So, who do we keep, trade or promote?

[DryKing]

This is a perfect summation of the case for McCabe. Moving Durzi back to the right side is imperative. Everything gets better when that happens.

True, but why can't Bjornfot be that guy? Not saying he's at the same level as McCabe, but if the solution really is to get Durzi back to RD then why aren't the Kings currently utilizing Bjornfot to do so?

[jt]

There is no reason to pick up a rental player. We aren't in the running to actually win a Cup with this roster. Either make a hockey trade or stand pat. I don't see the need to pick up a rental who isn't in the long term plan. The Jim Nill articles on the Athletic the past few weeks have been great in terms of seeing a GM make a trade for a future piece in Nils Lundkvist and then also why they don't consumate a trade if what they are adding is only marginally better than what they have down in the AHL.

Is it worth ANY assets to get the kids more playoff experience?

[santiclaws]

True, but why can't Bjornfot be that guy? Not saying he's at the same level as McCabe, but if the solution really is to get Durzi back to RD then why aren't the Kings currently utilizing Bjornfot to do so?

Because they obviously see him as a 7D/AHL guy at the moment. You want them to stick a kid who's spent most of his season in the AHL because he's not good enough to play in the NHL even though the team is desperate for LD, to play 20+ minutes a night at 4D and be the guy who's covering up for Durzi's frequent defensive lapses? Seriously?

[hokiecat]

This is a perfect summation of the case for McCabe. Moving Durzi back to the right side is imperative. Everything gets better when that happens.

Yeah, I've tried to figure out if McCabe is a top-4 guy or not. If he is, then you make the trade. If he's a 3rd pairing guy masquerading as a top-4 then I wait. I don't want a 4 million dollar 3rd pairing guy. That's sort of what we had with Maatta. McCabe was so bad last year but has been better this year, whether its being healthier or understanding the system or what.

[VCRW]

True, but why can't Bjornfot be that guy?

I think that question probably comes up quite often in front office discussions. The corollary question must be "If Clarke is that good, do we even need Durzi next year?"

I wonder if Blake sees Toby as Edler's replacement next season...

[hokiecat]

Because they obviously see him as a 7D/AHL guy at the moment. You want them to stick a kid who's spent most of his season in the AHL because he's not good enough to play in the NHL even though the team is desperate for LD, to play 20+ minutes a night at 4D and be the guy who's covering up for Durzi's frequent defensive lapses? Seriously?

Thanks. Bjornfot sucks and cannot fill the role for the reasons above. Bjornfot, Edler, and Walker have been mediocre at best with HEAVILY sheltered minutes. Side note : Spence actually has had some of the most sheltering on the team but he has such a small sample size.

If Blake makes the trade, and that is a big if, then he needs to get a minute eater who is not playing sheltered minutes. So that's McCabe or Nick Leddy or someone of that ilk, if Blake wants to absorb a 4M contract.

[jammer06]

Because they obviously see him as a 7D/AHL guy at the moment. You want them to stick a kid who's spent most of his season in the AHL because he's not good enough to play in the NHL even though the team is desperate for LD, to play 20+ minutes a night at 4D and be the guy who's covering up for Durzi's frequent defensive lapses? Seriously?

It might be true, but i thought the plan was to make him and Spence play the year out as the top pair in the A and get them used to being assertive. They wanted them to graduate into top 4 roles and not break in on a third pair. At the start of the season everyone was expecting that Durzi and Roy were placeholders anyway. This was jist going to be one more option. I couldn't tell you what their book on Toby is now though.

[DryKing]

Because they obviously see him as a 7D/AHL guy at the moment. You want them to stick a kid who's spent most of his season in the AHL because he's not good enough to play in the NHL even though the team is desperate for LD, to play 20+ minutes a night at 4D and be the guy who's covering up for Durzi's frequent defensive lapses? Seriously?

No need to overreact, I asked a question and no where stated I wanted them to play Bjornot on the 2nd pairing with Durzi. I'm very curious as to why Bjornfot does not get more playing time in the NHL as he seems ready to make that step (as at least a 3rd pairing).

It might be true, but i thought the plan was to make him and Spence play the year out as the top pair in the A and get them used to being assertive. They wanted them to graduate into top 4 roles and not break in on a third pair. At the start of the season everyone was expecting that Durzi and Roy were placeholders anyway. This was jist going to be one more option. I couldn't tell you what their book on Toby is now though.

Thanks for the insight, this makes sense.

[HeadInjury]

LeBrun claims we've inquired about Joel Edmundson. Would bring some physicality. Not sure if his abysmal stats this year point to him being in decline or just being on a bad team. Wouldn't be bad to have another d-man with a ring. On the other hand, he's had issues with his back.

[Kurisu]

LeBrun claims we've inquired about Joel Edmundson. Would bring some physicality. Not sure if his abysmal stats this year point to him being in decline or just being on a bad team. Wouldn't be bad to have another d-man with a ring. On the other hand, he's had issues with his back.

He's currently DTD. Not ideal, but 6' 5"/221 lbs could be useful.