It’s The Half Way Point Of The Season

[Dr. Tran]

And the Kings are on pace for 90 points. Normally this gets you into the playoffs in the East but not the West. This year, who knows? If they want to end up with 95 points they need to play at a 60.88% pace. And to get to 100 points they need to play at a 67.1% pace. Right now they’re playing at a 54.88% pace. Normally I wouldn’t think either of those point totals were possible. At this point I think you are what you are. But those last 2 games gave me hope. Is it real or false hope, I don’t know. We need to go on a serious winning streak if we really want to be sure of making the playoffs.

 

[Bollocks]

Considering there is much less parity in the West this season and an unreal parity in the East, I predict the West will become sellers en-masse. The current sub-500 teams will likely be joined by Blackhawks (their team is quite underwhelming apart froim Bedard and a red-hot Bertuzzi that can cool down any moment as he has an unreal SPCT; generally poor D) and Utah (poor D, poor goaltending). Nashville I can see trying to make a push.

This increases the chances that the Kings make the playoffs, but they absolutely have to win the must-win games against the teams below them in the standings.

BTW, Brock Boeser with 1-2 mil retained, anyone? Signed through 2031/32, right shot winger, decent size, had a good showing in the couple of playoff campaigns in the past. Struggling a bit, so maybe wouldn't be super expensive.

 

[hokiecat]

Considering there is much less parity in the West this season and an unreal parity in the East, I predict the West will become sellers en-masse. The current sub-500 teams will likely be joined by Blackhawks (their team is quite underwhelming apart froim Bedard and a red-hot Bertuzzi that can cool down any moment as he has an unreal SPCT; generally poor D) and Utah (poor D, poor goaltending). Nashville I can see trying to make a push.

This increases the chances that the Kings make the playoffs, but they absolutely have to win the must-win games against the teams below them in the standings.

BTW, Brock Boeser with 1-2 mil retained, anyone? Signed through 2031/32, right shot winger, decent size, had a good showing in the couple of playoff campaigns in the past. Struggling a bit, so maybe wouldn't be super expensive.

I'd make the trade with nothing retained if we get him super cheap. With the cap going up the next 2 years, I think getting cost controlled talent is the biggest thing to do.

Boeser is having a terrible season though. And he has a full NMC so he'll have to want to come to LA. Hopefully it's buying low on a guy with 1 goal in 24 games. Id also pursue Garland and Petey.

 

[McSorleyFan]

Kings are on the downslide. 100+ point seasons will be no more and they'll be a playoff bubble team for a while. Kings are way more than 1 underperforming winger away from taking the next leap and winning a playoff round. Until there's a change in leadership and vision things won't change.

 

[DryKing]

I'd make the trade with nothing retained if we get him super cheap. With the cap going up the next 2 years, I think getting cost controlled talent is the biggest thing to do.

Boeser is having a terrible season though. And he has a full NMC so he'll have to want to come to LA. Hopefully it's buying low on a guy with 1 goal in 24 games. Id also pursue Garland and Petey.

Normally I would be right there with you (I was hoping he would sign with the Kings during FA this past summer) but given him performance and term I would want something retained. Chances are he can snap back, but he has never been a great skater or strong on the defensive side. Scoring is, to a high degree, what he is there for and with his scoring having dropped off so drastically this season, there has to be concern. He also does not seem to have the type of game/strengths that will age well (though he could be a surprise).

If he was available cheap, with salary retained, I'd say go for it, but as is I think there are quite a few better options out there.

 

[Bollocks]

I'd make the trade with nothing retained if we get him super cheap. With the cap going up the next 2 years, I think getting cost controlled talent is the biggest thing to do.

Boeser is having a terrible season though. And he has a full NMC so he'll have to want to come to LA. Hopefully it's buying low on a guy with 1 goal in 24 games. Id also pursue Garland and Petey.

Cost controlled is exactly why you throw in a 4rd rounder and make them retain a million or two (but they may not like the idea due to his term).

Buying low and hoping for the best (similar to Kuzmenko last season) is what the Kings should do, not buying high for a realistically still very low chance of significant success this season, especially not if it's a rental.

Pettersson is another interesting option. Another buy low situation, but a more significant cap retaining would be needed. He's also apparently struggling with a nagging injury, though, so it's questionable how much effort he can put in this season. But definitely something to consider for post-Kopitar-retirement era and as an "insurance" in case QB just can't find another gear as a center. Can't hurt to have 4 fellow Swedes on the team, either, since he also has a full NMC.

Garland is severely undersized and in his two stints in the playoffs he underperformed (unlike Boeser, and Pettersson in his first PO outing). A year older, too. I'd pass.

Normally I would be right there with you (I was hoping he would sign with the Kings during FA this past summer) but given him performance and term I would want something retained. Chances are he can snap back, but he has never been a great skater or strong on the defensive side. Scoring is, to a high degree, what he is there for and with his scoring having dropped off so drastically this season, there has to be concern. He also does not seem to have the type of game/strengths that will age well (though he could be a surprise).

If he was available cheap, with salary retained, I'd say go for it, but as is I think there are quite a few better options out there.

Which are these options in your opinion?

There's Schenn and Kadri, Kyrou is also interesting but has an even higher cap hit and iffy playoff pedigree, Scheifele and Thomas aren't realistic.

 

[Clif]

Normally I would be right there with you (I was hoping he would sign with the Kings during FA this past summer) but given him performance and term I would want something retained. Chances are he can snap back, but he has never been a great skater or strong on the defensive side. Scoring is, to a high degree, what he is there for and with his scoring having dropped off so drastically this season, there has to be concern. He also does not seem to have the type of game/strengths that will age well (though he could be a surprise).

If he was available cheap, with salary retained, I'd say go for it, but as is I think there are quite a few better options out there.

Same, and this is not the team for anyone to regain a lost scoring touch.

I wanted Blake to pick up Boeser at the trade deadline and see how he’d fare here. But he’s on a seven year contract. He scored 40 once in VAN’s insane PDO year and 29 as a rookie. He’s never been worth what’s he’s been paid in VAN but provided they go full rebuild he’ll help them keep above the cap floor.

I’d be rather pick up old man Stamkos. No retention could mean he comes pretty cheap.

Pettersson is another interesting option. Another buy low situation, but a more significant cap retaining would be needed. He's also apparently struggling with a nagging injury, though, so it's questionable how much effort he can put in this season. But definitely something to consider for post-Kopitar-retirement era and as an "insurance" in case QB just can't find another gear as a center. Can't hurt to have 4 fellow Swedes on the team, either, since he also has a full NMC.

This is another albatross of a contract, however, nice guy Pettersson wouldn’t have locker room issues here. Any center Kings pick up is going to be flawed or else they wouldn’t be available. I also would be curious how he’d line up with Kempe.

 

[Bollocks]

Same, and this is not the team for anyone to regain a lost scoring touch.

I wanted Blake to pick up Boeser at the trade deadline and see how he’d fare here. But he’s on a seven year contract. He scored 40 once in VAN’s insane PDO year and 29 as a rookie. He’s never been worth what’s he’s been paid in VAN but provided they go full rebuild he’ll help them keep above the cap floor.

I’d be rather pick up old man Stamkos. No retention could mean he comes pretty cheap.


This is another albatross of a contract, however, nice guy Pettersson wouldn’t have locker room issues here. Any center Kings pick up is going to be flawed or else they wouldn’t be available. I also would be curious how he’d line up with Kempe.

Stamkos sure, IF Nashville is out of the race. They may not be if they find their game...they aren't getting any younger and are, similar to Kings, in a win-now mode.

Stamkos is getting hot recently, too, so we'd be buying high-ish...and he's old. He will be 38 when his contract is up. This is also his second down year in a row, so I have less faith for him to find his game long-term. He could very well turn out useless in the following seasons and virtually untradeable (whereas Boeser is much younger, a bit cheaper and would be easier to move even if he doesn't regain his old form). Also has NMC and I have a sneaking suspicion he'd prefer to be back with Tampa if NSH decides to sell and he doesn't keep the recent form up (and thus being affordable enough for them).


Unlike Stamkos, Pettersson has a much higher likelihood of being productive as a long term center option for the Kings in the future, and as you said - there won't be many options when it comes to finding your #1C.

 

[DryKing]

Which are these options in your opinion?

There's Schenn and Kadri, Kyrou is also interesting but has an even higher cap hit and iffy playoff pedigree, Scheifele and Thomas aren't realistic.

Good question and the caveat will be who becomes available and price. Some options may be (just looking at lower seated teams):

Centers: Kadri, Monahan, Zibanajad, Pinto

Wing: Mantha, Lafreniere, Holloway, Kyrou

You mentioned both Kadri and Kyrou. Kadri would actually be towards the top of my center list, Kyrou is a risk but I think (based on nothing by opinion) that he will turn things around - high risk though so I'd move him down the list a bit. Mantha, Laf and Holloway I think would be strong additions and I feel remain underrated. As others have mentioned, Mantha may have too high of value currently due to his strong season.

Pettersson, as you mentioned, is enticing. Chances are he can turn things around and get back to the production he has shown in the past. He would also be a good replacement for Kopi, when he retires. The term and AAV are scary, but not overly so given his talent. The locker room / teammate situation is the biggest concern for me which I do not know how to properly assess.

There have been rumors going back the last season+ that the NYR's were interested in moving Zibanajad, but the asking price would likely be high. Not sure what Pinto's true upside is, but he is a solid Center who likely falls into a 3rd line center role on most teams. Good thing is that he is still relatively young and could at least fill the spot until the Kings develop a prospect to take over the role. Monahan simply has good value to contract and high experience.

 

[Clif]

Stamkos sure, IF Nashville is out of the race. They may not be if they find their game...they aren't getting any younger and are, similar to Kings, in a win-now mode.

Stamkos is getting hot recently, too, so we'd be buying high-ish...and he's old. He will be 38 when his contract is up. This is also his second down year in a row, so I have less faith for him to find his game long-term. He could very well turn out useless in the following seasons and virtually untradeable (whereas Boeser is much younger, a bit cheaper and would be easier to move even if he doesn't regain his old form). Also has NMC and I have a sneaking suspicion he'd prefer to be back with Tampa if NSH decides to sell and he doesn't keep the recent form up (and thus being affordable enough for them).


Unlike Stamkos, Pettersson has a much higher likelihood of being productive as a long term center option for the Kings in the future, and as you said - there won't be many options when it comes to finding your #1C.

I think Boeser could be very hard to move if he doesn’t regain his form, which is certainly possible. That’s a lot of years left.

Didn’t know Stamkos had a NMC. That seems a bigger hurdle than anything. The cool kids never want to come here.

Pettersson, oddly, is just intriguing to me. He, like the rest of that team, is down significantly from their anomaly season a couple years ago. Miller hated him for apparently lacking heart and work ethic. We don’t need any of that. But, we need a center and he a number of productive seasons. It has the feeling of a player who needs to move on.

 

[Bollocks]

Good question and the caveat will be who becomes available and price. Some options may be (just looking at lower seated teams):

Centers: Kadri, Monahan, Zibanajad, Pinto

Wing: Mantha, Lafreniere, Holloway, Kyrou

You mentioned both Kadri and Kyrou. Kadri would actually be towards the top of my center list, Kyrou is a risk but I think (based on nothing by opinion) that he will turn things around - high risk though so I'd move him down the list a bit. Mantha, Laf and Holloway I think would be strong additions and I feel remain underrated. As others have mentioned, Mantha may have too high of value currently due to his strong season.

Pettersson, as you mentioned, is enticing. Chances are he can turn things around and get back to the production he has shown in the past. He would also be a good replacement for Kopi, when he retires. The term and AAV are scary, but not overly so given his talent. The locker room / teammate situation is the biggest concern for me which I do not know how to properly assess.

There have been rumors going back the last season+ that the NYR's were interested in moving Zibanajad, but the asking price would likely be high. Not sure what Pinto's true upside is, but he is a solid Center who likely falls into a 3rd line center role on most teams. Good thing is that he is still relatively young and could at least fill the spot until the Kings develop a prospect to take over the role. Monahan simply has good value to contract and high experience.

All the East coast options have significant question marks around them with whether or not their teams will be sellers. It's almost bound to happen that some of them will fall off a cliff before the deadline, and I'd hazard a guess that would be Boston, CBJ and Sens.

I doubt Pinto will be available for non-NHL players, Zibanejad would be very expensive. Same goes for Lafreniere, it seems too soon for NYR to give up on him. I can't see Blues trading Holloway away, either. Monahan most likely projects to be a 2nd line center, which means we're betting on QB mastering the center's game.

Someone mentioned somewhere Zacha of Boston. An interesting option but again, not a #1C.


Ken won't be able to improve without giving up too much if he plays it safe. Therefore higher risk scenarios in buying low and hoping for the best is the most sensible approach. It worked with Kuzmenko, albeit only for 1 season. But he was always like that. Boeser has his first proper down year and Pettersson has tools not many others have to get his career back on track.

 

[Birdman]

After watching that mess last night, and Cellebrini having his way with us like we are a $2 whore, I’m prepared for the impending tear down and rebuild that will commence at the deadline in March of 2027. I’ve already started tracking the next 3 drafts, and am prepared for the same disappointment we experienced post lockout through 2011.

 

[DryKing]

All the East coast options have significant question marks around them with whether or not their teams will be sellers. It's almost bound to happen that some of them will fall off a cliff before the deadline, and I'd hazard a guess that would be Boston, CBJ and Sens.

I doubt Pinto will be available for non-NHL players, Zibanejad would be very expensive. Same goes for Lafreniere, it seems too soon for NYR to give up on him. I can't see Blues trading Holloway away, either. Monahan most likely projects to be a 2nd line center, which means we're betting on QB mastering the center's game.

Someone mentioned somewhere Zacha of Boston. An interesting option but again, not a #1C.


Ken won't be able to improve without giving up too much if he plays it safe. Therefore higher risk scenarios in buying low and hoping for the best is the most sensible approach. It worked with Kuzmenko, albeit only for 1 season. But he was always like that. Boeser has his first proper down year and Pettersson has tools not many others have to get his career back on track.

Finding a 1C out there will be extremely difficult with potentially only Kadri, Zibanajad and Pettersson being in the discussion. All three would come with a high asking price, however, and chances are Ken's not going to land a 1C. Honestly he'd be lucky to land a 2C with upside at this point in time (instead of a 2C in the waning days of their career).

I really can't see Vancouver giving up Pettersson given how much they gave up (both due to clearing cap space and due to the locker room conflict) to keep him. If he is an option, though, the more I think about it the more I like the idea. He wouldn't come cheap and has a very high degree of risk but there is no reason he could not excel on the Kings.

Kadri, I think, is a real possibility but the asking price also would be rightfully high. He's shown he can excel even on bottom basement teams.

Zacha would be a good 2C/3C with some potential upside, size and physical presence (when needed).

 

[symbology]

Finding a 1C out there will be extremely difficult with potentially only Kadri, Zibanajad and Pettersson being in the discussion. All three would come with a high asking price, however, and chances are Ken's not going to land a 1C. Honestly he'd be lucky to land a 2C with upside at this point in time (instead of a 2C in the waning days of their career).

I really can't see Vancouver giving up Pettersson given how much they gave up (both due to clearing cap space and due to the locker room conflict) to keep him. If he is an option, though, the more I think about it the more I like the idea. He wouldn't come cheap and has a very high degree of risk but there is no reason he could not excel on the Kings.

Kadri, I think, is a real possibility but the asking price also would be rightfully high. He's shown he can excel even on bottom basement teams.

Zacha would be a good 2C/3C with some potential upside, size and physical presence (when needed).

It is kind of crazy this year. There are so many teams that are still "sort of" in the playoff picture. It is possible that there will be fewer sellers this year and more buyers.

Last year on this day there were 3 teams in the west that were within 6 points of a wild card spot. This year there are 6. The east is even tighter. Last year on 2/1 the Blues were 7 points out of a wild card spot before they caught fire and made the playoffs with a 5 point cushion. Things can for sure change by deadline day, it is just looking like a bit of a strange year standings wise.

Also, the Kings do not have the assets to put forth a competitive trade package IMO. I agree going after a 2C that would not be a rental would be a good move.

 

[Nyssa42]

of the guys discussed above, I'd be all-in on Petterson. I'm not as crazy about Kadri - he's never impressed me that much. Zibanajad would be great, too - but high $$ I would think.

Gonna need to shore up our D corps, too, but that might have to wait for next season - no one seems exciting in Ontario in that regard, although I haven't had much time to follow them this season so I may be wrong. Maybe get Spence back here somehow. He's the kind of player we need, not boring guys who can't skate with the puck. (but I know Birdman will say he's too small!!)

 

[emsomaso]

If Kadri or Zibanajad would be our next C1 then we really are screwed. On a good team they are C2 as it are today and they either are declining already (Zib) or will start to very soon (Kadri).

Elias Petersson has a very high ceiling for sure, but comes with some question marks and without a doubt would our beloved so called coach suck all creativity out of him asap....

 

[Statue4Deano]

Nico Hischier. He’s 27, 1.5 years away from UFA. He’s in the ballpark of a 70 point scorer.

I think he’s the target. If Byfield is going back the other way it’s a deal that makes sense for both teams. Devils already have their 1C in Hughes. Byfield is 23, cost controlled and ready to be the long term fit at 2C.

 

[Bollocks]

Finding a 1C out there will be extremely difficult with potentially only Kadri, Zibanajad and Pettersson being in the discussion. All three would come with a high asking price, however, and chances are Ken's not going to land a 1C. Honestly he'd be lucky to land a 2C with upside at this point in time (instead of a 2C in the waning days of their career).

I really can't see Vancouver giving up Pettersson given how much they gave up (both due to clearing cap space and due to the locker room conflict) to keep him. If he is an option, though, the more I think about it the more I like the idea. He wouldn't come cheap and has a very high degree of risk but there is no reason he could not excel on the Kings.

Kadri, I think, is a real possibility but the asking price also would be rightfully high. He's shown he can excel even on bottom basement teams.

Zacha would be a good 2C/3C with some potential upside, size and physical presence (when needed).

Depends what you consider "cheap".

Yes, they did a lot of shuffling in order to resign him and catered to his locker room antics, but they did shop him around last season AFAIK and there were no takers. He's now failing to deliver again and has a massive contract with a NMC, which he didn't have last season. And a nagging injury. So, relatively to his ceiling he should be very cheap, but with obvious risks involved.

Nico Hischier. He’s 27, 1.5 years away from UFA. He’s in the ballpark of a 70 point scorer.

I think he’s the target. If Byfield is going back the other way it’s a deal that makes sense for both teams. Devils already have their 1C in Hughes. Byfield is 23, cost controlled and ready to be the long term fit at 2C.

Not a bad shout. Maybe Hischier+Fiala duo works wonders...

But there's significant risk involved. He may not want to resign with the Kings, depending on how things go this season and how he gets on with Hiller...

 

[Statue4Deano]

Depends what you consider "cheap".

Yes, they did a lot of shuffling in order to resign him and catered to his locker room antics, but they did shop him around last season AFAIK and there were no takers. He's now failing to deliver again and has a massive contract with a NMC, which he didn't have last season. And a nagging injury. So, relatively to his ceiling he should be very cheap, but with obvious risks involved.



Not a bad shout. Maybe Hischier+Fiala duo works wonders...

But there's significant risk involved. He may not want to resign with the Kings, depending on how things go this season and how he gets on with Hiller...

Hischer just seems to fit. He’s already playing 1st line minutes while Hughes is out. He’s got a good relationship with Fiala. He’s produced an 80 point season. If he stays in Jersey he’ll never be the 1C as long as Hughes is there.

I can see a scenario where Holland makes that deal and gives Nico a huge contract. It’s much easier to find a 2C to play behind him with the remaining assets.

 

[DRGinLBC]

I bet on the Kings winning the cup at the beginning of the season...sticking with it.