The Kings Off-Season Prediction Game!

[KingCanadain1976]

I think it's a little premature to say that Martinez will be gone. Lombardi has done a great job analyzing the talent he has on the team and keeping the core guys who really matter. Also, I believe Sutter is coming around on the guy...Martinez played a key role in the latter half of the season. Let's see how it plays out. I was surprised to find out that he was only +1 in the playoffs and Greene was a +5.

IMHO, we need to keep Mitchell above all else. I think he is a key part of the defensive corps on this team and had a +10 in the playoffs. When we bring on new guys like McNabb or whoever else, need a good blend of veteran leadership.

Oh there is time to turn it around but I honestly think unless he gets top 4 mins hes gone for a team that will give it to him. He scored 11 goals which in like top 20 in the league keeping him as a 5th defense man is not going to happen. So either we play him in the 4 slot with Slava or hes going to leave for more mins and more responsibility on ice.

 

[Inner Turbulence]

Until the deadline where if hes not signed you send him out for a cheap replacement and picks. I think hes not going to sign unless he becomes a 4th defense man. Hes not going to accept being a healthy scratch and being benched for things he sees others doing. Sorry don't see him staying here unless he gets top 4 mins.

I strongly disagree with that strategy.
The Kings is in a "win now" mode and should stay in that mode for next season too. That means you give yourself the best possible roster affordable for the playoffs - even if that means holding on to a player that will leave after the season for nothing. Now is not the time to make moves based on "asset management".4-5 years ago, sure, but not now.

The only reason to consider trading Martinez would be if he is not good enough to play in the top-6.

 

[KingCanadain1976]

I strongly disagree with that strategy.
The Kings is in a "win now" mode and should stay in that mode for next season too. That means you give yourself the best possible roster affordable for the playoffs - even if that means holding on to a player that will leave after the season for nothing. Now is not the time to make moves based on "asset management".4-5 years ago, sure, but not now.

The only reason to consider trading Martinez would be if he is not good enough to play in the top-6.

or theres a cheaper replacement within your system available. Forbert and or Gravel should be ready by then. I think trading alec would get you a couple of decent picks which can turn in martinez types in the future to replace other players. The kings have proven to me that they can win with rookies playing.