The impetus was Hiller as he benched him in the playoffs, and gave Ken feedback.
Just like Gav, Hiller pissed guys off.
And he's gone so it was all for naught.
Danault too and seemed like Foegle too.
The Kings are a freaking mess.
Acquired Pan and now selling, thank God.
This year was just plain painful as they were in and fell out now the other teams have taken their place in the playoffs.
I agree. The problem was most likely Jim with his inability to handle players in a way that would be constructive and confidence boosting. He managed to break this team in one offseason.
Wanted more reliable bottom pairing guys, Ken trades Spence for a measly 2nd rounder and then massively overpays for 2 underwhelming stay at home D-men. Surely the locker room loved that.
He "demoted" Danault line after they failed to perform up to their last season's standards for 3 friggin' games at the start of this season, thus p*ssing off at least 2 players. TO is also so bad this year he's likely p*ssed off, too, or has crushed confidence, but probably doesn't want a trade away from his home state.
He likely shot Turcotte's confidence in the process, too, as he was the "odd man out", "5th wheel" center for quite a long while despite Danault's sulking that was a result of Hiller's mishandling.
He was unable to utilize Byfield properly and nurture his confidence, though we still need to see if DJ manages to handle Byfield better.
It's a good riddance indeed, but sadly at least 5 or so games too late. I fear the Kings will finish out of the top 3 lottery and out of the top 10 pick range, and of course miss the playoffs, too.
