I am totally okay with Matt Qroy leaving. Not worth the money he is gonna get. Let him get it.
I have been fine with Roy. He’s been pretty solid and consistent.
Before the playoff series I was beginning to think it was his swan sing due to free agency. After the series I was firmly convinced that he would move on.
His playoff series performance was not good. And it certainly wasn’t worthy of a long and expensive contract.
He will get some serious offers in dollars and term, well beyond what he is worth. That’s Free Agency.
I would be OK keeping Roy at $4M or so. But he will sign for more than that. And he’s just not worth it.
I don’t think Clarke is ready for anything more than third-pair and PP time. And I don’t think Spence is ready for second-pair yet or perhaps ever.
That’s the conundrum.
Clarke has to start playing in the NHL. It’s gonna be a learning curve for him. But at some point you gotta start the process.
What I think needs to happen is probably a trade or two that sends Spence out and we get a solid righty D for 2-3 years, either via trade or FA. Who that is, I can’t even guess. But this would avoid a stupid payday for Roy, get Clarke in the Kings lineup, and a seat warmer on the second-pair.
Now, I also think there needs to be a move with the third pair …Englund is just not enough. I like that he’s big and mean. But I don’t like that he is slow as molasses and makes some rather dumb decisions. Clarke would need a less erratic partner.
The guy who I would be tempted to pair with Clarke is Martinez. Yep, he’s old and has a ton of mileage. But he could surely be a great mentor. And god knows we could use someone (anyone) who is interested in blocking shots.
That’s my take. While I don’t dislike Roy as a #2 D, I can’t believe he’s vital to the point of overpayment.