Rumor: Planning Ahead: 2019 Off-Season Part 2

[RossLonsberryFan]

A guy that I went to high school has a theory about GV:
Gabe Vilardi Injury Update - A New Theory - Wicked Deke

Very interesting if true. He might just need some time to get past this. Given the fact the Kings aren’t going anywhere this year, I’m ok with them being patient. If he can get healthy, he might be able to become the dominant player we need. Add in Turcotte and a few other forwards, we have the front line built. If Anderson, Durzi and Bjornfot develop, our D looks good.

And, if we get a top 3 pick after this year, I really like where the team is going.

I’m optimistic that McLellan can take his best 23 man roster of this crop and play .500 hockey till the trade deadline. What happens after that is a big ?

 

[RossLonsberryFan]

Assuming Vilardi does come back to play at some point and reaches the level we hope he can, taking a couple years off from hockey to heal up could be a positive. Most of these kids have years of physical and mental fatigue by the time they get to the pros.

I think a lot of young players in the past and present have been misdiagnosed for lower back pain and have hurt their careers by trying to take some NSAIDS and play through the pain. I think the Canadian Juniors (CHL) is notorious for not monitoring their players for overuse of shooting practice. But again, everybody has their own level of tolerance. I do believe Vilardi’s injury is because of overuse of his hips and spine.

 

[KingsFan7824]

Not disagreeing, but its a long season. If he's clearly not cut out for the NHL send him down early and get some minutes. Usually I'm not in favor of sending guys up and down during the season, but I think he's a guy that I would want to start to integrate sooner and establish the culture and set the standard. And to be honest I think some of the vets could learn a thing or two from him.

Injuries or trades and all that, sure, I just mean right out of camp. If JAD makes the team, great, but hopefully it would be in a larger role than 4C. I don't think there's room for that yet though. If he was the one C that could click with Kovalchuk for whatever reason, then he'd get some good TOI, but short of that, the vast majority of the season in the AHL won't hurt him one bit.

I very much doubt any of the vets will be learning anything from a guy that turns 20 a couple days before camp starts. There's at least a few years before any sort of new standards of culture are set. Let that start in Ontario. It's the same vets that stopped listening to a head coach that they won the Cup with twice. These guys were winning the Cup when JAD was in 8th or 9th grade. This may be JAD's team one day, but not yet. Doughty might have to be gone for that to happen. We know how he's had to be reined in by older, more accomplished players, and even that was difficult. Not a chance he's listening to someone a decade younger.

Should be fun.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

One of the players I look forward to seeing next season.

There's no reason why Grundstrom shouldn't be a regular in the lineup, and I'd like to see what he can do with top six minutes and some PP time.

 

[YP44]

One of the players I look forward to seeing next season.

There's no reason why Grundstrom shouldn't be a regular in the lineup, and I'd like to see what he can do with top six minutes and some PP time.

1 reason is the lack of need for waivers and the plethora of forwards that LA has competing for spots. I could see him starting in the AHL but playing most the season in the NHL

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

1 reason is the lack of need for waivers and the plethora of forwards that LA has competing for spots. I could see him starting in the AHL but playing most the season in the NHL

I don't see 13 better options that will push Grundstrom out.

We know the established group is set in stone, and that's composed of 10 names (Kopitar, Brown, Kovalchuk, Carter, Toffoli, A. Kempe, Iafallo, Clifford, Lewis, Wagner). Then you have two more spots and a healthy scratch spot or two to fill.

Who's going to push out Grundstrom? And who do you think the Kings need to protect from waivers?

 

[YP44]

I don't see 13 better options that will push Grundstrom out.

We know the established group is set in stone, and that's composed of 10 names (Kopitar, Brown, Kovalchuk, Carter, Toffoli, A. Kempe, Iafallo, Clifford, Lewis, Wagner). Then you have two more spots and a healthy scratch spot or two to fill.

Who's going to push out Grundstrom? And who do you think the Kings need to protect from waivers?

I think Prok starts on the team as does Amadio (requires waivers). It then comes down to Mario Kempe or Grundstrom for healthy scratch and I would rather have Kempe not playing.

edit: not saying these are better options but safer and potentially better for development

 

[The Tikkanen]

I've kept myself busy this slow summer by googling different versions of Tyler Toffoli working out. I've yet to find anything, it's like searching for the Ark.

 

[King'sPawn]

One of the players I look forward to seeing next season.

There's no reason why Grundstrom shouldn't be a regular in the lineup, and I'd like to see what he can do with top six minutes and some PP time.

Would love for him on the top 6.

 

[KingsFan7824]

I don't see 13 better options that will push Grundstrom out.

We know the established group is set in stone, and that's composed of 10 names (Kopitar, Brown, Kovalchuk, Carter, Toffoli, A. Kempe, Iafallo, Clifford, Lewis, Wagner). Then you have two more spots and a healthy scratch spot or two to fill.

Who's going to push out Grundstrom? And who do you think the Kings need to protect from waivers?

That's 7 wingers. Maybe 8 if Carter moves over and Prokhorkin plays C. Even if Carter doesn't move, that probably pushes Prok to wing, which is still 8 wingers. Grundstrom's spot could come at the expense of Wagner, which nobody wants to see, but he doesn't have to clear waivers, and there are also 6/7 wingers other than him. He was up and down at the start of last year, then with Kovalchuk being out, and Lewis being out, and Pearson traded, and then Hagelin was out, Wagner got his chance in there somewhere.

There's never 100% health, but if we assume Wagner and Prokhorkin have spots to lose, I don't know where Grundstrom would go. Brown, Kovalchuk, Toffoli, Iafallo, Prokhorkin/Carter, Clifford, Lewis, Wagner. That's 4 lines worth of wingers. M.Kempe and/or Frk as place holders/healthy scratches. When some of those guys finally get dealt during the year, that'll change the equation. Grundstrom turns 22 in Dec. That's not quite the same as Petersen having to waste some time in the AHL at the age of 25 because they can't get rid of Quick. Grundstrom is less than 2 weeks older than Lizotte, and is younger than both Wagner and Luff, to put that in perspective. He's still a kid.

If nothing else, you can make the case for a number of young guys to get the chance, which is good.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Going off of last season's lines we saw...

Iafallo-Kopitar-Brown
Kovalchuk-Carter-Toffoli
Grundstrom-Kempe-Wagner
Clifford-Amadio-Lewis

If Prokhorkin makes the team, whether it be as a center or winger, the Kings could opt to scratch Amadio, or if Amadio fails to win a spot, they could opt to move him or waive him. He hasn't really proven himself to hold a spot on this team quite yet. We've just seen glimpses of what potential may be there, similar to Paul LaDue.

I don't think Mario Kempe and Martin Frk are guaranteed any spots. Both signed two-way deals, and Mario will be turning 31 and Frk will be turning 26 by opening night. They might be better served as healthy scratches over Grundstrom, but I don't see them as better options. If McLellan is putting together the best possible lineup with this crappy team, then I would imagine Grundstrom is part of that mix.

 

[YP44]

Going off of last season's lines we saw...

Iafallo-Kopitar-Brown
Kovalchuk-Carter-Toffoli
Grundstrom-Kempe-Wagner
Clifford-Amadio-Lewis

If Prokhorkin makes the team, whether it be as a center or winger, the Kings could opt to scratch Amadio, or if Amadio fails to win a spot, they could opt to move him or waive him. He hasn't really proven himself to hold a spot on this team quite yet. We've just seen glimpses of what potential may be there, similar to Paul LaDue.

I don't think Mario Kempe and Martin Frk are guaranteed any spots. Both signed two-way deals, and Mario will be turning 31 and Frk will be turning 26 by opening night. They might be better served as healthy scratches over Grundstrom, but I don't see them as better options. If McLellan is putting together the best possible lineup with this crappy team, then I would imagine Grundstrom is part of that mix.

I would rather put Wagner or Grundstrom in Ontario than Waive Amadio. Would also rather have one of those two down then sit in the press box. Once player get injured/traded there will be room for them to come up. Just save the asset for later. The kings are not in win now so protecting and developing asset is my priority. It would suck because I love watching Wagner play if he were sent down, but I would get it.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Going off of last season's lines we saw...

Iafallo-Kopitar-Brown
Kovalchuk-Carter-Toffoli
Grundstrom-Kempe-Wagner
Clifford-Amadio-Lewis

If Prokhorkin makes the team, whether it be as a center or winger, the Kings could opt to scratch Amadio, or if Amadio fails to win a spot, they could opt to move him or waive him. He hasn't really proven himself to hold a spot on this team quite yet. We've just seen glimpses of what potential may be there, similar to Paul LaDue.

I don't think Mario Kempe and Martin Frk are guaranteed any spots. Both signed two-way deals, and Mario will be turning 31 and Frk will be turning 26 by opening night. They might be better served as healthy scratches over Grundstrom, but I don't see them as better options. If McLellan is putting together the best possible lineup with this crappy team, then I would imagine Grundstrom is part of that mix.

Amadio's been totally misused. If he somehow doesn't win a spot, fine, but if he goes before, say Prokhorkin or Lewis or something, what a waste:

He's destroyed the AHL to the same trajectory of his junior career, getting stronger and stronger as time goes on.

Out of Kings with 35+ games played last year, he had the 2nd lowest TOI/GP to Austin Wagner, at 10:12 a game. He got next to no PP time, 0:39 a game.

Yet, he had the third highest G/60 (.89) and fourth highest P/60 on the team. He was literally tops in rush attempts per 60, far and away tops in takeaways/60 (2.66--2nd was Kopitar at 2.14), 3rd in hits taken per 60 behind clifford and ladue, signalling his willingness to get plugged, 5th in CF% (50.52), 7th in GF% (50)....

Yes, he's earned the opportunity to get harder minutes and matchups. He's crushing his. There's not much more he can do being held down on bottom lines. More AHL time is pointless and 10 minutes a game in the NHL isn't fair. Maybe he won't cut it, but he's earned the opportunity to try with more skilled linemates.

I know there's only so many spots to go round and we have a bit of a logjam of guys with tenure and guys trying to break in. Camp will sure be interesting. Especially because I believe TM will get the most out of some guys. But I hope if anything, Amadio is one past mistake that gets corrected.

 

[KingCanadain1976]

Going off of last season's lines we saw...

Iafallo-Kopitar-Brown
Kovalchuk-Carter-Toffoli
Grundstrom-Kempe-Wagner
Clifford-Amadio-Lewis

If Prokhorkin makes the team, whether it be as a center or winger, the Kings could opt to scratch Amadio, or if Amadio fails to win a spot, they could opt to move him or waive him. He hasn't really proven himself to hold a spot on this team quite yet. We've just seen glimpses of what potential may be there, similar to Paul LaDue.

I don't think Mario Kempe and Martin Frk are guaranteed any spots. Both signed two-way deals, and Mario will be turning 31 and Frk will be turning 26 by opening night. They might be better served as healthy scratches over Grundstrom, but I don't see them as better options. If McLellan is putting together the best possible lineup with this crappy team, then I would imagine Grundstrom is part of that mix.

I think its going to come down to Prohorkins or Grundstorm. I also think if its close Prohorkins will get the nod due to all it took to get him here. I do however see Grundstorm being first call up due to injury or trade.

 

[Little Psycho]

I haven't gone to a game in years, so I was planning on getting tickets for the home opener but then I saw the opponent and nope, backed out quickly.

 

[YP44]

I haven't gone to a game in years, so I was planning on getting tickets for the home opener but then I saw the opponent and nope, backed out quickly.

what's wrong with seeing the preds?

edit: first time looking at the schedule, a 9 game homestand in March. Crazy

 

[Little Psycho]

what's wrong with seeing the preds?

edit: first time looking at the schedule, a 9 game homestand in March. Crazy

Nothing against the Preds really, it's just that the kings tend to shit the bed against them.

 

[YP44]

Nothing against the Preds really, it's just that the kings tend to **** the bed against them.

if you are holding out for a win then when do the senators come to town?

 

[Little Psycho]

if you are holding out for a win then when do the senators come to town?

Not really looking for a win but I don't want to see them destroyed either. Haha I'll check out the sens game.

 

[bland]

You pay Kovalchuk to stay home before you harm a prospects development. Grundstrom is ready, and if has a good camp, you don't delay his path just to wring some use out of a bad decision.

And count me among those that has seen an awful lot of promise out of Amadio. He sees things that a lot of guys can't, but hasn't been greedy enough to reach out and make that spot his and his alone. Careers are so short, its maddening to see guys like Amadio - and Kempe for that matter - not try to use their skills to be the best player they can be.

 

[johnjm22]

Lewis should be scratched before Amadio. There's no upside to having Lewis in the lineup over a developing player.

Iafallo is a borderline NHL player. They should consider scratching him if need be.

Grundstrom deserves a chance at the top 6 just as much, if not more than Iafallo.

 

[BigKing]

if you are holding out for a win then when do the senators come to town?

Pretty sure Ottawa clocked them last season.

 

[RossLonsberryFan]

My projected lines:

Brown - Kopitar - Toffoli
Grundstrom - A. Kempe - M. Kempe
Iafallo - Prokhorkin - Kovalchuk
Clifford - Carter/Amadio - Lewis

Carry 13 forwards / 8 defensemen
Yes Austin Wagner goes to Ontario where he can skate 18-21 shifts per game and play a leadership role and refine his game. I expect multiple trades before the trade deadline, so things will open up.

 

[Bandit]

My projected lines:

Brown - Kopitar - Toffoli
Grundstrom - A. Kempe - M. Kempe
Iafallo - Prokhorkin - Kovalchuk
Clifford - Carter/Amadio - Lewis

Carry 13 forwards / 8 defensemen
Yes Austin Wagner goes to Ontario where he can skate 18-21 shifts per game and play a leadership role and refine his game. I expect multiple trades before the trade deadline, so things will open up.

Trades? I'd settle for executions.

 

[KingCanadain1976]

My projected lines:

Brown - Kopitar - Toffoli
Grundstrom - A. Kempe - M. Kempe
Iafallo - Prokhorkin - Kovalchuk
Clifford - Carter/Amadio - Lewis

Carry 13 forwards / 8 defensemen
Yes Austin Wagner goes to Ontario where he can skate 18-21 shifts per game and play a leadership role and refine his game. I expect multiple trades before the trade deadline, so things will open up.

I don't see M Kempe playing 2 rw Move carter up to 1 rw and move tt down to 2nd wing M Kempe 13th forward That might work to start the year