So, who do we keep, trade or promote?

[VCRW]

Lias Andersson is starting to heat up in the AHL, now with 35 points in 35 games and 5 points in his last 2 games. Any chance we see him get a call up or hold enough value to get packaged in a trade?

I wouldn’t mind seeing Lias given a shot at LW with Danault and Arvy if Moore is going to be out for an extended period. AI is clearly not the right fit.

[santiclaws]

I wouldn’t mind seeing Lias given a shot at LW with Danault and Arvy if Moore is going to be out for an extended period. AI is clearly not the right fit.

Moore and Kaliyev have started skating, so hopefully not too much longer.

[VCRW]

Moore and Kaliyev have started skating, so hopefully not too much longer.

Fingers crossed for both returning in February… though the concussion for Moore may be a bit more unpredictable.

[JayWells24]

I wouldn’t mind seeing Lias given a shot at LW with Danault and Arvy if Moore is going to be out for an extended period. AI is clearly not the right fit.

I wouldn't be surprised if AI is part of some package to bring a LD or G in at the trade deadline. For 2 years I have been trying to figure out his role. Is he a checker? Scorer? Set up man? Will be interesting to see how it shakes out.

Go Kings!!

[DryKing]

I wouldn't be surprised if AI is part of some package to bring a LD or G in at the trade deadline. For 2 years I have been trying to figure out his role. Is he a checker? Scorer? Set up man? Will be interesting to see how it shakes out.

Go Kings!!

Yeah he's a jack of all trades, but not really a standout in anything. I wasn't a fan of him when he first joined the Kings (due to playing on the top line) but really like him now that he is on a more appropriate line and we have some clear cut scorers on the team who he does a good job in supporting. He seems to make those on his line better and can fit in with most players, while adding a touch of leadership to boot. I'd be sad to see him go, but the Kings are going to have to make some tough decisions and he is a logical choice who could probably find a role on any team in the league (and therein holds some value).

[DyslexicTom]

I would love to move on from McLellan. Kempe has good value in a trade for a defensemen; I feel like we have a similar and better player in Fiala. I'd try to keep as many of the young guys as possible; their value is low and the Kings don't yet know what they have with them because they won't play them in meaningful minutes.

I think a coach with different line deployments and a handle on how to adjust to in-game situations would be a good change. Too often we've seen McLellan stick with the same line combos even when things are bad, and then going back to his ideal line combos and favorite players after a few games when he does mix it up. He's also had a history of coaching teams that underperform (Oilers) or choke (Sharks). The whole good ol' boys mentality of management has got to change.

[Ice24]

wait until the off-season to make a trade. There is zero urgency as this team is not ready to compete this season. Be sellers if you want to do something positive.

[hokiecat]

wait until the off-season to make a trade. There is zero urgency as this team is not ready to compete this season. Be sellers if you want to do something positive.

I agree with most of this. Kings definitely need to make a hockey trade and not just a rental if they are adding pieces. We're not Boston/Carolina/Colorado 2022 so there's no reason to push chips in just for this post-season. That said, the 2 times when deals are happening the most are trade deadline and summer/FA period so if Blake gets the right call then make the deal.

[VCRW]

I would love to move on from McLellan. Kempe has good value in a trade for a defensemen; I feel like we have a similar and better player in Fiala. I'd try to keep as many of the young guys as possible; their value is low and the Kings don't yet know what they have with them because they won't play them in meaningful minutes.

I think a coach with different line deployments and a handle on how to adjust to in-game situations would be a good change. Too often we've seen McLellan stick with the same line combos even when things are bad, and then going back to his ideal line combos and favorite players after a few games when he does mix it up. He's also had a history of coaching teams that underperform (Oilers) or choke (Sharks). The whole good ol' boys mentality of management has got to change.

Agree about McLellan. But disagree about your comparison between Kempe and Fiala. Juice has become a very solid defensive player as he has matured. You don’t get that with Fiala. That said, I have had the feeling the Kings may move Juice since his breakout season 2 years ago. He has actually become so good now that a one-for-one trade for a top 4 LD may be realistically considered. I’d hate to lose the guy though. RW1 with Kopitar has been such a difficult spot to fill since Stick left.

[KOPI! PEVS!]

Agree about McLellan. But disagree about your comparison between Kempe and Fiala. Juice has become a very solid defensive player as he has matured. You don’t get that with Fiala. That said, I have had the feeling the Kings may move Juice since his breakout season 2 years ago. He has actually become so good now that a one-for-one trade for a top 4 LD may be realistically considered. I’d hate to lose the guy though. RW1 with Kopitar has been such a difficult spot to fill since Stick left.

Kempe's our 2nd best player IMO behind Fiala (in pure skill), no way I'd let go of him. And he's also the future leadership after Kopi is gone. I believe he's been glued to Kopi for a reason (to learn the all around game, and it's working). No way he goes.

I don't see any big moves happening, besides maybe coach going if we completely skip the playoffs.