Armchair GMs

[DryKing]

There are 20 Centers in the league with an 8.5M+ cap hit. Go through the list. None of them would be 2C on this team except for PLD (lol) and Pettersson. If the Canucks want to move Pettersson they will have to retain salary.

Agreed, I was thinking the same - if it's Pettersson it must be with salary retained. For 8.5M I would be very happy to see Pettersson on the roster (despite his potential mental struggles). Pettersson is really the only one who makes sense at that AAV. Probably the biggest negative with that it our top two centers would both be left handed (Panarin apparently desires a right handed center to pair with).

I also agree with @Bollocks that selling low on Kuemper would suck. I'm not sure what happened with Kuemper after the Olympic break to make him play below his normal means, but he is a very good goaltender which are hard to come by in this league. Perhaps, if the Kings do wish to move him, they hold him and hope he bounces back at the beginning of the season and then move him mid season for a better return. Moving a goalie makes too much sense, though, at this point.

I know a lot of fans continue to sleep on Turcotte but I still think he makes a solid C3. If cap space is a concern, I could see letting Laughton walk and slotting Turcotte into that role instead.

 

[The Nuts]

I don't see any Pettersson mentioned. Which one would that be @ 8.5 million? I know Elias the frist, Elias the second and Marcus, and only one of them is a center and has a cap hit of 11,6.

Canucks reportedly establish one condition in potential Elias Pettersson trade

If the Vancouver Canucks decide to trade Elias Pettersson ahead of the 2026-27 NHL season, reports indicate there is one thing they would surely ask for in return.

bolavip.com

And it seems they want a center in return, which eliminates the Kings from the conversation about Elias the first.


Anyways, Mayor is reading LGK. Yes, we *need* to move one of the goalies and if there's a plan of acquiring an expensive player it would have to be selling low on Kuemper, which would suck.

I see he's mentioning the internal cap being lower than the actual cap. I now remember somewhere being mentioned that it could be more than 10 million less. That would suck and would severely limited what Ken can actually do to improve the team (weaponizing cap space). If that's the case, Laughton, as he mentioned, could very well be the #2C (which would also incentivize him signing with the Kings). I don't know, maybe he has another gear somewhere and can become a very late bloomer and improve upon his glory season of *checks notes*...43 points.

Kuemper is the one you trade , it doesn't suck.

We saw with Quick what happens to goalies at this age especially when battling injuries.

Sure he could adjust his style like Quick and be a backup.

But we have four young tenders who need to come in as backups and see if they can unseat the starter.

That starts with trading Kuemper this Summer.

You have Forsy starting and Portillo , challenger.

Hopefully Ken has the balls to let Hammer and CG battle it out for the Reign and not have a veteran on the roster.

This is very important for competition and rapid development.

Ideally
1. Portillo unseats Forsberg this season and you trade Forsberg at the deadline. 26/27

2. Whoever plays better for the Reign CG or Hammer then gets recalled and challenges Portillo from backup.26/27

3. Rimpanen comes over and backs up whoever is left at the Reign 26/27 post deadline

3. The Challenger unseats Portillo the following season and you trade Portillo at the deadline. 27/28.

4. Whoever was left at the Reign between Hammer and George battles it out with Rimpanen as back up on the Reign 27/28.

5. The better gets recalled to back up Kings, behind whoever took starter from Portillo .Post deadline 27/28.

So you have two of the young goalies of the 3 on the Kings after the deadline 27/28 and whoever is left starting the Reign.

Hopefully you pulls some decent players, picks and or prospects from deadline trades for Forsberg in 26/27 and Portillo in 27/28.

There are not many good non-ancient centers availible and even fewer are R shot. Laughton is L shot too.

2026 Center Free Agents

Tracking the status and signings of all 2026 Center free agents, including total value, average and guarantees.

www.spotrac.com

 

[The Nuts]

Agreed, I was thinking the same - if it's Pettersson it must be with salary retained. For 8.5M I would be very happy to see Pettersson on the roster (despite his potential mental struggles). Pettersson is really the only one who makes sense at that AAV. Probably the biggest negative with that it our top two centers would both be left handed (Panarin apparently desires a right handed center to pair with).

I also agree with @Bollocks that selling low on Kuemper would suck. I'm not sure what happened with Kuemper after the Olympic break to make him play below his normal means, but he is a very good goaltender which are hard to come by in this league. Perhaps, if the Kings do wish to move him, they hold him and hope he bounces back at the beginning of the season and then move him mid season for a better return. Moving a goalie makes too much sense, though, at this point.

I know a lot of fans continue to sleep on Turcotte but I still think he makes a solid C3. If cap space is a concern, I could see letting Laughton walk and slotting Turcotte into that role instead.

Be shocked if Petersson, another L shot, comes over.
The Canucks say the want a Center to start, so C + , C ++.
So you have to give up Byfield.
Which they may actually be trying to box in.
Then you are left with Petterson and no 2 C, then Turc and Helinious at 3 and 4 C.

If Kuemper does not turn it around next season around his value caves further.
You take what you can get this Summer, he is still an attractive backup, with rebound potential.

Laughton is getting pretty old.
Edmonton has two younger expiring UFA centers you should target instead for 3c .
Dickinson and Rosolvec.
Even better target the even young McMann for 2c and use Turcotte as 3 c if this leaves you at the internal budget line.

2026 Center Free Agents

Tracking the status and signings of all 2026 Center free agents, including total value, average and guarantees.

www.spotrac.com

 

[VCRW]

Be shocked if Petersson, another L shot, comes over.
The Canucks say the want a Center to start, so C + , C ++.
So you have to give up Byfield.
Which they may actually be trying to box in.
Then you are left with Petterson and no 2 C, then Turc and Helinious at 3 and 4 C.

If Kuemper does not turn it around next season around his value caves further.
You take what you can get this Summer, he is still an attractive backup, with rebound potential.

Laughton is getting pretty old.
Edmonton has two younger expiring UFA centers you should target instead for 3c .
Dickinson and Rosolvec.
Even better target the even young McMann for 2c and use Turcotte as 3 c if this leaves you at the internal budget line.

2026 Center Free Agents

Tracking the status and signings of all 2026 Center free agents, including total value, average and guarantees.

www.spotrac.com

I like the idea of targeting McMann. Unfortunately, every other GM will be doing the same thing. Left shot, good size, late bloomer and still improving. Lots to like. Bobby is gonna do well on this contract.

Roslovic is also an attractive idea. Definitely a 3C/4C guy but has good speed and plays well in all zones. Signing Jack would make Turcotte expendable if they think Connors can be that elusive 2C.

But the need remains #1 LD. That Is Job 1.

 

[The Nuts]

I like the idea of targeting McMann. Unfortunately, every other GM will be doing the same thing. Left shot, good size, late bloomer and still improving. Lots to like. Bobby is gonna do well on this contract.

Roslovic is also an attractive idea. Definitely a 3C/4C guy but has good speed and plays well in all zones. Signing Jack would make Turcotte expendable if they think Connors can be that elusive 2C.

But the need remains #1 LD. That Is Job 1.

#1 LD is not getting addressed.
Ken said we are fine on D.
We need centers.
Turcotte is cheap and a C , I would keep him as a winger or a center if there is an injury.
Whatever Ken does I don't want him to get rid of anybody unless the replacement is in hand or coming back in the transaction.
I kind of slept on Chromiak having 28 in AHL.
Maybe he deserves a shot , if they can squeeze him in.

 

[spudboy]

1. Re-sign Laughton for 3C.
2. Get the best center they can.
3. Get a decent offensive LD.
4. Evaluate 2nd and 3rd line wingers to see where they can upgrade.
5. Trade Kuemper if necessary.
6. Get rid of that Duck mole, assistant coach, Nowell Brown.

 

[05/29/93]

Why not trade Forsberg instead? His stock, unlike Kuemper's, is probably very high now.

 

[VCRW]

Why not trade Forsberg instead? His stock, unlike Kuemper's, is probably very high now.

$3 million difference in cap hit. Kuemper = $5.25M; Forsberg = $2.25M. Kings need that additional cap space.

And Forsberg is 3 years younger...

 

[DryKing]

Be shocked if Petersson, another L shot, comes over.
The Canucks say the want a Center to start, so C + , C ++.
So you have to give up Byfield.
Which they may actually be trying to box in.
Then you are left with Petterson and no 2 C, then Turc and Helinious at 3 and 4 C.

If Kuemper does not turn it around next season around his value caves further.
You take what you can get this Summer, he is still an attractive backup, with rebound potential.

Laughton is getting pretty old.
Edmonton has two younger expiring UFA centers you should target instead for 3c .
Dickinson and Rosolvec.
Even better target the even young McMann for 2c and use Turcotte as 3 c if this leaves you at the internal budget line.

2026 Center Free Agents

Tracking the status and signings of all 2026 Center free agents, including total value, average and guarantees.

www.spotrac.com

I like this, but zero chance I would give up Byfield for Petersson. That, to me, sounds like a Vancouver pipe dream. Additionally, if they think they will get a L1 C for Petersson, they are also reaching unless, perhaps, that 1C is an aged vet on the decline. Petersson's stats are good, but his contract is way out of wack for any contender, and he has proven to be weak mentally which means a team would be, at the very least, hesitant to place him as their 1C if they have any ambitions of winning the Cup.

The best way to upgrade the team, this offseason, is with UFA offers but we know Holland won't do that. The next best is to look at teams who have UFA's ready for big payday extensions and see if a deal can be made with one of those teams who either lacks the cap space or is in the midst of a bigger deal.

NHL’s top 12 RFAs of 2026: Latest rumours, reports

The 2026 class of impending restricted free agents offers a chance to bet on the future and squeeze value down the road. Luke Fox dives into the top 12 RFAs that remain unsigned for 2026-27.

www.sportsnet.ca

 

[Dr. Tran]

The only way I’d take Pettersson is if Kempe personally vouched for him & his character and also if they retained salary. Otherwise I have no interest in him. And if they want a center they can have Turcotte. But we don’t need a 1st or even a 2nd line center that scores 15 goals.

 

[K-Man #32]

I think Petterson needs a change of scenery and will spark in Los Angeles

 

[symbology]

$3 million difference in cap hit. Kuemper = $5.25M; Forsberg = $2.25M. Kings need that additional cap space.

And Forsberg is 3 years younger...

Will probably have to retain some cap in order to move him, so it might be close to a wash.

 

[hokiecat]

I like this, but zero chance I would give up Byfield for Petersson. That, to me, sounds like a Vancouver pipe dream. Additionally, if they think they will get a L1 C for Petersson, they are also reaching unless, perhaps, that 1C is an aged vet on the decline. Petersson's stats are good, but his contract is way out of wack for any contender, and he has proven to be weak mentally which means a team would be, at the very least, hesitant to place him as their 1C if they have any ambitions of winning the Cup.

The best way to upgrade the team, this offseason, is with UFA offers but we know Holland won't do that. The next best is to look at teams who have UFA's ready for big payday extensions and see if a deal can be made with one of those teams who either lacks the cap space or is in the midst of a bigger deal.

NHL’s top 12 RFAs of 2026: Latest rumours, reports

The 2026 class of impending restricted free agents offers a chance to bet on the future and squeeze value down the road. Luke Fox dives into the top 12 RFAs that remain unsigned for 2026-27.

www.sportsnet.ca

Agree that Byfield to EP40 would just be a lateral trade. That doesn't help us and probably sets us back since the finances are worse.
Disagree on UFA offers. UFA market is bad and will be for the next few years now that the cap is rising a bunch. Teams will extend their good players. So what will come to market is middling players who will get paid like stars. Coyle getting 6x6M at age 34 type stuff. The way to improve the team will be through trades. Like you said, maybe teams who are capped out. Like Dallas paying Rantenen a ton of money and not being able to bring everyone good back.

 

[Bollocks]

Will probably have to retain some cap in order to move him, so it might be close to a wash.

Why? There are a few teams that are looking to make some damage in the playoffs that are in need of better goaltending AND have plenty of cap space - SJS and the Ducks, off the top of my head.

 

[symbology]

Why? There are a few teams that are looking to make some damage in the playoffs that are in need of better goaltending AND have plenty of cap space - SJS and the Ducks, off the top of my head.

He is 36 years old, had one good solid year out of the last 4-5 years. He is coming off a year where he had an outstanding 2.78 GAA and .891 SV%.

He might be a good sell at the TDL to a team in need, but I am not seeing him as a sought after prize during the off season.

Sure, there are teams in need. Kings will probably not be the only team looking to move a goalie. There will probably be other as good, or better options out there.

Just saying there is a good chance the Kings would have to retain in order to move him.

 

[DryKing]

Agree that Byfield to EP40 would just be a lateral trade. That doesn't help us and probably sets us back since the finances are worse.
Disagree on UFA offers. UFA market is bad and will be for the next few years now that the cap is rising a bunch. Teams will extend their good players. So what will come to market is middling players who will get paid like stars. Coyle getting 6x6M at age 34 type stuff. The way to improve the team will be through trades. Like you said, maybe teams who are capped out. Like Dallas paying Rantenen a ton of money and not being able to bring everyone good back.

Sorry I typed UFA but meant RFA (which I linked an article about). Kings need good young talent and a few teams out there will not be able to afford the extensions within making some moves. Would be a good time to negotiate by sending cost controlled assets (and picks).

Flip side is those teams would be silly not to do everything they can to keep these RFAs so it's still a longshot (without directly making an offer to the RFA, which we know Holland will not do).

 

[DryKing]

He is 36 years old, had one good solid year out of the last 4-5 years. He is coming off a year where he had an outstanding 2.78 GAA and .891 SV%.

He might be a good sell at the TDL to a team in need, but I am not seeing him as a sought after prize during the off season.

Sure, there are teams in need. Kings will probably not be the only team looking to move a goalie. There will probably be other as good, or better options out there.

Just saying there is a good chance the Kings would have to retain in order to move him.

Not sure what you are looking at, but Kuemper has 2 great years, 1 good year and 2 average years within the last 5. It's doubtful the Kings would have to retain salary to move him, despite his age. There aren't too many Stanley Cup winning goalies available out there on the market.

That said, if the interest/return is higher for Forsberg then it would be better to move him.

There is a shortage of solid NHL goalies at the moment, and several teams who badly need one.

 

[Bollocks]

He is 36 years old, had one good solid year out of the last 4-5 years. He is coming off a year where he had an outstanding 2.78 GAA and .891 SV%.

He might be a good sell at the TDL to a team in need, but I am not seeing him as a sought after prize during the off season.

Sure, there are teams in need. Kings will probably not be the only team looking to move a goalie. There will probably be other as good, or better options out there.

Just saying there is a good chance the Kings would have to retain in order to move him.

Maybe. Not sure it would have to be a lot, though. The issue I see is return would be minimal.

From asset standpoint it would make the most sense to trade Forsberg in the offseason and then see where Kuemper's at, form-wise, come trade deadline. And then, depending on where the Kings are at (standings-wise and how the young goalies compete in the AHL). If they are terrible, the cap could be retained without issue. If the Kings play well I could see him retiring here at the end of season.

 

[symbology]

Not sure what you are looking at, but Kuemper has 2 great years, 1 good year and 2 average years within the last 5. It's doubtful the Kings would have to retain salary to move him, despite his age. There aren't too many Stanley Cup winning goalies available out there on the market.

That said, if the interest/return is higher for Forsberg then it would be better to move him.

There is a shortage of solid NHL goalies at the moment, and several teams who badly need one.

Has he not lost the net to his backup twice over the last 3 years?

I am not trying to pick on him, but this is a sell low type of situation more than anything.

 

[hokiecat]

Why? There are a few teams that are looking to make some damage in the playoffs that are in need of better goaltending AND have plenty of cap space - SJS and the Ducks, off the top of my head.

Ducks will probably go with Dostal for their future. Husso is about as good as Darcy was down the stretch. Sharks still probably want Askarov to take the net and Ned has better numbers than Kuemper.

Caps traded Darcy for PLD. If the Kings trade him, it will be because they think Forsberg can be similar for less salary. I don't see teams offering a big package for Darcy based upon how he played after injury and the Olympic break.

I think most teams would wait for Kuemper to prove it with a bounce back performance in the fall.