank and re-build but it's not entirely up to him. Personally I think ownership wants a re-build on the fly, you can't tank in LA because fans in LA only support winners. There is too much to do in LA and hockey is not a popular sport, you lose the fanbase and they may not return. That devalues the franchise which as an owner is what you care about.

 

[SFKingshomer]

The other question is does ownership support a tank or a full re-build. Let's not forget Blake is an employee and follows orders. He could want to sign Panarin and make a bunch of trades or he could want to tank and re-build but it's not entirely up to him. Personally I think ownership wants a re-build on the fly, you can't tank in LA because fans in LA only support winners. There is too much to do in LA and hockey is not a popular sport, you lose the fanbase and they may not return. That devalues the franchise which as an owner is what you care about.

They tanked to get Doughty and the fans returned.

 

[KINGS17]

The other question is does ownership support a tank or a full re-build. Let's not forget Blake is an employee and follows orders. He could want to sign Panarin and make a bunch of trades or he could want to tank and re-build but it's not entirely up to him. Personally I think ownership wants a re-build on the fly, you can't tank in LA because fans in LA only support winners. There is too much to do in LA and hockey is not a popular sport, you lose the fanbase and they may not return. That devalues the franchise which as an owner is what you care about.

Your guess is as good as mine, since the Kings senior leadership has been so vague about their plans. Fans in almost every city only support winners. It's not just an LA thing. I think this is especially true in areas of the country where there are a large number of transplants.

You play black hole hockey for too long and ownership will definitely lose me, as the Kings have as far as attending games. You have to sell your plan, and I think Dean Lombardi did a very good job of that. I don't know if Rob Blake even knows what the plan is for this team. If Blake thinks the team can contend in two or three seasons, and that's why he isn't asking Doughty and Kopitar to waive their NTCs, tell me how you plan to accomplish the goal. If that's not the goal, why isn't Blake being more aggressive in moving on to the next window?

 

[The Tikkanen]

Your guess is as good as mine, since the Kings senior leadership has been so vague about their plans. Fans in almost every city only support winners. It's not just an LA thing. I think this is especially true in areas of the country where there are a large number of transplants.

You play black hole hockey for too long and ownership will definitely lose me, as the Kings have as far as attending games. You have to sell your plan, and I think Dean Lombardi did a very good job of that. I don't know if Rob Blake even knows what the plan is for this team. If Blake thinks the team can contend in two or three seasons, and that's why he isn't asking Doughty and Kopitar to waive their NTCs, tell me how you plan to accomplish the goal. If that's not the goal, why isn't Blake being more aggressive in moving on to the next window?

I agree, I think if there was a long term plan we would have known about it by now and seen moves. From the outside looking it it's not hard to believe that Luc and Blake are changing the plan day to day. I think they've made promises to the core that they are going to win but they will need some robberies in trades and some luck which they haven't gotten. Whatever can go wrong has and for the long time fans we are well aware of where that kind of luck will get you. I'm looking forward to the draft to get an idea of where this team is heading.

 

[RocketKing]

They tanked to get Doughty and the fans returned.

For sure but that’s not the current reality of Tankathons. NHLs f***ed up stupid ass lottery process now precludes that outcome. If you’re the worst team in the league it’s still not likely you’ll land a Doughty.

We’re in a different NHL now and Tanking is zero assurance of improvement. That’s just the reality of it all.

 

[KINGS17]

For sure but that’s not the current reality of Tankathons. NHLs ****ed up stupid ass lottery process now precludes that outcome. If you’re the worst team in the league it’s still not likely you’ll land a Doughty.

We’re in a different NHL now and Tanking is zero assurance of improvement. That’s just the reality of it all.

The lottery doesn't preclude it, it just reduces the probability. The draft is still the best way to build a winning organization. I have read articles indicating the 2020 draft will be better than the 2019 draft. The Kings can't afford a black hole finish this coming season.

The Kings still have a top 5 pick in the upcoming draft. They need to get a top six forward, or a top four defenseman out of it, and honestly they really need to get two more useful NHL players out of their two remaining picks in the first and second round. Add in another top five pick next season and another first round pick or prospect by trading Martinez, and the organization will be starting to build some young depth. Blake should have tunnel vision in this regard.

 

[RocketKing]

The lottery doesn't preclude it, it just reduces the probability. The draft is still the best way to build a winning organization. I have read articles indicating the 2020 draft will be better than the 2019 draft. The Kings can't afford a black hole finish this coming season.

The Kings still have a top 5 pick in the upcoming draft. They need to get a top six forward, or a top four defenseman out of it, and honestly they really need to get two more useful NHL players out of their two remaining picks in the first and second round. Add in another top five pick next season and another first round pick or prospect by trading Martinez, and the organization will be starting to build some young depth. Blake should have tunnel vision in this regard.

While I support using the draft, Sucking for the Top Picks isn't what it once was.

5OA is a great prospect - 1OA is a Star Player. How many seasons are you happy with getting 4 or 5 or 6 OA?

With the Lottery format today we have to have LUCK now WITH sucking. That's taking the probability down to a very low likelihood of success.

Example of then and now - Luke Schenn was the 5OA in Doughty's draft year. You think we win those cups with that guy over DD? Its a different story now, it changed in 2013 and 2016. With this Lottery format we are probably without 2 Cups if it was in place in 2008.

I'm 100% behind getting as many 1st & 2nd round picks as we can but I am not under any false illusion that sucking with equate to getting those star players that make a good hockey team. If they can improve the team with getting a very good or great player then they should be all over that as well so long as it doesn't cost any of the high round picks.