Thread: Loktionov requests trade

Originally Posted by Mr.Hockey 2.0

I was big on Loki.

I've always been more partial to Thor, but to each his own.

Lokti Pancakes and Bernie to anybody for a 1st round.

Originally Posted by Mondo Blando

Loktionov will find a home on a puck possession team that favors three scoring lines. Unfortunately, the teams that could best use his services are all in the Western Conference - Chicago, who would like to move Bolland back to the 3rd line; Anaheim, who is always looking for a skillful pivot to set up Ryan and the remaining time of Selanne 'cause flat-footed Bonino can't cut it; Nashville who is always looking for speed and creativity; Detroit, who could quite easily turn Loktionov into the next slowly-polished Filppula or Hudler, and maybe Calgary who desperately needs a center with any kind of skill.

There may be a team or two in the East who are looking for short-term center icemen, but all of those teams happen to be stacked in quality long-term answers up the middle.

I like Loktionov, but he has to move on. He's smart, creative in tight quarters, and solid in the neutral zone. Even if the Kings had an opening, he isn't really a solid fit for a team that demands a different kind of skill set from its centers.

To add, Loktionov would probably get NHL ice time on Florida. After Weiss, they don't have a whole lot. I also agree that Ottawa may have some interest with the loss of Spezza.

Originally Posted by Bojanglz

Actually I disagree with you here. The Kings lack skilled/top 6 type wingers. Look how many wings Kopitar went through. Lokti is a center and they gave him a shot to play wing but failed. 2nd line needs another scorer, unless Clifford keeps his scoring up, but Williams won't be here forever and Brown, well, who knows. I like Williams but Kopitar could really use a top 3 scorer like a Hossa or Gaborik. Tofolli I can't wait to see him get his shot. But after him imo there isn't much more for now.

I understand where you are coming from and I agree with a lot of what you said, but how long are the Kings going to be able to keep players like Lotki sitting in the minors when they could be making NHL money at other teams ?

As I said in the Preds thread, I have a feeling (may well be sleep deprivation but I will go with it) that the team will see some major changes going into next season, are the kids going to get a chance, I don't think so, I can see a bunch of them being shipped somewhere for a top line scorer.

There is more chance for players on the D side of things than the O, but the upcoming off season should be interesting.

Originally Posted by Thud

I understand where you are coming from and I agree with a lot of what you said, but how long are the Kings going to be able to keep players like Lotki sitting in the minors when they could be making NHL money at other teams ?

As I said in the Preds thread, I have a feeling (may well be sleep deprivation but I will go with it) that the team will see some major changes going into next season, are the kids going to get a chance, I don't think so, I can see a bunch of them being shipped somewhere for a top line scorer.

There is more chance for players on the D side of things than the O, but the upcoming off season should be interesting.

Which kids deserve to move up that will impact the team? The only one I really see is Toffoli. Gagne and Penner will be gone, if not sooner, and the rest of the spots are filled by kids who are doing great. Nolan, Lewis, Clifford, King (not shining as much as I thought yet though), etc. I just don't see anyone up and coming like Toffoli and if there was I am sure they would make room for them as well. Plus this team isn't rebuilding anymore like Edmonton, so the need for them to play isn't demanding and it now they can finally develop as they should. Look at Detroit how they had things. They didn't rush players in the lineup and gave them time to develop. That is the beauty now of most of the core having years together and then filling the top 6 holes with trades, ie Carter and Richards. I still would like though a trade for a top 3 sniper for Kopitar.

Anyways sorry to get off topic some.

Originally Posted by leftwngr

Thing is, he (Loktionov) hasn't been able to force his way in like Quick and Voynov were able to do, so he wants a shot elsewhere. No shame in that. The Kings pond at center has too many big fish.

That's not entirely accurate: Voynov had plenty of help from Jack Johnson.


I'm not so sure Ottawa is a destination for Lokti. They have players within their system with more size and higher projected ceiling. Florida might be a better destination specially since they are likely to move Weiss at some point this season. Lokti is not worth a lot in the market but I always thought he could make it in Detriot..

ESPN.COM: Craig Custance recently reported LA Kings forward Andrei Loktionov’s availability is nothing new. “GMs were alerted in the past that he was on the market and the response has been underwhelming”, writes Custance, who adds the asking price is likely a fifth-round pick.

Spectors Hockey | NHL Morning Rumor Mill – February 2, 2013.

Originally Posted by King'sPawn

To add, Loktionov would probably get NHL ice time on Florida. After Weiss, they don't have a whole lot. I also agree that Ottawa may have some interest with the loss of Spezza.

That's not a guaranteed thing. After Weiss they have Jonathan Huberdeau playing very well on the second line so he'd be relegated to a non-scoring role.

It then goes back to an issue of contributing in the little ways when you're not putting up numbers so that you're not a liability on the ice and that you've got intangibles that you can chip in to the overall success of the team. That part I think is what he should have been focusing on developing, but looks like frustration may have won out.

I can't totally fault him though, seeing as how well things are going for his buddy Voynov and the relative stagnation he's stuck in.

Loktionov is worth next to nothing on an NHL team. If he compensated for his lack of size and injury history with prolific scoring he might have some value. But he is a modest 5th in scoring on the Monarchs and being far outshone by the kids. His future is in Europe. Dean would be lucky to get a 4th or 5th for him at this point.

Originally Posted by Mondo Blando

Unfortunately, the teams that could best use his services are all in the Western Conference

This might not matter after this season with realignment likely to happen.