Rumor: Planning Ahead: 2019 Off-Season

[Papa Mocha 15]

Any idea what that is? That's right it's Halley's Comet.

Points for creativity there.

 

[TruKingFan]

Points for creativity there.

Points for bullshitting is more like it.

 

[Papa Mocha 15]

Points for bull****ting is more like it.

You could call it that solely based on the fact that the path of Haley's comet in the second pic was shaped like a giant log.

 

[Crownroyal21]

Seems like he's told Russian beat writers that he's signing. As I understand it, most European league contracts expire on May 1st, so we might not get anything official until after that. Gusev/Gavrikov were able to get permission to leave early, but they had financial reasons to do so. Since they were able to join their NHL teams for the playoffs, they were able to burn the first year of their ELC even without playing. Prokhorkin obviously didn't have that luxury.

Since it's Prokhorkin's first NHL deal, he's still subject to entry level rules. CBA says that a European player signing between age 24-26 has to receive a 1 year ELC. So we'll see what kind of bonuses he might be able to command.

I feel getting Prokhorkin over is definitely going to help us. He plays center. Move carter to wing!!

 

[KINGS17]

There are handfulls of teams that have multiple players making more than 9 million annually. Several teams with 3.

Kopitar's contract doesn't restrict the Kings from giving him talent. The Kings front office has. Kopitar earned his money. It's the foolish, lack of direction that doomed the Kings. Trading picks, prospects nothing killed them. Not using cap relief properly as other teams have.

Some of this I can agree with in terms of the sacrifices in prospects and picks that were made to make 2012-2014 happen. Those deals and the attempt to extend the run with more deals were instrumental in the Kings being unable to have better than average talent on ELCs to offset some of the long term contracts.

I am sure I need not go into why Dean should have used a compliance buyout on Mike Richards, or why Jeff Carter should have been traded after the Kings signed Kopitar to his retirement contract.

In regards to Kopitar earning his money, you pay for the value of future performance, not past performance. Since this is a team sport and the Kings have only won a single playoff game in five years, Kopitar has not earned the money on this contract and likely never will. Could he have "earned" a similar amount for another team? Possibly, but it would have had to have been the perfect situation (team with a bevy of young talented forwards on ELCs).

 

[KINGS17]

Points for creativity there.

I think it perfectly describes Kopitar's 92-point season.

 

[Brodeur]

Just a thought:

LAK: C/LW Vladimir Namestnikov (1 year x 4 mil), RD Neal Pionk (RFA)
NYR: RW Tyler Toffoli (1 year x 4.6 mil), 3rd round pick 2020

Namestnikov and Toffoli (both '92 born) could maybe use a change of scenery. Rangers could use a RH winger to balance out their lines. With New York adding Adam Fox today, Pionk could be the odd man out. If I recall correctly, the Kings were a finalist to sign Pionk a couple years ago (he was teammates with Iafallo). Pionk could be a 3rd pairing, 2nd PP type guy. He'd keep the seat warm while Durzi gets some AHL seasoning.

(UFA/Iafallo)-Kopitar-Brown
Prokhorkin-Namestnikov-Kovalchuk
Grundstrom-Kempe-Carter
Clifford-(UFA/Amadio)-Lewis

Forbort-Doughty
Martinez-(UFA)
Phaneuf*-Pionk
LaDue

Quick-Campbell

Can't help myself with the gimmicky all Russian line. Namestnikov has played all three forward spots and Prokhorkin could also be slotted at center.

 

[johnjm22]

If they plan on having Prokhorkin play center, I would actually prefer Kempe get moved to wing instead of Carter.

Carter has always been a better center than winger, and I'd like to see Kempe develop his offensive game more which is easier on wing IMO.

It'd be getting awfully crowded on the left side though: Iafallo, Kovalchuk, Kempe, Clifford, Grundstrom

 

[kovacro]

Just a thought:

LAK: C/LW Vladimir Namestnikov (1 year x 4 mil), RD Neal Pionk (RFA)
NYR: RW Tyler Toffoli (1 year x 4.6 mil), 3rd round pick 2020

It’s not too bad of a suggestion. I just wonder if the Rags would move Pionk. He seemed to come along fairly nicely as the season progressed. I would suspect they would try to move one of their other higher paid defenseman before they move NP.

I’d prefer Buchnevich but, that’s a no go on the Rags end.

Btw, the lineup you have does not include Wagner. I think he’s on the roster this year and I hope he is given every opportunity to excel. I liked what I saw from the kid and I hope the new staff can continue to maximize his game and let him continue to grow.

 

[KingsFan7824]

Just a thought:

LAK: C/LW Vladimir Namestnikov (1 year x 4 mil), RD Neal Pionk (RFA)
NYR: RW Tyler Toffoli (1 year x 4.6 mil), 3rd round pick 2020

Namestnikov and Toffoli (both '92 born) could maybe a change of scenery. Rangers could use a RH winger to balance out their lines. With New York adding Adam Fox today, Pionk could be the odd man out. If I recall correctly, the Kings were a finalist to sign Pionk a couple years ago (he was teammates with Iafallo). Pionk could be a 3rd pairing, 2nd PP type guy. He'd keep the seat warm while Durzi gets some AHL seasoning.

(UFA/Iafallo)-Kopitar-Brown
Prokhorkin-Namestnikov-Kovalchuk
Grundstrom-Kempe-Carter
Clifford-(UFA/Amadio)-Lewis

Forbort-Doughty
Martinez-(UFA)
Phaneuf*-Pionk
LaDue

Quick-Campbell

Can't help myself with the gimmicky all Russian line. Namestnikov has played all three forward spots and Prokhorkin could also be slotted at center.

Roy, Walker, and LaDue are perfectly acceptable seat warmers. No need to spend and asset for that. Durzi is far from a sure bet, but if you're thinking he's going to eventually be the 2nd RHD behind Doughty, and Pionk would already be there as the #3 RHD, I can see the chess move there. If it's just a warm body situation though, there's 3 of those here already, and no reason not to give them their shot.

 

[johnjm22]

I'd rather try and get a pick or two for Toffoli at the draft.

 

[LAKings88]

I still don’t think much movement will happen at the draft.

More likely at the deadline.

 

[verbalkint47]

LAK: C/LW Vladimir Namestnikov (1 year x 4 mil), RD Neal Pionk (RFA)
NYR: RW Tyler Toffoli (1 year x 4.6 mil), 3rd round pick 2020

I hope Blake pursues 1 or 2 change of scenery/shake up trades like this. Way to much complacency in this team.
IMO we need depth and competition for places. No one should be penciled in and guaranteed a spot.

 

[Herby]

I hope Blake pursues 1 or 2 change of scenery/shake up trades like this. Way to much complacency in this team.
IMO we need depth and competition for places. No one should be penciled in and guaranteed a spot.

Only problem with that is who are you bringing back, if TT is traded for someone else's disappointment I don't want that player to have 2-3 years left when TT has just this year.

I think I'd just see what the best draft pick based offer they can get for TT is and strongly consider dumping him at the draft. I think it would be best for everyone, TT needs to have a good year to cash in as an UFA and it's probably more likely he does that elsewhere than in LA.

 

[Peter James Bond II]

Only problem with that is who are you bringing back, if TT is traded for someone else's disappointment I don't want that player to have 2-3 years left when TT has just this year.

I think I'd just see what the best draft pick based offer they can get for TT is and strongly consider dumping him at the draft. I think it would be best for everyone, TT needs to have a good year to cash in as an UFA and it's probably more likely he does that elsewhere than in LA.

I hope they do what they said they were doing back in January and moving most every 30+ year old they could and get to the 24-25 age range. The only 30+ yr olds moved, were Thompson, Hagelin, and Muzzin... who was actually 29, but turned 30 a month later.

Other 30+ year olds would be: Martinez, Lewis, Quick, Phaneuf, Carter, Kopitar, Brown and Kovalchuk.
That's 8. If a team is 22 players, that's still over 35% and not what they said they were doing.
I hope Lewis, Carter and Phaneuf are just completely gone by the draft. Hope Toffoli is gone as well.
A 5.9 shooting percentage must be league worst for top 6 players and he's subpar at everything else.
The last month, he looked a little better in effort and even had a fight vs Fantenberg...but at the very end, he was put on the rw with Kempe and Grundstrom and brought their production down. Kempe and Grundstrom started off great and a few games were the best line in several games...when they added Ttoffoli, they went a little south, as Toffoli was doing his own thing and not playing as a unit with them...he was not making any plays with them and just shooting - and not successful, of course.

Even a supposed bounce back year, he's still a reach to get over 20 goals and he's easy to play against
and doesn't do much of anything good. 5 PP points all year. Probably league worst as well, 5 pp pts
for as much pp time he played. Just please trade him for anything.

 

[johnjm22]

I'd like to see Toffoli moved. If they have Prokhorkin playing center, I'd like to see Kempe put on wing.

I want to see the lines mixed up with a combination of youth/speed and a veteran on every line.

Roll the lines more evenly. Don't run Kopitar/Doughty into the ground. Take Brown & Kopitar off the #1 PK.

Throughout the season give Wagner/Kempe/Luff/Amadio/Grundstrom time in scoring roles until one of them sticks.


Kempe-Kopitar-Brown
Kovalchuk-Prokhorkin-Wagner
Grundstrom-Carter-Iafallo
Clifford-Amadio-Luff (Vilardi here if healthy?)
Lewis

Forbort-Doughty
Martinez-XXX (Voynov in 2nd half of season?)
XXX-XXX
Phaneuf

(Ladue, Walker, Roy, MacD compete for D spots)

Campbell
Quick

 

[KingsFan7824]

I hope they do what they said they were doing back in January and moving most every 30+ year old they could and get to the 24-25 age range. The only 30+ yr olds moved, were Thompson, Hagelin, and Muzzin... who was actually 29, but turned 30 a month later.

Other 30+ year olds would be: Martinez, Lewis, Quick, Phaneuf, Carter, Kopitar, Brown and Kovalchuk. That's 8. If a team is 22 players, that's still over 35% and not what they said they were doing. I hope Lewis, Carter and Phaneuf are just completely gone by the draft. Hope Toffoli is gone as well.

You say only like it's easy to trade 30+ year old players that not only have multiple years left on their contracts, but have also recently been unproductive. The guys they moved, other than Muzzin, all soon to be UFA's at the time. Muzzin was one of the easier assets to move, because he does have some talent, isn't old-old, and was signed for 1 more year.

My guess is don't expect much until the 2020 deadline. That's when a guy like Lewis goes. Who needs to get him at the draft? He's Trevor Lewis. Every team has 4 of those guys.

 

[AzKing]

I still don’t think much movement will happen at the draft.

More likely at the deadline.

Maybe not with Toffoli but I expect to see some players moved before the start of the season if not the Draft. It seems like Blake and Luc want to clear out some guys and change the culture.

I think the two players that you have to try and max out the return are Toffoli and AMart. I feel that both will be moved. The Kings have to get either a higher pick or a prospect that may be a couple years away. If you deal with a good team that needs a missing piece like AMart, the Kings could perhaps get a guy with Top 2 Defenseman upside but won't impact for a bit. It's a win/win for both teams because AMart is a plug-and-play whereas a top prospect can't help yet.

If they can get a 1st from a team who overpays for Toffoli then move him. If it is a high 2nd then maybe look at it as well. I don't think that deal will be there right now but it could be at the deadline when teams are more ready to move picks to grab a piece that helps a playoff run. It's a risk if Toffoli has another bad year but I think it's worth the gamble because if he can get his groove back, his value will be extremely high at the deadline.

 

[verbalkint47]

Only problem with that is who are you bringing back, if TT is traded for someone else's disappointment I don't want that player to have 2-3 years left when TT has just this year.

I think I'd just see what the best draft pick based offer they can get for TT is and strongly consider dumping him at the draft. I think it would be best for everyone, TT needs to have a good year to cash in as an UFA and it's probably more likely he does that elsewhere than in LA.

That's true, there's always a risk with any roster move or non move.
With the Kings situation right now I think it makes sense to take a gamble. I'm not suggesting Lucic or something. But we suck right now anyways.
Honestly I've just grown really apathetic towards our current supporting cast and am ready to move on. Bringing in a few new faces would at least bring some excitement and feeling of new hope. I wouldn't move a 1st or 2nd or top prospect tho. But trotting out last years top 9 this season plus Porkins would be really disappointing imo.

 

[verbalkint47]

I hope they do what they said they were doing back in January and moving most every 30+ year old they could and get to the 24-25 age range. The only 30+ yr olds moved, were Thompson, Hagelin, and Muzzin... who was actually 29, but turned 30 a month later.

Other 30+ year olds would be: Martinez, Lewis, Quick, Phaneuf, Carter, Kopitar, Brown and Kovalchuk.

I hope Lewis, Carter and Phaneuf are just completely gone by the draft. Hope Toffoli is gone as well.

I could be wrong but I don't see:

A demand for Carter or Phaneuf. Likely just have to ride out their contracts.

Kopitar, Brown or Quick being moved

A-Mart and Kovy are signed an extra year. Probably moved the following season.

Lewis, Forbort, Toffoli and Campbell could all be attractive to contending teams. Lewis and Forbort are likely depth moves at the TDL.
I'd offer Toffoli and Campbell as a package at the draft and see what the returns are. Toffoli is still fairly young and in a contract year and Campbell could compete for a 1B job. I think teams would be interested.

 

[Papa Mocha 15]

I'd rather try and get a pick or two for Toffoli at the draft.

I agree. Toffoli needs a new home. Preferably East Coast in case he ever lights it up again and he will; but his energy on the team is not what it used to be and a change of scenery is needed. Who's the dumbest GM in the East that would overpay?

 

[Mats26]

I agree. Toffoli needs a new home. Preferably East Coast in case he ever lights it up again and he will; but his energy on the team is not what it used to be and a change of scenery is needed. Who's the dumbest GM in the East that would overpay?

Dorion.

 

[Cook24]

So, with Prokhorkin signed(or signing). The Kings have wayyyy too many forwards. Most of them are fringe 2nd liners, likely 3rd liners...

Kovalchuk-Kopitar-Brown
Iafallo-Carter-Toffoli
Grundstrom-Kempe-Wagner
Clifford-Amadio-Lewis
Prokhorkin,Vilardi,Kupari,JAD, Luff, our #5 2019 pick...

Looking at this, I’d say 2, maybe even 3 forwards need to be moved. Maybe 2 could be packaged for a top 4 defenseman...?

One of Carter or Lewis moved. Then Iafallo and Kempe moved for a top 4 defenseman.

 

[jfont]

I would not move Kempe

Lewis, Carter, Toffoli and maybe Luff or Iafallo (yes, I said it).

 

[Ollie Weeks]

Where did Luc Robitaille Land in the Top NHL Executives Rankings?

This makes me more than a little uncomfortable.