Gabe Vilardi?

[Reg or Rog?]

Wait what? You think TM hasn't given Vilardi an honest shot? Is TM a dishonest coach?

I wouldn't go that far, but it would be nice if Gabe had the same treatment as say, Alex Iafallo. Vilardi's on the short leash while AI is constantly given too much rope, in my always humble opinion.

I still think there's something going on we don't know about. Or maybe's it's as simple as Coach Todd doesn't like Gabe. Personality conflict perhaps?

Whatever it is, it's weird. Iafallo out there playing The Invisible Man yet seemingly never missing a shift. Gabe has one off game, and he's toast. At last that's what my eyes saw...then again I did miss quite a few games recently.

Was Gabe blowing chunks again or what?

 

[jt]

TM did the same thing with Teddy Purcell in 2009-2010... Unfortunately, Vilardi reminds me a little of Purcell.

I wouldn't go that far, but it would be nice if Gabe had the same treatment as say, Alex Iafallo. Vilardi's on the short leash while AI is constantly given too much rope, in my always humble opinion.

I still think there's something going on we don't know about. Or maybe's it's as simple as Coach Todd doesn't like Gabe. Personality conflict perhaps?

Whatever it is, it's weird. Iafallo out there playing The Invisible Man yet seemingly never missing a shift. Gabe has one off game, and he's toast. At last that's what my eyes saw...then again I did miss quite a few games recently.

Was Gabe blowing chunks again or what?

Let me see if I have this straight.

Todd McLellan (and Terry Murray before him) coach by playing lesser players because of personal dislikes not related to skill or game play. And they do this to the detriment of the team, and their GMs are ok with it (which would have to be true because they don't fire them).

 

[Reg or Rog?]

Let me see if I have this straight.

Todd McLellan (and Terry Murray before him) coach by playing lesser players because of personal dislikes not related to skill or game play. And they do this to the detriment of the team, and their GMs are ok with it (which would have to be true because they don't fire them).

I have no idea. You're asking the wrong guy.

Last I saw, it was The Champagne Line, or something close...with Gabe and Byfield and Kaliyev...once again, I think, but I might be wrong. It was an exciting line...maybe it was Kupari not Kaliyev...and they were creating a lot of chances, if not goals. But they were fun to watch.

Unfortunately, I've been AWOL for the last few weeks...and when I had time I checked the results on ESPN.com, there was no Vilardi listed on the stat sheets. I Googled his name and it said he was back with Ontario. But Jammer said he's been a healthy scratch.

So once again, I am clueless and you're asking the wrong Kings fan. I was purely speculating. And no doubt I was wrong.

All I know is I had high hopes for Gabe, and he's no longer playing. I got to watch the game tonight...no Gabe.

 

[Reg or Rog?]

I did find this article from two days ago, which pretty much answers most of my questions. Ouch. It sounds rather bleak for Gabe regarding his future here in LA.

Once again, I have trouble understanding why the coach has so much patience with some players and not others. I mean, he's still only 22 years old. I guess that's considered old for a prospect these days....

https://thehockeywriters.com/kings-face-difficult-decisions-vilardi-future/

 

[Helvetica]

I wouldn't go that far, but it would be nice if Gabe had the same treatment as say, Alex Iafallo. Vilardi's on the short leash while AI is constantly given too much rope, in my always humble opinion.

I still think there's something going on we don't know about. Or maybe's it's as simple as Coach Todd doesn't like Gabe. Personality conflict perhaps?

im going to disagree with this assessment. The issue with Gabe has seemingly been effort, attitude, and reliability. Iaffalo has never really had that problem. And i think maybe some of us are confusing a lack of production for a lack of effort. Iaffalo may have disappeared from the score sheet, but he generally still manages the puck well. He's also got a much longer track record of performance. Vilardi has a significantly shorter tenure here, and it's been riddled with issues of consistency and effort. It's also worth pointing out that Iaffalo is down on the "4th line", so it's not like coach is oblivious to the lack of production. Iaffalo has been demoted to some extent.

I don't see this as a coach playing favorites, so much as a coach knowing the identity of the team and playing the guys who are doing the little things that keep the team moving in the right direction.

I also think fans give way too much credence to the notion that coaches don't play young guys simply because they don't like them. That really never happens.

 

[Reg or Rog?]

im going to disagree with this assessment. The issue with Gabe has seemingly been effort, attitude, and reliability. Iaffalo has never really had that problem. And i think maybe some of us are confusing a lack of production for a lack of effort. Iaffalo may have disappeared from the score sheet, but he generally still manages the puck well. He's also got a much longer track record of performance. Vilardi has a significantly shorter tenure here, and it's been riddled with issues of consistency and effort. It's also worth pointing out that Iaffalo is down on the "4th line", so it's not like coach is oblivious to the lack of production. Iaffalo has been demoted to some extent.

I don't see this as a coach playing favorites, so much as a coach knowing the identity of the team and playing the guys who are doing the little things that keep the team moving in the right direction.

I also think fans give way too much credence to the notion that coaches don't play young guys simply because they don't like them. That really never happens.

Unfortunately, I didn't get to see any games since the Kraken game last month and Vilardi looked great. I'm sure he was sent down for a good reason. But since I haven't seen any games recently, I obviously don't know what the hell I'm talking about. Evidently a lot can change in a month. But man was he playing well and that line was very exciting.

Bummer. I had high hopes for the kid.

On the bright side, I'm glad I put off buying a Vilardi jersey because it sure sounds like he's gone. Hopefully a change of scenery will help. But I'll be rooting for him wherever he goes.

 

[Bojanglz]

Worrisome in the long-term picture that Vilardi and Byfield played themselves out of the line-up. Not what you want to see from 1st round picks. Now granted, the opposite has happened on defense, with Durzi and Spence playing themselves INTO the line-up and staying there.

Agreed. However, Byfield just got drafted and Vilardi has been with the system for a bit yet on IR most of the time. I begin to wonder if it isn't time to move on from Vilardi and see if they can use him in a package to get a top 6. Next season, I hope Byfield gets more playing time with them though vs Ontario.

 

[Nyssa42]

Pretty sure Vilardi is getting moved over the summer. Byfield had a rough season - he'll get a better chance next season. Coach played him hard in the 3rd last night to give him experience (and hopefully kick start him into using his size and speed!!) The 4 guys who sit behind me & some others in my section were all making the same comments we make here - The dude is a giant but plays like he's Lizotte-sized. Byfield DID have one really great shift there in the 3rd where his line dominated, and the crowd even gave a very nice ovation after that shift.

 

[Helvetica]

Bummer. I had high hopes for the kid.

There's still time for him. He hasn't played that much over the past several years (~130 games across NHL and AHL). TBH, i expect him to be traded, but i think a different team might do him some good.

 

[DryKing]

I think the problem with Vilardi is that he doesn't have confidence in TM giving him a honest shot. He probably feels like he is om a short leach. Yes he is 22 but some players mature alittle late. If the Kings were not in a playoff hunt, he would be playing more with the Kings.

Agreed it's a lack of confidence, but also a lack of speed keeping him out of the lineup. I think Vilardi will be a solid contributor if he gets steady playing time to help him develop his quickness (traits to overcome his lack of speed physically as well as an ability to mentally process the game faster) but it is seemingly less and less likely that he is a long term fit for the Kings until they begin balancing speed with size. Put him on a team like Boston and I think he will start lighting the lamp regularly.

 

[DarkLeftHand]

I think it’s time for the kings to start looking at mitigating the damage of wasted first round picks. Rob Blake should mentally frame things from the standpoint of Trevor Moore, AA, and Danault being those 1st rounders, rather than vilardi Turcotte and Byfield. It will be folly if he doesn’t move to re-sign AA, as it looks like we’ve found two wingers who can play with kopitar and still be productive without being reliant on Kopi. Imagine if we’d taken a flier on tarasenko in the off-season, drafted boldly/zegras/caufield rather than Turcotte, and stutzle instead of Byfield. Whoa daddy..

Before anyone gets crazy and starts telling me I’m over reacting or panicking, I definitely think you need to look earlier in the thread to see the info posted about young forwards, when they peak, and what to expect in terms of growth. This is not they old NHL where it was unheard of for forwards to produce in the league from day one unless they are generational. Just look at the guys I listed above, who we missed on in the Turcotte selection. I’m also not saying the Kings management was wrong for drafting who they did, as these guys were the consensus pick at the time. What I am saying is.. best to move on, try and swindle another GM while these players still have percieved value, or.. hold right and temper your expectations dramatically for their futures

 

[sonnyboy11]

Pretty sure Vilardi is getting moved over the summer. Byfield had a rough season - he'll get a better chance next season. Coach played him hard in the 3rd last night to give him experience (and hopefully kick start him into using his size and speed!!) The 4 guys who sit behind me & some others in my section were all making the same comments we make here - The dude is a giant but plays like he's Lizotte-sized. Byfield DID have one really great shift there in the 3rd where his line dominated, and the crowd even gave a very nice ovation after that shift.

Yea, that shift was definitely the highlight for him. I was selfishly thinking up to that point "come on, get it going, Quinton" since I had donned my newly pressed Byfield jersey for the game! Overall I thought he had decent enough on-ice presence. But next year the org will expect a helluva lot more out of him.

 

[#1Conacherfan]

I think it’s time for the kings to start looking at mitigating the damage of wasted first round picks. Rob Blake should mentally frame things from the standpoint of Trevor Moore, AA, and Danault being those 1st rounders, rather than vilardi Turcotte and Byfield. It will be folly if he doesn’t move to re-sign AA, as it looks like we’ve found two wingers who can play with kopitar and still be productive without being reliant on Kopi. Imagine if we’d taken a flier on tarasenko in the off-season, drafted boldly/zegras/caufield rather than Turcotte, and stutzle instead of Byfield. Whoa daddy..

Before anyone gets crazy and starts telling me I’m over reacting or panicking, I definitely think you need to look earlier in the thread to see the info posted about young forwards, when they peak, and what to expect in terms of growth. This is not they old NHL where it was unheard of for forwards to produce in the league from day one unless they are generational. Just look at the guys I listed above, who we missed on in the Turcotte selection. I’m also not saying the Kings management was wrong for drafting who they did, as these guys were the consensus pick at the time. What I am saying is.. best to move on, try and swindle another GM while these players still have percieved value, or.. hold right and temper your expectations dramatically for their futures

I agree with this post but I think the jury is still out on Byfield. Moore, AA, and Danault would be solid first round picks for any team. Unfortunately, to build a contender, Blake needed at least 1 elite forward from this rebuild for long-term cap considerations. Just looking at the top teams in the league and their forward development, it seems like most elite (~ 1 PPG or more forwards) either hit the ground running immediately or have 1 full season where they score around a .5 PPG pace then hit their average production number the season after. If Byfield doesn't get at least 30-40 points next year in a full season, I would start to get worried. I feel like the ceilings for Villardi, Turcotte, and Kupari are 2nd line players at best, which is not to be discounted, but not what the teams needs to really contend. Kaliyev has a chance to flourish, we'll see next year.

I didn't mention defense prospects however, which is a whole other story. I hope whatever trade happens is for a forward on an entry level contract.

 

[DryKing]

I think it’s time for the kings to start looking at mitigating the damage of wasted first round picks. Rob Blake should mentally frame things from the standpoint of Trevor Moore, AA, and Danault being those 1st rounders, rather than vilardi Turcotte and Byfield. It will be folly if he doesn’t move to re-sign AA, as it looks like we’ve found two wingers who can play with kopitar and still be productive without being reliant on Kopi. Imagine if we’d taken a flier on tarasenko in the off-season, drafted boldly/zegras/caufield rather than Turcotte, and stutzle instead of Byfield. Whoa daddy.

I agree for the most part, but a couple challenges: 1) the kings aren't able to predict injuries, which is what has held back Turcotte. When healthly, Boldy or Caufield cannot hold a candle to Turcotte and as great as Zegras is offensively it's pretty much a wash of trading offense for complete game. If Turcotte turns out to be a bust, it will be due to lost development time due to injury and not poor drafting. 2) I would still take Byfield over Stutzle every day of the week. Stulzle's current game (offense only) wouldn't survive on the Kings. Sure he looks slick on offense and has a ton of skill but he is leading the team with a -24 and will be tough to keep on the ice come playoff time or when defending a tight lead (which the Kings are known for).

If Byfield doesn't get at least 30-40 points next year in a full season, I would start to get worried. I feel like the ceilings for Villardi, Turcotte, and Kupari are 2nd line players at best, which is not to be discounted, but not what the teams needs to really contend. Kaliyev has a chance to flourish, we'll see next year.

I didn't mention defense prospects however, which is a whole other story. I hope whatever trade happens is for a forward on an entry level contract.

100% agree on Byfield, we will need to see meaningful progression next season which should equate to a minimum of 30+ points. Oddly I am of the opposite view on Kupari and Kaliyev. I've seen enough flashes from Kupari to have faith that he has the potential to turn into a top line winger. Much of it is due to his skating, and these rare flashes where is becomes physically dominant with driving the zone. Additionally he has a good shot and seems to be processing the game faster and faster. Kaliyev, however, I don't see advancing past a solid 2nd/3rd line forward and hopefully PP specialist role. He's gotten a lot better on the boards, carrying the puck and in terms of possession but I don't see him getting too far above average in the defensive zone. His shot power is good, but lately his shot placement has been suffering due to limited time to get off the shot / ability to skate with the puck and get into a high quality shooting position. His development has been pretty awesome to watch though, and he seems to be all in on working to improve all aspects of his game.

Also agree on trading for a forward on an entry level contract - still hoping we can pull off a trade for a player such as Lafreniere.

 

[Kurisu]

Kaliyev, however, I don't see advancing past a solid 2nd/3rd line forward and hopefully PP specialist role.

I'll take it. It just so happens that his most promising attribute perfectly matches with perhaps our greatest need.

 

[Helvetica]

FWIW, Kaliyev's all around game has improved remarkably in one season, and the guy has 13 goals from the 3rd/4th line, with Lizotte as the centerman. He's averaging 12:40 ice time a game, which is essentially 4th line minutes, and is playing 2nd PP time. There is absolutely room for his offense to grow.

 

[DryKing]

FWIW, Kaliyev's all around game has improved remarkably in one season, and the guy has 13 goals from the 3rd/4th line, with Lizotte as the centerman. He's averaging 12:40 ice time a game, which is essentially 4th line minutes, and is playing 2nd PP time. There is absolutely room for his offense to grow.

Totally agree and we need him to, but do where do you view his potential. Top 3, Top 6, Bottom 6? I project him in the top 9, likely the 2nd or 3rd line. That is not a putdown to his ability or the work he has put in imo, actually quite the opposite.

 

[santiclaws]

Totally agree and we need him to, but do where do you view his potential. Top 3, Top 6, Bottom 6? I project him in the top 9, likely the 2nd or 3rd line. That is not a putdown to his ability or the work he has put in imo, actually quite the opposite.

I definitely see top 6 potential. 13 goals in limited minutes in his rookie season, while playing a defensively responsible game mostly on the 4th line and is very respectable. Impressive, even. I think he has potential for 30+ goals once he matures a bit, is playing with better players and is on the first PP unit. I wouldn't be surprised to see him pot near 20 just on the PP a couple of years from now.

 

[Helvetica]

Totally agree and we need him to, but do where do you view his potential. Top 3, Top 6, Bottom 6? I project him in the top 9, likely the 2nd or 3rd line. That is not a putdown to his ability or the work he has put in imo, actually quite the opposite.

On a contending team, he's probably middle six w/ top pp line potential, and i think 20-25 goals next season isnt out of reach depending on who he plays with and how much time he gets.

My personal feeling is that he gets a shot on the Kopitar line next season, and we see if that works out. I dont think he has the speed for 1st line, but on a team like the Kings, maybe it works. I think he winds up playing on Byfield's wing if 1st line doesn't pan out, which, if Byfield can take a step could get real interesting.

 

[DryKing]

I definitely see top 6 potential. 13 goals in limited minutes in his rookie season, while playing a defensively responsible game mostly on the 4th line and is very respectable. Impressive, even. I think he has potential for 30+ goals once he matures a bit, is playing with better players and is on the first PP unit. I wouldn't be surprised to see him pot near 20 just on the PP a couple of years from now.

Totally agree that we need to get him on the 1st PP next season. When I think about how he projects going forward, I see him a bit like a Ryan Smyth (in terms of PP specialist/effectiveness but not necessarily style). I remember Smyth often being underrated and getting knocked for such a high percentage of his goals/points coming on the PP, but having that type of player on the Kings today would really be a blessing.

On a contending team, he's probably middle six w/ top pp line potential, and i think 20-25 goals next season isnt out of reach depending on who he plays with and how much time he gets.

My personal feeling is that he gets a shot on the Kopitar line next season, and we see if that works out. I dont think he has the speed for 1st line, but on a team like the Kings, maybe it works. I think he winds up playing on Byfield's wing if 1st line doesn't pan out, which, if Byfield can take a step could get real interesting.

This feels spot on to me. Out of all of our forward prospects it's impressive how quickly Kaliyev has grown, addressed and overcome his perceived deficiencies, and has been willing to muck it up on the 4th line to add value to the team. I can envision him becoming a 40 goal scorer at some point in the future, though, as you said, it will depend on the right linemates. Either way, though, I agree and expect him to take a big jump forward next season purely based on how quickly he has grown and adapted this season, and the skillset he possesses.