What should LA do at the deadline?

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LAKings88

Formerly KOTR
Dec 4, 2006
14,075
6,392
Blackhole
If they are still in it:

Do they upset the chemistry at all?

Target a LHD man-Maybe Chychrun or a guy more like Soucy?

Look to upgrade offense? Where do you insert said forward? First line? Who moves off?

Bring up a prospect?

Just interesting to see what happens.
 
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Bring up Clarke & bench Brown. 2nd one won't happen. Trade for Zacha if Blake is bored.
 
Been mulling over this actually. Hate to lose a good prospect for some rental and then have him bite us in the a** later on in the future. Nick Nickson said on Kingstalk that Edler may be back at the end of March. If that's the case we may not need to trade for a Dman cuz Edlar would be great if we make the playoffs. Which is still up in the air.
 
It really depends on what the move is. Are we talking about trading something like Kupari, Walker, and a 1st for a guy like JT Miller? Don't think twice. Do that trade. I love our prospects and want them all to succeed, but I'd be just fine with Turcotte, Byfield, and Vilardi all breaking into the league as wingers. Adding JT Miller makes us an elite cup contender.

I think adding a sturdy depth defenseman is important too. I've advocated for Soucy, but someone in that mold would be good. Something like Lias Andersson and a second or third would probably do it.

Byfield - Kopitar - Kempe
Moore - Danault - Arvidsson
Iafallo - Miller - Kaliyev
Lemieux - Lizotte - Brown

Anderson - Doughty
Bjornfot - Roy
Soucy - Durzi

Quick
Petersen

That center depth is as good as — if not better than — our cup years with Kopitar, Richards, and Stoll. If teams were reluctant to face Kopitar and Danault in the playoffs, imagine how they'll feel adding JT Miller to that mix. Sheesh.

The only prospects I could see us potentially trading are Andersson, Grundstrom, Kupari, Madden, and Grans. Not interested in trading Byfield, Turcotte, Vilardi, Fagemo, Clarke, Faber, or Spence. Don't want to trade any of them unless the trade makes sense though.
 
Given Edler is a UFA at the end of the season I’d be fine adding a physical element on the blue line with term but that’s about it. Just let the chips fall where they may, it’s great experience.

Of course if there is something special in the offing then you do it.
 
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I don't think they add for the playoffs, especially if Edler really can make it back. I could see something like the McNabb trade...prospects for a more advanced prospect at a position of future need like goalie.
 
It really depends on what the move is. Are we talking about trading something like Kupari, Walker, and a 1st for a guy like JT Miller? Don't think twice. Do that trade. I love our prospects and want them all to succeed, but I'd be just fine with Turcotte, Byfield, and Vilardi all breaking into the league as wingers. Adding JT Miller makes us an elite cup contender.

I think adding a sturdy depth defenseman is important too. I've advocated for Soucy, but someone in that mold would be good. Something like Lias Andersson and a second or third would probably do it.

Byfield - Kopitar - Kempe
Moore - Danault - Arvidsson
Iafallo - Miller - Kaliyev
Lemieux - Lizotte - Brown

Anderson - Doughty
Bjornfot - Roy
Soucy - Durzi

Quick
Petersen

That center depth is as good as — if not better than — our cup years with Kopitar, Richards, and Stoll. If teams were reluctant to face Kopitar and Danault in the playoffs, imagine how they'll feel adding JT Miller to that mix. Sheesh.

The only prospects I could see us potentially trading are Andersson, Grundstrom, Kupari, Madden, and Grans. Not interested in trading Byfield, Turcotte, Vilardi, Fagemo, Clarke, Faber, or Spence. Don't want to trade any of them unless the trade makes sense though.

"State of the Franchise comments from Blake and Robitaille 02/27/2022
-Robitaille opened the event with some thoughts on the team’s “Development Strategy”
Reminded that LA’s plan was to move / trade some veteran players in 2018 and 2019, then integrate younger prospects / players into the system last season and this year.
-A fan asked if there is anything special to look forward to at the Trade Deadline next month. Blake spoke a lot about how the current players are slotted where they need to be (i.e. Kopitar, Danualt, and Byfield down the middle). “We’re going to continue putting players into the right spot leading into the deadline.”
-Blake says, “Right now, it’s all about taking steps forward. We’ll continue that at the Deadline, into the summer, and next season.”
- Emerson talked about some of the non-AHL prospects. Brock Faber, “really knows how to defend. He defends through his skating, and that closes off lanes.” Brandt Clarke’s “feet are amazing. He can look at four different reads at the same time. That’s very difficult for a defenseman.”
— Emerson said he wants to talk about Harvard forward Alex Laferriere. He works, competes, and plays the game the right way. He’s the type of player who plays the system McLellan wants to play.
— Emerson on Helenius: He’s a 6-foot-7 center and he’s mean. It’s really difficult when the big guys are mean. He’s already signed and we’ll have him over here real soon.
— Blake again confirmed that Edler is targeted to be back in the lineup by the end of March
— Blake says they will have about 3-5M to play with at the deadline and/or in the summer
— Fan asked about Gabe Vilardi. Blake, “We see him playing for the Kings eventually. … He needs to be involved in power plays and playing with pace. He’s been moved to wing. There will be a situation where he gets back into the Kings lineup. For now, he’s doing what he needs to do and he’s over a point-per-game.”
#LAKings LIVE UPDATES: State of the Franchise Comments from Blake and Robitaille (MayorsManor) (letsgokings.com)
 
I'm on the 'don't do anything' train unless you can add a good player with term. If the Kings make the playoffs, Blake has exceeded expectations with this team/this season as all that needed to be done was to be playing meaningful games in March/April...and that's now a given.

Let these current players run with it, they deserve it. If there are injuries, call up some kids and give them a taste. Win more games in the next couple months, then get a taste of the playoffs...and then focus on amping it up for next season.
 
If Edler is coming back, then nothing except getting GV up on that 3rd line with Byfield eventually this year.
If Edler isn't returning, then i'd make a smaller move for a big/tough LHD -- Soucy. Who BTW is somehow a +6 on that Kraken team!?!?
 
A lot can happen in between and the deadline so I don't want to say anything definitive, but if we're being completely honest with how we're playing recently I'm pretty happy with where the team is at outside of Athansiou and Brown. Brown isn't going anywhere, so in my eyes we trade Athansiou for picks and promote from within ala Nolan/King, Toffoli/Pearson. There isn't anyone available that would really improve the team drastically outside of the obvious Chychrun/Miller/Boeser without giving up major prospects. I don't see a Modin or Halpern type of deal to be had here.
 
A lot can happen in between and the deadline so I don't want to say anything definitive, but if we're being completely honest with how we're playing recently I'm pretty happy with where the team is at outside of Athansiou and Brown. Brown isn't going anywhere, so in my eyes we trade Athansiou for picks and promote from within ala Nolan/King, Toffoli/Pearson. There isn't anyone available that would really improve the team drastically outside of the obvious Chychrun/Miller/Boeser without giving up major prospects. I don't see a Modin or Halpern type of deal to be had here.
I’m torn on a Miller/Boeser acquisition. Both require fat contracts to retain but I’d like them as upgrades. Miller has another year and can maybe stay after Kopi retires. Boeser has a big qualifier. Does Miller slot on LW and move AI down with Byfield? Boeser go directly to Byfield’s line or same as above?

Also, a call up still doesn’t necessarily happen if AA is moved. Still got Grundstrom and Andersson.

I still think a Soucy trade is kinda perfect for how it’s going.
 
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"State of the Franchise comments from Blake and Robitaille 02/27/2022
-Robitaille opened the event with some thoughts on the team’s “Development Strategy”
Reminded that LA’s plan was to move / trade some veteran players in 2018 and 2019, then integrate younger prospects / players into the system last season and this year.
-A fan asked if there is anything special to look forward to at the Trade Deadline next month. Blake spoke a lot about how the current players are slotted where they need to be (i.e. Kopitar, Danualt, and Byfield down the middle). “We’re going to continue putting players into the right spot leading into the deadline.”
-Blake says, “Right now, it’s all about taking steps forward. We’ll continue that at the Deadline, into the summer, and next season.”
- Emerson talked about some of the non-AHL prospects. Brock Faber, “really knows how to defend. He defends through his skating, and that closes off lanes.” Brandt Clarke’s “feet are amazing. He can look at four different reads at the same time. That’s very difficult for a defenseman.”
— Emerson said he wants to talk about Harvard forward Alex Laferriere. He works, competes, and plays the game the right way. He’s the type of player who plays the system McLellan wants to play.
— Emerson on Helenius: He’s a 6-foot-7 center and he’s mean. It’s really difficult when the big guys are mean. He’s already signed and we’ll have him over here real soon.
— Blake again confirmed that Edler is targeted to be back in the lineup by the end of March
— Blake says they will have about 3-5M to play with at the deadline and/or in the summer
— Fan asked about Gabe Vilardi. Blake, “We see him playing for the Kings eventually. … He needs to be involved in power plays and playing with pace. He’s been moved to wing. There will be a situation where he gets back into the Kings lineup. For now, he’s doing what he needs to do and he’s over a point-per-game.”
#LAKings LIVE UPDATES: State of the Franchise Comments from Blake and Robitaille (MayorsManor) (letsgokings.com)

I'd like to add a couple comments:

"Blake talking about the importance of using the first three years of a player’s pro development, when they’re waiver exempt, to maximize a prospect’s development in the AHL.

— Emerson doubles down on the AHL comments, adding that Ontario is a lot of fun to watch this year because Kings prospects are gaining trust and confidence in their development."

Hopefully Blake&co do nothing. Kids in Ontario (and Tynan+Frk+Gaunce+Sutter) has earned to chance to win the Calder Cup. If they trade away guys like JAD or Kupari or Vilardi, there (Ontario) is not much depht left. I really want to see how Vilardi and JAD does in the AHL playoffs. Can they be difference makers / leaders?
 
Injuries could possibly be a factor. If we have no injuries at the deadline then we already have an over abundance of NHL players. I would see if a guy like AA could fetch a pick.

We know Brown will not sit so we basically have a possible opening at forward. If they grab a guy like Miller (has another year) that re slots Iafallo to the third line which covers off slotting the guys in their right spots.

I don’t want to trade a good prospect for a one year rental though. Either a good hockey trade or trade for a guy with term.
 
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I'd like to add a couple comments:

"Blake talking about the importance of using the first three years of a player’s pro development, when they’re waiver exempt, to maximize a prospect’s development in the AHL.

— Emerson doubles down on the AHL comments, adding that Ontario is a lot of fun to watch this year because Kings prospects are gaining trust and confidence in their development."

Hopefully Blake&co do nothing. Kids in Ontario (and Tynan+Frk+Gaunce+Sutter) has earned to chance to win the Calder Cup. If they trade away guys like JAD or Kupari or Vilardi, there (Ontario) is not much depht left. I really want to see how Vilardi and JAD does in the AHL playoffs. Can they be difference makers / leaders?
A Calder is nice and all but that has no real bearing on the NHL club’s direction.
 
Hoping Blake doesn't do anything this deadline and evaluates the propects instead.
I’m ok with this honestly.

I expect them to always be looking to upgrade but won’t be upset if nothing happens.

Kings need to stay consistent from here on out. Can’t afford any prolonged losing streaks.

Kings will need to figure out their excess issues sooner or later tho.
 

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