The Kings have tons of prospects but they hedged their bets by giving Danault 6 years and $33M.
Kupari has had an OK pro career and Turcotte hasn't had a smooth transition to pro hockey.
Byfield might spend the year in the AHL and both of the other young centers will be on the wing.
I think Kings may plan to put Turcotte at wing. But just because they do, doesn't mean we would have to. So I still wouldn't mind him as an option.
Vilardi and Kupari I think could theoretically both work out. Vilardi might end up at wing also I guess. But I don't think Kupari will. At least I don't think he's as suited to the wing as those two if they are experimenting.
But they still have Madden, JAD, Thomas and now Pinelli.
Pinelli was a guy I really wanted in the draft, hoping Drury would trade up into the 2nd to grab him when he fell. But I doubt Kings would be looking to move him.
JAD, I am not so sure about. I've liked him, but I don't know if he really has what we are looking for if we go that young player route.
To me, it would be between Turcotte, Vilardi, Kupari and Madden. And I don't think we would have to pay as much for Kupari or Madden, which theoretically could be good, but then, their ceilings might not be as high. All though I don't want to sell Kupari short.
I still think Turcotte could play center in the NHL though, I think he would be a player worth taking a chance on. Vilardi, I have a feeling they really want to keep, but I also question whether he can hold up long term having the injury history he does.
I think the sneaky plays are Kupari or Madden. Turcotte would be the big hope. But Kupari or Madden, a little cheaper, could still turn into what we would need. There certainly is risk involved with all of them. I mean, if we could get Turcotte right now for Lundkvist I would do it. But if we could get Madden or Kupari for like Jones or Miller instead, I would probably do that too.