Roster/Rumors/Speculation/Trade Talk - 2023-24: Hotel California

[Osakahaus]

I wouldn’t mind a swing for Hanifin if it’s possible.

Could also be Ghostisbehere, so dont get too excited

 

[Throttle]

Duclair available allegedly. I'd kick the tires on him if he's cheap and we had the cap...produces well for a 3mill cap when healthy, which granted...is infrequent.

He produces, but his defensive game is really weak, there’s a reason FL wants to move on from him now when seeing how you need to win.

 

[xECK29x]

If there were "a few" RFAs not qualified, this is our list of RFAs:

Wilde
Adams
Jenkins
Skarek
Wahlstrom

So maybe the first 3 guys?

They are taking Adams to arb to open the second buyout window in case they can't trade Bailey before this weekend.

 

[The Real JT]

This year is make or break with this group for sure.

Did you just copy and paste a post from last offseason?

 

[MJF]

This is as close to Lou owning the bad contracts and that he screwed the salary cap as we’re gonna get.

 

[YearlyLottery]

This is as close to Lou owning the bad contracts and that he screwed the salary cap as we’re gonna get.

I respect this. I can understand this. What I cannot understand is going into this season with little to no roster changes.

 

[Osakahaus]

This is as close to Lou owning the bad contracts and that he screwed the salary cap as we’re gonna get.

Or he expected the cap to go up, but the league has to keep a pet gerbil alive in Arizona

This means that Engvall and Scotty are as good as gone...

 

[MJF]

I respect this. I can understand this. What I cannot understand is going into this season with little to no roster changes.

I think Lou is being thwarted by some immovable contracts.

 

[The Real JT]

This is as close to Lou owning the bad contracts and that he screwed the salary cap as we’re gonna get.

Lou: Yeah I knew I was overpaying and overextending aging mediocre players but the Cup was in sight. And not for nothing, I’m not the only one who made that mistake so it’s really not so bad.

 

[MJF]

Or he expected the cap to go up, but the league has to keep a pet gerbil alive in Arizona

This means that Engvall and Scotty are as good as gone...

He did expect the cap to go up. It still hasn’t and he can’t find a way to gain flexibility.

 

[Osakahaus]

He did expect the cap to go up. It still hasn’t and he can’t find a way to gain flexibility.

Well, who are we trading? Thats the most important thing to say.

 

[SI90]

But Lou don’t count your chickens before they hatch. I don’t want to hear these excuses. He’s not wrong, but it’s a little late for this.

 

[Lights911]

This is as close to Lou owning the bad contracts and that he screwed the salary cap as we’re gonna get.

I thought only GMs like Dubas needed excuses?

 

[Richie Daggers Crime]

I'm not excusing him, because some of the contracts are bad on their face, but almost every team is going through this to some degree or another.

 

[scott99]

I think his statements point towards his incompetency and backwards thinking. I literally think he has no idea what to do to make this team better. His plan is all based on hope.

 

[LeapOnOver]

McJesus and the Oilers PP.

PLD is an excellent addition for the Kings - I don't understand the criticism - Kopitar is what 36? PLD becomes heir apparent and slots in for the time being as the 2C allowing Danault to do his thing as the shutdown 3C and giving Byfield further time and less pressure to develop into C in the NHL. Even with trading Vilardi and Kupari they still have a ton of young F prospects in their system.

My problem with it is Vilardi is going to better that PLD and cheaper for now. Think they could have waited for him to mature with their core another season and then go strong. PLD isn't going to be a leader and they could have swung higher with more patience.

 

[periferal]

But Lou don’t count your chickens before they hatch. I don’t want to hear these excuses. He’s not wrong, but it’s a little late for this.

"Three years ago," eh...?

Less than just 5 months ago Lou decided to trade (3 good assets) for one player and give that player 8.5M/year.

Meanwhile a 104 point team was able to add a 8.5M player just today.

Literally cannot believe anyone is giving Lou a pass on this.

 

[seafoam]

Trade Cizikas, waive Johnston, buyout Bailey.

And never should have re-signed Clutterbuck.

 

[SI90]

Trade Cizikas, waive Johnston, buyout Bailey.

And never should have re-signed Clutterbuck.

Agreed. I still think we can trade Bailey if a team needs to reach the cap floor. But it looks like Lou is planning a buyout

 

[Nosebleed40]

At this point, would anyone really be surprised if Bailey is on left wing, first line, come September? Can’t wait for the new season; same as the old season.

 

[periferal]

Agreed. I still think we can trade Bailey if a team needs to reach the cap floor. But it looks like Lou is planning a buyout

We have to stop thinking from just the Isles out. There are at least a handful of bad contracts other teams are trying to unload and way less teams that need to reach the cap floor. Therefore those "floor" teams are in a position of power and can negotiate the best deal.

Also we're one of the teams in the worst overall cap situation so Lou is under more pressure than most other teams in terms of freeing up money.

In other words, Lou has backed himself into a terrible corner, has no leverage, and all the other GMs know it.

But by all means...Continue to keep all signings from being announced because you think it gives you an advantage.

 

[Osakahaus]

"Three years ago," eh...?

Less than just 5 months ago Lou decided to trade (3 good assets) for one player and give that player 8.5M/year.

Meanwhile a 104 point team was able to add a 8.5M player just today.

Literally cannot believe anyone is giving Lou a pass on this.

Raty is a career AHL guy, Beau is a mediocre middle 6 guy, and that 1st could be a bust

Horvat is still a very important piece. I actually prefer what Lou traded than what Blake did, especially when you consider how good Iafallo and Vilardi are.

At this point, would anyone really be surprised if Bailey is on left wing, first line, come September? Can’t wait for the new season; same as the old season.

*Simon Holmstrom

Bailey ain't playing. They scratched him all playoffs long. I'd be more surprised if he isn't outright waived.

 

[periferal]

Raty is a career AHL guy, Beau is a mediocre middle 6 guy, and that 1st could be a bust

Horvat is still a very important piece. I actually prefer what Lou traded than what Blake did, especially when you consider how good Iafallo and Vilardi are.

None of that addresses the fact that people are giving Lou a pass because 3 years ago he expected a higher cap now...But just a few months ago he added 8.5M to the cap going forward.

Can't have it both ways.

You prefer Horvat...I prefer Horvat...But even with him we're not a Cup contender and don't have the cap or assets to make the team one.

Lou has to own this and both the fans and Malkin should hold him accountable.


I know...I know...We have to see how the summer plays out first right? Curious how many more summers we're going to have to hear that.

 

[Osakahaus]

None of that addresses the fact that people are giving Lou a pass because 3 years ago he expected a higher cap now...But just a few months ago he added 8.5M to the cap going forward.

Can't have it both ways.

You prefer Horvat...I prefer Horvat...But even with him we're not a Cup contender and don't have the cap or assets to make the team one.

Lou has to own this and both the fans and Malkin should hold him accountable.


I know...I know...We have to see how the summer plays out first right? Curious how many more summers we're going to have to hear that.

and if we let go of Horvat then why trade for him? That's the bigger issue. They'll have to deal with this cap BS for this season, then next season spend on something.

 

[KingsHockey24]

Any idea of the contract Varlamov is asking for?