Free agency/off season
- Thread starter K-Man #32
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HeadInjury
2 Late to Change My Name
Lock up Laughton? Yes. If you saw his exit interview, he seemed sincerely interested in staying.
Let Kuzmenko go? I think so. Panarin is essential his replacement.
Trade Kuemper? I also think so. Unfortunately, we won't get much for him. But Portillo needs to move up.
Trade Edmundson? Yes. Only because we need to move at least two of the bottom three d-men and he's most likely to draw interest. Maybe find a taker for Dumoulin at 50% retained.
No to Elias.
Laughton (hopefully) and Kenny Connors for the middle-six centers.
I would trade Turcotte, except he's on a minimum contract and has no significant value, so keep him since we are thin at center.
The biggest need to me is a legit #1 LD to pair with Clarke. Whatever assets we can afford to trade should go toward that. I don't see a suitable free agent on the market.
Let Kuzmenko go? I think so. Panarin is essential his replacement.
Trade Kuemper? I also think so. Unfortunately, we won't get much for him. But Portillo needs to move up.
Trade Edmundson? Yes. Only because we need to move at least two of the bottom three d-men and he's most likely to draw interest. Maybe find a taker for Dumoulin at 50% retained.
No to Elias.
Laughton (hopefully) and Kenny Connors for the middle-six centers.
I would trade Turcotte, except he's on a minimum contract and has no significant value, so keep him since we are thin at center.
The biggest need to me is a legit #1 LD to pair with Clarke. Whatever assets we can afford to trade should go toward that. I don't see a suitable free agent on the market.
I would keep Kuz as we have a need for more offense. And he entertaining. I would try to move Drew, as tough of a decision as that is. He still has the fire and desire, but he just can’t keep up with the current NHL speed.
Not sure how they can pull it off, but Ceci has to go.
Trade Kuemper to a team that needs a 1B goalie. Vegas needs a goalie bad.
Not sure how they can pull it off, but Ceci has to go.
Trade Kuemper to a team that needs a 1B goalie. Vegas needs a goalie bad.
I'd love to say goodbye to Ceci, for sure. We need a quality center; a 1st or 2nd pairing defenseman.
I think most of us are agreed on what we need, and what we don't want. One area that I might differ is Kuemper. Guy was a Vezina candidate discussion the prior year, and the first half of this season I felt he kept us in games. So...what's the real cause of his slump? Injury? Confidence? He's got all summer to get his game back, and if he does we want him. With his game back we have two legitimate 1st goalies with Forsberg, and THAT is the time to make a trade. Not when he's fallen so far.
I think most of us are agreed on what we need, and what we don't want. One area that I might differ is Kuemper. Guy was a Vezina candidate discussion the prior year, and the first half of this season I felt he kept us in games. So...what's the real cause of his slump? Injury? Confidence? He's got all summer to get his game back, and if he does we want him. With his game back we have two legitimate 1st goalies with Forsberg, and THAT is the time to make a trade. Not when he's fallen so far.
JayWells24
Top Forward
I just hope KH doesn't try to blow smoke up the fans rear end tomorrow. The reporters need to ask him:
+ Why did our Alternate team captain decide to leave in the middle of the season?
+ Our best third line player from last season coming off a career year all of a sudden went in the crapper?
+ Why was Hiller brought back in the first place? (most irritating one for me personally)
+ Why is Lucy still here? (although that technically is not incumbent upon him to answer)
+ Why isn't a rebuild the better option at this point?
Should be an interesting end of season press conference. I am sure reporters will also ask him about DJ. I don't think necessarily we need a decision on that yet.
+ Why did our Alternate team captain decide to leave in the middle of the season?
+ Our best third line player from last season coming off a career year all of a sudden went in the crapper?
+ Why was Hiller brought back in the first place? (most irritating one for me personally)
+ Why is Lucy still here? (although that technically is not incumbent upon him to answer)
+ Why isn't a rebuild the better option at this point?
Should be an interesting end of season press conference. I am sure reporters will also ask him about DJ. I don't think necessarily we need a decision on that yet.
Johnnysuede71
3rd Line Winger
I know we all love his game and his attitude but 4-5 Mil per year for a perennial 3rd/4th liner who's a career -48 is pretty much all you need to know about how surreal the NHL salary situation has become.
Reminds me of baseball when relief pitchers who are average/below average are getting upwards of 5-7 mil per year. And the excuse is "Yeah, that's just the going rate these days no matter what!" And I'm like... "WTF?"
(Not saying Laughton is bad, just what these dudes are expecting because "that's how it is".)
NothingBut5Hole
Prospect
Team doesn't need to make a splash this off-season that is going to require top prospects heading out. I would have loved to see what Greentree would have developed into instead the hasty move made for Panarin.......but that's me.
DarkLeftHand
Super Star
That’s all that an appreciable salary cap jump really does, gives a few teams a brief window to resign their elite RFA’s on into perpetuity, and
‘hold them if they got them’.. otherwise, the rest of the market quickly acclimates, and everyone on the roster from top to bottom is just making whatever the percentage of uptick was on the overall cap.
Definitely doesn’t grant you much runway for loading up a roster, and it’s unfortunate that the kings are where they are at this point in time, because they don’t have anyone who really deserves a massive raise, but, you know certain guys are going to get them just because of ‘market value’
‘hold them if they got them’.. otherwise, the rest of the market quickly acclimates, and everyone on the roster from top to bottom is just making whatever the percentage of uptick was on the overall cap.
Definitely doesn’t grant you much runway for loading up a roster, and it’s unfortunate that the kings are where they are at this point in time, because they don’t have anyone who really deserves a massive raise, but, you know certain guys are going to get them just because of ‘market value’
dannybuoy1
Cause Mitchrock said so
Panarin is as much a replacement for Kuzmenko as I am a replacement for Puka Nacua.
DryKing
Power Forward
I agree and would also keep Kuz who has greatly improved his 2-way game, bought into the system and remains essential on the powerplay (even if it's PP2).
I've been impressed by how much of a team-first guy he has appeared to be.
DoubleMinor
Top Forward
Curious what the brain trust on this board thinks about the young players the Kings have, and whether any of them can fill some roster slots.
We saw Helenius, Mallot, Ward and Wright play. We also saw a bit of Lee over the past two years, and a short glimpse of Connors.
Do any of these guys play a bottom six role moving forward? Are any of them temporary seat fillers?
Personally I liked Wright. I think he can play in the NHL.
I thought Helenius was fine. Not terribly impressed nor do I see a ton of upside.
Ward and Mallot were ok-ish.
Connors just didn’t get enough time so I don’t know.
Lee has been up a few times. The most recent call up had me intrigued.
While none of them could replace Kuzy or Laughton skill/experience, they would certainly be less costly.
Just interested in what others have seen.
DryKing
Power Forward
I agree with you on Wright, I think he is a keeper. I really see him as a solid shutdown forward (bottom 6) guy. What likely leaves him on the 4th line is his current inability to score.
Helenius is a solid 4th line center and adds physical play that the Kings badly need. He also can chip one in, here and there, and doesn't seem to get intimidated by the moment. As to upside, though, I agree that he may have already reached his ceiling but will still benefit from additional experience.
I don't see Mallot, Ward or Connors as NHL caliber players. Mallot is decent as he can skate and mix it up, but doesn't offer enough to stay at the NHL level. Ward has a good wrist shot and is decent overall, but better suited for the AHL. Connors I just haven't seen anything, yet, to be impressed with.
Lee, I feel, has earned his shot by how he has played this season in the AHL. I'm not clear where his ceiling is, but he has vastly improved over the previous season when it comes to almost all facets of his game. Lord has praised him for his consistent performance in checking, physicality, and on the penalty kill, effort, development and ability to play with any linemate. I'm not sure if he will end up being an NHL forward, but the growth has been impressive.
Booth I would like to see more of at the NHL level. He didn't look that impressive to me in his NHL game (though he did score a goal), but hearing how his Reign teammates talk about him leads me to believe there could be something there.
Brz I think is a keeper. Listening to his interview, there is an intelligence there that will lead to success in this league, when combined with his physical skill. I'm guess he needs 1-2 seasons in the AHL before joining the Kings roster, though.
Wooley I think could earn a role with the Kings as soon as midway through next season. I have very high hopes for him and the mentality he brings to the locker room. I really hope this guy pans out the way I think he could.
Slukynsky I feel is ready for the NHL next season. Sure that may be rushing things a bit, but this guy is a winner. Logically the Kings could keep him in the AHL next season as there is bound to be an adjustment, but I feel he could step into a backup role next season and continue his forward momentum.
hokiecat
Super Star
They all seem like replacement level players.
Wright seems like Austin Wagner. Helenius is fine like you said-- not overly impressive and probably already at his ceiling.
Ward and Mallot are OK-ish.
Need more games from Connors. He might be good. He's older (22 already) but jumped into the AHL and produced.
Lee seems like Mallot with more skilll and less snarl. He looks like he could be a decent 4th liner but he's also 25.
I don't like paying Laughton is big salary to center the third line. That said, we were kind of doing the same thing with Daneault. So shruggie.
DryKing
Power Forward
Good callout on Laughton. The average NHL 3rd line center makes between $1.5-2.5m AAV, which means Laughton ($3m AAV) is already on the high end. I don't know how much more his agent hopes to bring in (it's understandable he would be looking to get a pay increase from his last contract), but given he really does not provide much scoring I really can't see paying him much more as he has already reached his peak and has declined since.
VCRW
Classic player
I was going to bring up Danault’s contract as a precedent. Good call.
And Dean gave Handzus $4 million per season!
Bollocks
Super Star
Offsense:
I read in one of the threads that QB was injured twice this season with nagging injuries that allowed him to play, but affected him in a negative way. He was quite a productive player in his last 20-odd games and showed much improved faceoff %. I think he earned the 1C position opportunity and it's not like a player like Elias (who is IMO the only realistic legitimate #1C trade option from the viewpoint of asset cost) would magically make this team that much better, so I'm officially off the Elias bandwagon. Still, it would be wise for Ken to ask about the asking price for Matthews, Nylander, Thomas and Hischier.
Resign Laughton. If Laughton doesn't want to resign look at Coyle, Roslovic, Dickinson, maybe Haula or Blueger for the 3C spot.
Look into trading for a legitimate 2C if none of the #1C targets are reachable (most likely scenario) - Zacha, Strome, Eriksson Ek, Beniers etc. If there's no success for a reasonable price hope Laughton or one of the above mentioned UFA centers rise to the occasion and make due with what you have. If there's a flat out failure to acquire #2 and #3 C just go with Turcotte and Connors at #3 and Laf at #2 and hope for the best.
Resign Kuzmenko, should be a cheap, short term deal.
Try to sign a middle 6 veteran winger that could make losing a player like Moore or Laferriere along with Armia easier to swallow. Arvidsson, McMann, Schwartz, Mantha, Mikheyev, Tolvanen, Bjorkstrand, Andersson, Tarasenko, Laine are some of the (AFAIK) still UFA-to-be wingers...
Defense:
It seems the Kings will be stuck with the DD-Clarke punch at RD for at least one more season. Find a top 4 LD in a trade as there's no one worth a damn in UFA market.
Goal:
Trade either Forsberg of Kuemper. Whoever nets a better return goes. Perhaps keeping Kuemper would be the more sensible approach as he got hosed this season by that injury and he's been a real trooper.
So, all in all before training camp:
Out: Laferriere or Moore, one of the goalie prospects (Carter George almost certainly seems to be the odd man out with Slukynsky signed), #1 draft pick (which should have very decent value to a GM looking to gamble on the Kings failing to make the playoffs next season), Armia, one of the Kings' current goalies, Dumo or Joel (both should have some trade value if some salary is retained), a couple of #2/#3 picks (which should be provided by trading away some of the pieces mentioned).
In: Laughton/UFA #3C, #2C trade (but not at all costs), top 4 LD trade (a must), middle 6 winger UFA
Ideally that makes the roster before camp:
Panarin - QB - Kempe
Fiala - 2C (trade) - Laferriere/UFA
Kuzmenko - Laughton/UFA - Moore/UFA
Lee, Turcotte, Helenius, Connors, Ward, Wright, Chromiak - have them battle it out at the camp.
Mikey - Clarke
LD (trade) - DD
Dumo/Joel - Ceci
Moverare
Forsberg/Kuemper - Portillo
Maybe Ken could eventually offload two of Dumo/Joel/Ceci (instead of just one) if either Booth, Woolley or Bruz coming out of the training camp door knocking hard and there's a team in need for a veteran D-man down the stretch. The salary retained would be easy to swallow given that they would be replaced with rookie contracts.
This is one scenario that I think is realistic and where - if Ken plays his cards right - this team can improve a bit (not without risk of regression, of course) without being gutted of future assets.
I read in one of the threads that QB was injured twice this season with nagging injuries that allowed him to play, but affected him in a negative way. He was quite a productive player in his last 20-odd games and showed much improved faceoff %. I think he earned the 1C position opportunity and it's not like a player like Elias (who is IMO the only realistic legitimate #1C trade option from the viewpoint of asset cost) would magically make this team that much better, so I'm officially off the Elias bandwagon. Still, it would be wise for Ken to ask about the asking price for Matthews, Nylander, Thomas and Hischier.
Resign Laughton. If Laughton doesn't want to resign look at Coyle, Roslovic, Dickinson, maybe Haula or Blueger for the 3C spot.
Look into trading for a legitimate 2C if none of the #1C targets are reachable (most likely scenario) - Zacha, Strome, Eriksson Ek, Beniers etc. If there's no success for a reasonable price hope Laughton or one of the above mentioned UFA centers rise to the occasion and make due with what you have. If there's a flat out failure to acquire #2 and #3 C just go with Turcotte and Connors at #3 and Laf at #2 and hope for the best.
Resign Kuzmenko, should be a cheap, short term deal.
Try to sign a middle 6 veteran winger that could make losing a player like Moore or Laferriere along with Armia easier to swallow. Arvidsson, McMann, Schwartz, Mantha, Mikheyev, Tolvanen, Bjorkstrand, Andersson, Tarasenko, Laine are some of the (AFAIK) still UFA-to-be wingers...
Defense:
It seems the Kings will be stuck with the DD-Clarke punch at RD for at least one more season. Find a top 4 LD in a trade as there's no one worth a damn in UFA market.
Goal:
Trade either Forsberg of Kuemper. Whoever nets a better return goes. Perhaps keeping Kuemper would be the more sensible approach as he got hosed this season by that injury and he's been a real trooper.
So, all in all before training camp:
Out: Laferriere or Moore, one of the goalie prospects (Carter George almost certainly seems to be the odd man out with Slukynsky signed), #1 draft pick (which should have very decent value to a GM looking to gamble on the Kings failing to make the playoffs next season), Armia, one of the Kings' current goalies, Dumo or Joel (both should have some trade value if some salary is retained), a couple of #2/#3 picks (which should be provided by trading away some of the pieces mentioned).
In: Laughton/UFA #3C, #2C trade (but not at all costs), top 4 LD trade (a must), middle 6 winger UFA
Ideally that makes the roster before camp:
Panarin - QB - Kempe
Fiala - 2C (trade) - Laferriere/UFA
Kuzmenko - Laughton/UFA - Moore/UFA
Lee, Turcotte, Helenius, Connors, Ward, Wright, Chromiak - have them battle it out at the camp.
Mikey - Clarke
LD (trade) - DD
Dumo/Joel - Ceci
Moverare
Forsberg/Kuemper - Portillo
Maybe Ken could eventually offload two of Dumo/Joel/Ceci (instead of just one) if either Booth, Woolley or Bruz coming out of the training camp door knocking hard and there's a team in need for a veteran D-man down the stretch. The salary retained would be easy to swallow given that they would be replaced with rookie contracts.
This is one scenario that I think is realistic and where - if Ken plays his cards right - this team can improve a bit (not without risk of regression, of course) without being gutted of future assets.