What should LA be looking to do at the deadline?

[LAKings88]

It may be a bit earlier but the deadline is approaching.

Just looking at the team I'm starting to wonder if they need to make a trade at all?

It could be that always looking to upgrade mentality but I do worry about fit and cohesion a bit this year.

A lot can still happen with losing slides or injuries (hopefully not) but I hope to see:


Fiala Kopitar Kempe
RV Danault Moore
Iaffalo Byfield Vilardi
JAD Lizotte Kaliyev

Could move out or interchange any of this guys as needed:
Lemieux
Grundstrom
Kupari

You could argue keeping Byfield with Kopi:

Byfield Kopi Kempe
Iaffalo Danault RV
Fiala Lizotte Vilardi
Moore Kupari Kaliyev

JAD
Grundstrom
Lemieux

This can be played with but fits don't seem as good to me. In this case maybe an upgrade to 3C and drop Lizotte.


Defense:
I still see an upgrade as being preffered but if they continue to play as is I'm not sure it is absolutely needed now.

Obviously clearing out some jam would be nice.

I can't see Roy being moved giving his skill set.

Durzi is a risk to move because of his offense and glue factor. I'd like to see him on the other side but he is actually adapting.

Walker has improved with the group as a whole. Still think he is redundant and a little smaller than needed. That said, Spence isn't much bigger.

I still prefer:

MA DD
Bjornfort Roy
Edler Durzi
Spence

All in All:
Do you think LA should stand pat? Add a a rugged cheaper dman? Go for an upgrade on 3C?

Maybe clearing some clog while upgrading is the way to go. Wish that they could bring in Turcotte at some point but maybe this isn't the year.

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[bmr]

What I would say now is different than what I would say 3-4 weeks ago. I say stand pat.

In the offseason, I would definitely try to pursue a LHD and shed some salary. Maybe even look at trading a couple of our assets that might not make the team in exchange for future draft picks.

 

[Kurrilino]

Don't do much but adding a young top end Goalie prospect should be our highest priority.

Also trading away someone would be necessary to continue growing.

Forwards: Iafallo/Arvidson

Defense: Spence/Duzi

Those guys doing roughly the same and we keep the better one, whoever that is.
The return should be picks or goalie prospects

I would eye something like that for the near future

Fiala - Byfield - Kaliev
Kempe - Kupari - Vilardi
Moore - Danauld - RV
JAD - Kopitar - Grundstrom

Anderson - DD
Bjornfoot - Roy
Moverare - Spence

Portillo
Copley

 

[kinghock]

What I would say now is different than what I would say 3-4 weeks ago. I say stand pat.

In the offseason, I would definitely try to pursue a LHD and shed some salary. Maybe even look at trading a couple of our assets that might not make the team in exchange for future draft picks.

I think Kings still need good young goalie the most.

Kopley is ok, but he should not be starter on contending team.

After this they need physicality on D.

 

[King'sPawn]

I said other. Specifically, futures.

The Kings aren't rebuilding, but there are some concerns they still have. They need a goaltending prospect or two. With Kirsanov committingvto Russia for several more years, they are low on LD prospects.

And with the graduation/waiver eligibility of many prospects in the upcoming seasons, they need to keep the machine going.

 

[Reaper45]

Big rugged d man AND an insurance FA to be forward who can slot in in case of injuries. We’re pretty deep forward wise but wouldnt mind a Trevor Lewis utility guy for the playoffs who can ride the pine or play if need be.

 

[Telos]

Anything in the forward category can be addressed internally IMO; outside of maybe a real enforcer if they want to swap Lemieux with someone.

#1 on my wishlist is to see Walker or similar moved. We just need space on defense for either an upgrade or a promotion of a prospect and the current squad isn't cutting it.

Adding a top 4 LD is the main need of the team, but also we have a ton of prospects that are NHL-ready and likely are more capable than our bottom pairing. It would be nice to see if we could deal some of our RD talent and/or roster for LD, but if Blake just can't find a deal or wants to horde his prospects, then at least ease up the log jam a little.

 

[johnjm22]

There's no dominant team in the West this season. It's wide open.

If QB's game starts clicking, and you get continued contributions/improvement from Kupari, JAD, Vilardi and Kaliyev, this team might be a contender.

It might be time for Blake to make that big move. But I think he's weary of breaking up team chemistry.

Chychrun fits the team need more than any other available player IMO, but it's risky, and the cost could be steep.

With the Kings plethora of forwards, I don't think they'll look to add a 3C. They'd rather let QB/Kupari/JAD/Lizotte develop into the role.

 

[bland]

This roster isn't built for a run, too many wingers and defensemen that will be troubled by the physicality of series play. Most important thing is getting experience - actual on-ice playoff experience - for the kids to continue their maturation process.

Adding vets in place of those kids would be counterproductive even if it did help their chances a bit this year. Right now the Kings appear to be a good bet to win their division, which might actually hurt their chances since the 7-8 slots will be better and more physical teams than those that finish 2 and 3 in the Pacific. Finishing 2nd in the division would be the Kings best chance at advancing into the 2nd round.

Long-term and short-term needs are still the same - players who can absorb physicality and thrive. If you were to lose your mind and "go for it", then Gavrikov and an experienced 4th line pker with size along the wall would be the immediate needs. Would much rather see Bjornfot and JAD in those roles though.

 

[Sol]

Trade for an LD. Durzi being terrible at LD is a guaranteed factor to lose a series in the playoffs.

 

[Fat Elvis]

I can see them looking for a Robyn Regehr "type" LHD, not sure that player exists or is even available.

 

[johnjm22]

Kings could use a bit of toughness as well, but I don't know where it fits in the lineup.

I still think Mason Marchment would have been perfect for us.

 

[Lt Dan]

 

[Telos]

I can see them looking for a Robyn Regehr "type" LHD, not sure that player exists or is even available.

Agreed. I would be looking for a Regehr, Scuderi, or Mitchell type of player over any smallish offensive option. We already have that in spades and offense is not this team's problem right now.

For the first time in a long time they are willing their own offensive destiny, but even with their offensive output this season, we are sitting at an even goal differential. We are #4 in goals for and #6 in goals against. We need some defensemen that are tough to play against that are going to keep the puck out of the net.

 

[Axl Rhoadz]

I thought we were supposed to be looking for a new coach? Trotz still available?

 

[King'sPawn]

View attachment 634180

You want a big 'D'?

 

[Master Yoda]

I thought we were supposed to be looking for a new coach? Trotz still available?

that's the offseason plan

 

[Sol]

I know we got a lot of Chychrun detractors here, but he’s exactly what the Kings need.

 

[kingsboy11]

I think we leave the forwards untouched. They're playing well as it is right now even without Moore and Kaliyev. Once they back we'll have even more depth at forward. I think for the first time in a while there's balance among the forward groups right now, unlike the defense.

Defense is the only one worth upgrading for me. If you can get rid of walker and grab a big top 4 LD and move Durzi to Walker's spot then I think we've set ourselves up nicely for the playoffs. You can make other secondary moves for futures if you think you can get value out of some mid tier prospects then fine, but I think a move for a LD is the priority.

Or you can just stand pat and just promote from within with Spence and Bjornfot. Both have shown they are more than capable and I think both are better than an Edler/Walker pairing, but that would leave Durzi anchored to Roy still. If you don't want to risk giving up the farm for a Gavrikov, Chychrun or Provorov, then I think this is a viable option as well.

 

[Sol]

I can see them looking for a Robyn Regehr "type" LHD, not sure that player exists or is even available.

Chychrun fights too. Dude can do it all. Only downside is injury issues but he’s been healthy this season and personally that’s a risk I’d take on for someone who can do it all. Him on the team will push the Kings a lot closer to contention. No solid Ld in the pipeline. We have nothing. I’d pay him whatever they want personally. You can hate the price but you certainly can’t deny the fitment for this team

 

[YAYSAY]

I think they should really be giving Bjornfot and Spence some games before the deadline so that can see if they'll step up, if so I don't really see a need. Getting Moore and Kaliyev back will essentially be like our deadline forward acquisitions. They should be doing everything they can to keep their 1st for this draft

 

[johnjm22]

Chychrun fights too. Dude can do it all. Only downside is injury issues but he’s been healthy this season and personally that’s a risk I’d take on for someone who can do it all. Him on the team will push the Kings a lot closer to contention. No solid Ld in the pipeline. We have nothing. I’d pay him whatever they want personally. You can hate the price but you certainly can’t deny the fitment for this team

It would probably be 2 or 3 1st round equivalent assets.

It only makes sense if we think we can contend for an SC right now. Bit of a tough call.

If we're giving up 3 1st round equivalent assets, I'd want Arizona to take on Cal's contract as part of the deal. They're one of the few teams that can eat it.

 

[KINGS17]

If it doesn't benefit the organization at least three years into the future, they should do nothing.

It's ok if "the piece" they get now benefits them now, but any asset(s) acquired must be around and beneficial over the long haul.

This franchise is not ready to contend. The goal differential doesn't lie.

View attachment 634180

I already have one.

 

[tkb81]

I know we got a lot of Chychrun detractors here, but he’s exactly what the Kings need.

i think we have more of a we dont want to pay the full price crowd .. haha

 

[Sol]

It only makes sense if we think we can contend for an SC right now. Bit of a tough call.

If we're giving up 3 1st round equivalent assets, I'd want Arizona to take on Cal's contract as part of the deal. They're one of the few teams that can eat it.

What’s the ask on Chychrun? If the Kings put Bjornfot,Turcotte,1st, and Walker/Petersen. If that price works I’d pull it.

i think we have more of a we dont want to pay the full price crowd .. haha

I’ve noticed some people say he’s not that good either. But price for sure.