Armchair GMs

[Clif]

Larkin would be ideal. I don’t think Detroit trades him. There’s just very few 1Cs available anywhere. If Larkin is dealt the Wings are creating a big hole in their lineup that they won’t be able to fill any time soon.

I agree. I don’t know how Holland would do it short of a three-way trade so DET gets a center back. Their top 6 is lacking so Fiala would be a great fit there, and Todd knows him.

Feels like Holland’s best bet is to go hard after Charlie Coyle. That’s the kind of player that would make flipping Fiala for Tkachuk pretty attractive. That would be a big and physical second line. Laf would complement those too with his hitting and shot also.

 

[Statue4Deano]

I agree. I don’t know how Holland would do it short of a three-way trade so DET gets a center back. Their top 6 is lacking so Fiala would be a great fit there, and Todd knows him.

Feels like Holland’s best bet is to go hard after Charlie Coyle. That’s the kind of player that would make flipping Fiala for Tkachuk pretty attractive. That would be a big and physical second line. Laf would complement those too with his hitting and shot also.

I just can’t shake this (hopefully irrational) feeling that the Kings end up with both Pettersson and Tkachuk this summer.

I also think Edmundson is dealt. Maybe Kuemper too. I really can’t see a scenario where Holland doesn’t shake up the roster going forward.

 

[ICE24]

Sorry everyone, I'm sticking with Holland as the Kings were right there. Don't mess with the Kings chemistry.

 

[DryKing]

I just can’t shake this (hopefully irrational) feeling that the Kings end up with both Pettersson and Tkachuk this summer.

I also think Edmundson is dealt. Maybe Kuemper too. I really can’t see a scenario where Holland doesn’t shake up the roster going forward.

If Vancouver ends up drafting a defenseman with the 3rd overall pick, I think Pettersson becomes a less likely option.

I'd really like to see them target Tkachuk as I think we have assets we could trade in order to acquire him. Even though he's not a center, I think he should be a prime target.

I was thinking the Kings would be all-in on Matthews, based on a few comments circling around out there, but I can't imagine what we have available to pull that one off without making the team significantly worse in the process.

 

[Statue4Deano]

If Vancouver ends up drafting a defenseman with the 3rd overall pick, I think Pettersson becomes a less likely option.

I'd really like to see them target Tkachuk as I think we have assets we could trade in order to acquire him. Even though he's not a center, I think he should be a prime target.

I was thinking the Kings would be all-in on Matthews, based on a few comments circling around out there, but I can't imagine what we have available to pull that one off without making the team significantly worse in the process.

Matthews makes sense but you’re right that there’s seemingly no trade fit. Unless Matthews demands a trade to LA then things get really interesting…

 

[DoubleMinor]

If Vancouver ends up drafting a defenseman with the 3rd overall pick, I think Pettersson becomes a less likely option.

I'd really like to see them target Tkachuk as I think we have assets we could trade in order to acquire him. Even though he's not a center, I think he should be a prime target.

I was thinking the Kings would be all-in on Matthews, based on a few comments circling around out there, but I can't imagine what we have available to pull that one off without making the team significantly worse in the process.

Tkachuk would be more of a culture move than a positional move. And I don’t necessarily disagree that the Kings need help in that area. In fact I think it’s overdue tbh.

 

[JWR]

Ok I'm going to throw a few things that may be controversial.
1. I would trade or buy out Drew. He has regressed to
2nd possibly 3rd line skill level and if he stays and demands the C it will be a major setback for the team. We can use his 11mil better for the next seasons.
2. I would resign both Laughton and Kuzmenko since they don't appear to wish to do a true rebuild unless we can pull off #3 then Kuzmenko can walk.
3. I would either trade for or offer sheet Jason Robertson (Dallas is in cap hell, he wants a contract at 12 mil which if we drop Drew we can afford)
4. With these moves we only need a 2nd line center. Possible trade with St. Louis for Robert Thomas involving a goalie prospect and our 1st.
5. Move Clarke to Rt D 1 to replace Drew then resign Moverade and I look at Kirsanov to fill in.
6. I know it's trading with the enemy but I would send Keeper to the Oilers for a couple of picks and bring up Portillo.

Flame Away

 

[DryKing]

Ok I'm going to throw a few things that may be controversial.
1. I would trade or buy out Drew. He has regressed to
2nd possibly 3rd line skill level and if he stays and demands the C it will be a major setback for the team. We can use his 11mil better for the next seasons.
2. I would resign both Laughton and Kuzmenko since they don't appear to wish to do a true rebuild unless we can pull off #3 then Kuzmenko can walk.
3. I would either trade for or offer sheet Jason Robertson (Dallas is in cap hell, he wants a contract at 12 mil which if we drop Drew we can afford)
4. With these moves we only need a 2nd line center. Possible trade with St. Louis for Robert Thomas involving a goalie prospect and our 1st.
5. Move Clarke to Rt D 1 to replace Drew then resign Moverade and I look at Kirsanov to fill in.
6. I know it's trading with the enemy but I would send Keeper to the Oilers for a couple of picks and bring up Portillo.

Flame Away

1) I agree with you on Drew, in regards to him slowing down and no longer being a RD1, but I feel strongly that he should not be traded unless he asks for it. He also, likely, should not be extended.
2) Agreed
3) Great idea - likely we would have to trade but Dallas did allegedly make him available a season or two ago so it may be possible
4) I think Thomas will cost quite a bit and likely would demand a L1 C worthy bundle in return
5) Clarke should definitely be RD1 next season. Mov or Booth would be the preferable callouts should we trade a current member of our D
6) I'd rather make a deal with either Pitts or Vegas as they have more to offer in exchange (imo). Also, I don't really think Portillo will end up being a NHL-level goaltender but worth a shot

 

[JWR]

As far as #6 trading Kemper to the Oilers, cause they are a rival we should pry a higher return from them than Pittsburgh or Vegas and with their poor defensive structure he will not be able to match his play for us.
Portillo can fill in as backup for a year.

 

[Ice Rhino]

Matthews makes sense but you’re right that there’s seemingly no trade fit. Unless Matthews demands a trade to LA then things get really interesting…

I'm all for more high end players demanding to be traded to LA, and ONLY LA.

 

[Clif]

I just can’t shake this (hopefully irrational) feeling that the Kings end up with both Pettersson and Tkachuk this summer.

I also think Edmundson is dealt. Maybe Kuemper too. I really can’t see a scenario where Holland doesn’t shake up the roster going forward.

Holland reportedly passed on Kotkaniemi in the Danault trade because he didn’t like the term. 6 years left. Speculation for me but given the shorter term contracts he’s handed out and the idea that he’s interested in Tkachuk, who has 2 years left, makes me think Petterson isn’t really on his radar.

Of the three pylon dmen Edmundson is the best of them so on one hand I fear he’s dealt but on the other so long as a more mobile LD comes back somehow someway than fine by me.

I hope Kuemper is traded but if it’s Forsberg so be it. Either one isn’t bringing back more than a 3rd/4th round draft pick. Gotta give Portillo a shot. And honestly what’s more likely: Kuemper rebounds to form or Forsberg sustains this level of play? Probably a crap shoot tbh.

I hope Holland is able to shake up the roster. Many teams are going to try and do the same.

 

[VCRW]

Ok I'm going to throw a few things that may be controversial.
1. I would trade or buy out Drew. He has regressed to
2nd possibly 3rd line skill level and if he stays and demands the C it will be a major setback for the team. We can use his 11mil better for the next seasons.
2. I would resign both Laughton & Kuzmenko…

Agree wholeheartedly that the Kings should make every attempt to move Drew this summer, specifically to Toronto now that Matthews is sounding like he wants a change. DD’s declarations about playing until he is 40 has changed the ground rules when it comes to deference to team legends. Let him grow older in his home town. Does anyone really think a coach in L.A. wouldn’t end up playing him 25 minutes/game if he is on the roster. Humility is not exactly in Drew’s character… if he is on the roster he will demand the #1 spot.

Yes to re-signing Laughton. No to Kuzmenko. I’d rather give Chromiak (@ $775,000) a shot at RW3/PP2 after his breakout season in Ontario.

 

[VCRW]

Matthews makes sense but you’re right that there’s seemingly no trade fit. Unless Matthews demands a trade to LA then things get really interesting…

Start with Drew Doughty + + +… it’s too perfect not to attempt.

 

[DarkLeftHand]

Holland reportedly passed on Kotkaniemi in the Danault trade because he didn’t like the term. 6 years left. Speculation for me but given the shorter term contracts he’s handed out and the idea that he’s interested in Tkachuk, who has 2 years left, makes me think Petterson isn’t really on his radar.

Of the three pylon dmen Edmundson is the best of them so on one hand I fear he’s dealt but on the other so long as a more mobile LD comes back somehow someway than fine by me.

I hope Kuemper is traded but if it’s Forsberg so be it. Either one isn’t bringing back more than a 3rd/4th round draft pick. Gotta give Portillo a shot. And honestly what’s more likely: Kuemper rebounds to form or Forsberg sustains this level of play? Probably a crap shoot tbh.

I hope Holland is able to shake up the roster. Many teams are going to try and do the same.

I agree with you, that moving one of the goalies while they may have some percieved value makes sense, but I am not interested in doing so for a 3rd/4th round pick. If it’s in exchange for a Laughton type of player, I’d say that’s the best possible outcome. All that being said, if either one of those two guys comes back down to earth, and Portillo slots in for whoever is traded, that could have the makings of a disastrous season in net, so I don’t think Holland will be keen on trading either, if his ultimate goal is to compete for the duration of his tenure as GM.

I also think that the way this AVs/Wild series is currently playing out only serves to reinforce management’s ‘we were right there’ mentality, since it does appear the King’s gameplan vs the Avs was probably -anyones- most realistic shot at taking them down. All that is to say, we probably don’t see Holland make any sort of widespread shuffling.. he truly might be hyper-focused on figuring out how to trade Fiala(non factor at end of season and playoffs), for a guy like Brady Tkachuk(who would bring a much needed blood and guts mentality to this roster). Then swap out a guy like Edmundson for a mid level pick moving defender like DeAngelo.

 

[King of Pentacle5]

If Vancouver ends up drafting a defenseman with the 3rd overall pick, I think Pettersson becomes a less likely option.

I'd really like to see them target Tkachuk as I think we have assets we could trade in order to acquire him. Even though he's not a center, I think he should be a prime target.

I was thinking the Kings would be all-in on Matthews, based on a few comments circling around out there, but I can't imagine what we have available to pull that one off without making the team significantly worse in the process.

Mathew’s salary brings issues as well. That’s A LOT of money for one player that’s shown to disappear in the POs.

 

[The Nuts]

Holland reportedly passed on Kotkaniemi in the Danault trade because he didn’t like the term. 6 years left. Speculation for me but given the shorter term contracts he’s handed out and the idea that he’s interested in Tkachuk, who has 2 years left, makes me think Petterson isn’t really on his radar.

Of the three pylon dmen Edmundson is the best of them so on one hand I fear he’s dealt but on the other so long as a more mobile LD comes back somehow someway than fine by me.

I hope Kuemper is traded but if it’s Forsberg so be it. Either one isn’t bringing back more than a 3rd/4th round draft pick. Gotta give Portillo a shot. And honestly what’s more likely: Kuemper rebounds to form or Forsberg sustains this level of play? Probably a crap shoot tbh.

I hope Holland is able to shake up the roster. Many teams are going to try and do the same.

Ya gotta look at what he said.
He is trying to improve team.
We are fine in D.
We need C's
Edmu very important as Clarkes partner, top offensive D unit.
Cant move him without getting a replacement or piece coming back so why bother.

MA and DD set as top shutdown d.
Better be Kuemper and I would think he is worth a 2nd .
Ken has to unclog the goalie pipeline and not lose Portillo on waivers. He is scouting the Reign series.
Kuemper crumbled after head injury, he is the oldest and most expensive, he goes.
Forsberg came through on the clutch.
Seems Ken wants his moves mostly expiring when he leaves.

 

[The Nuts]

I agree with you, that moving one of the goalies while they may have some percieved value makes sense, but I am not interested in doing so for a 3rd/4th round pick. If it’s in exchange for a Laughton type of player, I’d say that’s the best possible outcome. All that being said, if either one of those two guys comes back down to earth, and Portillo slots in for whoever is traded, that could have the makings of a disastrous season in net, so I don’t think Holland will be keen on trading either, if his ultimate goal is to compete for the duration of his tenure as GM.

I also think that the way this AVs/Wild series is currently playing out only serves to reinforce management’s ‘we were right there’ mentality, since it does appear the King’s gameplan vs the Avs was probably -anyones- most realistic shot at taking them down. All that is to say, we probably don’t see Holland make any sort of widespread shuffling.. he truly might be hyper-focused on figuring out how to trade Fiala(non factor at end of season and playoffs), for a guy like Brady Tkachuk(who would bring a much needed blood and guts mentality to this roster). Then swap out a guy like Edmundson for a mid level pick moving defender like DeAngelo.

Apart from your opinions on the player, what are the tells that show Ken is trying to trade Fiala?
He said we are affine on D and need more O.
Brady gonna cost a lot more than a Fiala, as well.

 

[The Nuts]

Start with Drew Doughty + + +… it’s too perfect not to attempt.

And the +++ would have to be Byfield or Clarke.
No one trading AM for a 40 year old

 

[DryKing]

Mathew’s salary brings issues as well. That’s A LOT of money for one player that’s shown to disappear in the POs.

Valid point, but I think Matthews is worth the money and risk. Also, to be fair, Matthews has 59 points in 68 games (0.87 PPG) which is pretty healthy.

My main concern with Matthews is that he seems to be streaky, but I think he will have a career similar to Ovechkin (0.91 PPG in the playoffs), with slightly less points but better defensive play, and that contract will end up being a deal in the end.

 

[Halfwall]

If Holland thinks our defense is 'fine' that's hilarious.

Fine for tanking. The team currently has 2 middle pairs and no top or bottom pairs.