Much like Vilardi, he’s more valuable to the Kings… Let’s hope history repeats itself
Next year is make or break, but still, who do you take out of the lineup for him? I don’t think he locks down a spot until 24-25.
If he’s ready you potentially make him the 3C and have Lizotte, Kupari and JAD fight it out for 4C
Vilardi Kopitar Kempe
Until Byfield starts producing consistently he needs to shadow Kopitar. It’s also our best line in terms of skill, size, defense and overall talent.
They will be here next year tho. Byfield could end up on the left again but that should not be a long term plan (also a better winger was taken right after him). Unless there is an injury (to someone else) I'm highly doubtful he gets a spot. But Emerson was high on him at the Kings thing so I doubt the give up on him. Just saying unless a lot goes right starting at training camp and/or the Kings make some trades, I don't see him in the lineup next year. I hope I'm wrong tho.
One of AI or VA will likely go this summer for whatever deal Blake makes.. Because Blake will make a deal to improve this team
I could live without AI but I think Arvy is still an important piece.
Agree - I would hope AI goes this summer, RV not extended with these roles filled by youth or maybe even a trade for a 3C. The rest of the saved cap goes to D (JQ current salary goes to G)
Iafallo is one of our best defensive players. It's no secret that our PK started to improve once he got back to the team. Who is going to replace that?
That's not a role that is impossible to replace unlike a 2nd pair LD or a 2C... I am aware that Iafallo does a lot of the glue things and if Cal turned into a #1, then there would be money to fill the holes on D. But since that is not the case you have to look at the least damaging way to make cap space. If not AI, then who?
Byfield (when finally give the chance) will be a monster on the PK.
Aside from an injury, it may be unlikely he gets a spot. Will be more competitive at camp too. He’s competing with many others. Not impossible but just gets that much harder. No room as it is next year. He really has to perform and stay healthy. I hope he can. Seems like a good dude and he is not without skill.
Agree he killed penalties when he was with the Reign. Has the reach and speed I think in time he will be very good.
I think the org likes him and he is a good player. My question is what happens if Fagemo and Chromiak take further steps? Lafferiere and Pinelli show good camps? It will be interesting to see how things shake out.
There’s a zero percent chance Laferriere and Pinelli make the team out of camp. Chromiak and Fagemo might, but I’m guessing they all end up in Ontario. Turcotte likely gets a few cups of coffee next season before breaking onto the team the following year.
I think it’s a combination of both. The skill level obviously isn’t what we all hoped on draft night, but the injuries have hurt his chances of being a depth guy in the NHL.
