Kempe Contract Watch Thread

[Illegal_Stick]

Anyone who thinks Byfield is pretty average simply had way too high of expectations. We knew we weren't drafting Crosby or McDavid.

No, not Crosby or McDavid, but how about Stutzle? That should be the only comparable for Byfield and after years of denial (not easy living in Ottawa) I think I have finally accepted we chose very wrong. I like Byfield, I have a Byfield jersey, but Stutzle is an elite scorer and that's who we should have drafted.

 

[Illegal_Stick]

I have tried hard to deny that this franchise is flailing. To go from the best prospect pool to the oldest team in the league in a matter of years is truly shocking. To go scraping the bottom of the barrel for D after giving away Walker, Durzi, Roy, etc. and just putting together what looks like a truly average team has me on the verge, but failing to sign Kempe would be the cherry on top and I almost think it needs to happen, because we (as fans of this team) tolerate way too much stupidity. Something needs to send this over the edge so there is a total house cleaning.

 

[symbology]

If it ends up that Byfield = 2C, Clarke = 3/4, and Turc = 3C, that's less like becoming a superstar and closer to the mean among NHL players. In other words, each of them would not playing up to expectation given their draft position. That is definitely not a bust. Case in point would be Trevor Lewis. He never played up to his first round selection but was invaluable in the 2 Cup wins. But #55 and #92 have infinitely more offensive skill than Lewie but I am sure you get what I'm saying.

Lewis was not predicted to go in the 1st round by anyone, as far as I recall. Using him is a little misleading, IMO. That being said, it ended up being a good use of that draft pick. Especially considering the next years surprise draft of Hickey.

I get what you are saying. However, the original poster said that QB and Clarke were not "the guys". The Kings drafted them (especially QB) to be "the guys". If QB becomes closer to the "mean" among NHL players than that is a bit of a "bust" for the Kings management. If that is the case, then the Kings should have used that pic to draft Stutzle instead. I can only imagine the kind of player Stutzle would be had he come up playing on the wing with Kopitar. Skill would not be any different, but maybe more defensively responsible and less of a diver type.

Again, I get what you are saying, overall these players will not be "busts", but for the Kings retool plan they will be if they are "average". I guess that is more where I am coming from.

 

[symbology]

I'm probably in the opposite camp when it comes to Clarke. I wasn't super excited about the pick, though the players I was hoping the Kings might pick up were already off the board (Johnson and Edvinsson). To me, Clarke seemed too one dimensional and more of a PP specialist than even a middle pairing defenseman given his weaknesses. I also questioned his attitude as he came off, in my opinion, pretty arrogant and immature. Since joining the NHL, though, I have been impressed with how much he has grown and how hard he works for it, and really like that he is able to get under the opposing team's skin. His skating is still a big weakness, but I think he can overcome that with experience and be a solid middle pairing D who excels in critical moments (PP, goalie pulled, shootout). On the flip side, I was super excited about picking up Pinelli in the second round that year who, so far, has been a miss.

Byfield still looks like a future L1 Center to me, and Turcotte looks like a future L2/3 Center with his size/strength playing a key factor. At worst, I can see Byfield becoming a solid 2nd line 2-way center, and Turcotte becoming a 3rd line faceoff specialist (which worked out pretty well for Stoll). I don't consider either of those picks to be misses.

Greentree is another solid prospect with skating concerns. I do agree with you that our prospects seem to all be a bit niche, which isn't optimal but can excel with the proper team composition and strategy.

I would agree with much of this. Especially on Clarke. I honestly feared for the guys health early on. His attitude on the ice was begging for him to become a target. He has finally outgrown that and has survived. I see him as a 2nd pairing D / PP specialist.

For QB, I hope and think he can still develop into a 1C, if not very good 2C center.

 

[VCRW]

I would agree with much of this. Especially on Clarke. I honestly feared for the guys health early on. His attitude on the ice was begging for him to become a target. He has finally outgrown that and has survived. I see him as a 2nd pairing D / PP specialist.

For QB, I hope and think he can still develop into a 1C, if not very good 2C center.

If Q becomes the next Jeff Carter, that's a win!

 

[orpheus]

I don't want to be weird, but I am, lol, but does the fact he is good looking come into play? I mean it is LA so maybe aesthetics come into play.

I mean c'mon.

 

[ICE24]

I'm thinking Holland has a plan. Not signing Kempe so he will eventually be traded for picks and a so-called promising prospect. Kopitar retiring and he will trade about 3-4 more players. The Kings are not fresh, they are stagnant and moldy.

 

[Hockey53]

I'm thinking Holland has a plan. Not signing Kempe so he will eventually be traded for picks and a so-called promising prospect. Kopitar retiring and he will trade about 3-4 more players. The Kings are not fresh, they are stagnant and moldy.

Just heard on Locked on Kings with Eddy Garcia,since most or all of the top forwards resigned with their teams,Kempe might be looking to walk since he would be the big fish forward come free agency next Summer.As you mentioned,maybe Holland does have a plan to not sign Kempe and trade him for picks and/or prospects.If Kempe is not signed be Christmas,I could see him and his agent saying we are going to free agency.The clock is ticking

 

[aragorn]

If Kempe is not signed be Christmas,I could see him and his agent saying we are going to free agency.The clock is ticking

Who knows... his agent could have been asking for the moon and really wants to go to free agency this whole time. We can't see behind the curtain. If he wants the moon, trade him at mid-season or the deadline. We want players that are both hungry and want to be here.

 

[XPantericA]

This has taken a turn.

 

[DryKing]

No, not Crosby or McDavid, but how about Stutzle? That should be the only comparable for Byfield and after years of denial (not easy living in Ottawa) I think I have finally accepted we chose very wrong. I like Byfield, I have a Byfield jersey, but Stutzle is an elite scorer and that's who we should have drafted.

Let's be honest, though. What draft have the Kings partaken in in which a "better" player was not selected beyond their first pick?

That said, while I am a big fan of Stutzle and how hard he has worked to improve beyond what experts even projected him to be (especially on the defensive side of the puck), he is not better than Byfield when you look at the full picture. Byfield is one of the top two-way centers in the league. Sure he doesn't lead the league in scoring, or even come close to doing so, but I could name maybe 5-8 centers in the league with a better overall two-way game. Additionally, Byfield will not truly flourish until Kopitar retires and he is given a legitimate chance to be the L1 center (which includes lining Kempe up on his wing provided the Kings don't blow it by failing to extend him). Line 1 duties were handed to Stutzle, by comparison, on day 1 of his NHL career. Combine that with the fact that Stutzle was already a much more polished player coming into the draft, and yeah...it's not suprising he would suceed earlier in his career. I will note, though, Byfield has been much more successful to this point in his career when it comes to the playoffs.

It really is time for people to stop clinging to what could have been, and focus on what is. Byfield was a good pick who hasn't yet fully develiped into the player the Kings had hoped he could be, but has a ton of potential and has taken a step forward each season. He was, and is, an excellent pick even if he was not the pick some fans wanted.

 

[Halfwall]

Let's be honest, though. What draft have the Kings partaken in in which a "better" player was not selected beyond their first pick?

That said, while I am a big fan of Stutzle and how hard he has worked to improve beyond what experts even projected him to be (especially on the defensive side of the puck), he is not better than Byfield when you look at the full picture. Byfield is one of the top two-way centers in the league. Sure he doesn't lead the league in scoring, or even come close to doing so, but I could name maybe 5-8 centers in the league with a better overall two-way game. Additionally, Byfield will not truly flourish until Kopitar retires and he is given a legitimate chance to be the L1 center (which includes lining Kempe up on his wing provided the Kings don't blow it by failing to extend him). Line 1 duties were handed to Stutzle, by comparison, on day 1 of his NHL career. Combine that with the fact that Stutzle was already a much more polished player coming into the draft, and yeah...it's not suprising he would suceed earlier in his career. I will note, though, Byfield has been much more successful to this point in his career when it comes to the playoffs.

It really is time for people to stop clinging to what could have been, and focus on what is. Byfield was a good pick who hasn't yet fully develiped into the player the Kings had hoped he could be, but has a ton of potential and has taken a step forward each season. He was, and is, an excellent pick even if he was not the pick some fans wanted.

The Kings don't have time to wait for Byfield to be a number one center--Kempe is gone. There will be no more Kempe.

 

[symbology]

Let's be honest, though. What draft have the Kings partaken in in which a "better" player was not selected beyond their first pick?

That said, while I am a big fan of Stutzle and how hard he has worked to improve beyond what experts even projected him to be (especially on the defensive side of the puck), he is not better than Byfield when you look at the full picture. Byfield is one of the top two-way centers in the league. Sure he doesn't lead the league in scoring, or even come close to doing so, but I could name maybe 5-8 centers in the league with a better overall two-way game. Additionally, Byfield will not truly flourish until Kopitar retires and he is given a legitimate chance to be the L1 center (which includes lining Kempe up on his wing provided the Kings don't blow it by failing to extend him). Line 1 duties were handed to Stutzle, by comparison, on day 1 of his NHL career. Combine that with the fact that Stutzle was already a much more polished player coming into the draft, and yeah...it's not suprising he would suceed earlier in his career. I will note, though, Byfield has been much more successful to this point in his career when it comes to the playoffs.

It really is time for people to stop clinging to what could have been, and focus on what is. Byfield was a good pick who hasn't yet fully develiped into the player the Kings had hoped he could be, but has a ton of potential and has taken a step forward each season. He was, and is, an excellent pick even if he was not the pick some fans wanted.

I agree with some of this.

Also, I think this thread has been derailed, but I guess it is ok as we wait for what happens with Juice. I also think there are multiple "contexts" to this conversation about QB and therefore some arguments / comments are not really aligned with each other.

That being said, the Kings need a replacement for Kopi, everyone understands that.. Kings management has made some good and bad choices in trying to insure they have a 1C when Kopi is gone.

As for QB being a top 2-way center. I think that is a bit generous. Also, what do you define as top? QB is a heck of a player, but I would not call him a top 2-way center at this point. In my mind a top 2-way center would not be 44% in the dot and a -2 on the season. Kopitar is 53% and a +5. QB is still young and developing, so he may get their eventually.

As far as clinging to what could have been. IMO, that is all fine and dandy. This entire thread is full of speculation. Speculation on what will happen with Kempe for starters.

Some folks do not see QB as being a 1C at this point. Therefore, for them it is reasonable to discuss what could have been with Stutzle. If the Kings went with Sutztle, they may have beaten the oilers in that 7 game series. They probably would not have wasted good assets on trading for Fiala. Also, some think that if QB was going to take the reigns of this team he would be doing that now. He would have had a better/stronger year last year and well this year as well.

This team is a bit of a mess at this point. Kempe is not signed and folks are wondering what the future holds if he leaves. It makes sense that folks would be thinking about what could have been, while at the same time thinking of an unknown future.

For all this mess I blame the Kings front office. Speaking of the front office, sounds like Kings are looking for another top 6 forward and Bergevin has been at the past few Flyers games.

 

[DryKing]

The Kings don't have time to wait for Byfield to be a number one center--Kempe is gone. There will be no more Kempe.

Last I checked, Kopi is still playing. When he retires at the end of the season, Byfield will be ready to assume the mantle.

Getting rid of the team's best winger makes zero sense unless the Kings are determined to start a rebuild. Given their weak pool of prospects, if that is the direction they need to trade away the talent know to get a jump on rebuilding the pool this coming draft. I don't see that the direction the franchise ends up moving in, however.

 

[DryKing]

I agree with some of this.

Also, I think this thread has been derailed, but I guess it is ok as we wait for what happens with Juice. I also think there are multiple "contexts" to this conversation about QB and therefore some arguments / comments are not really aligned with each other.

That being said, the Kings need a replacement for Kopi, everyone understands that.. Kings management has made some good and bad choices in trying to insure they have a 1C when Kopi is gone.

As for QB being a top 2-way center. I think that is a bit generous. Also, what do you define as top? QB is a heck of a player, but I would not call him a top 2-way center at this point. In my mind a top 2-way center would not be 44% in the dot and a -2 on the season. Kopitar is 53% and a +5. QB is still young and developing, so he may get their eventually.

As far as clinging to what could have been. IMO, that is all fine and dandy. This entire thread is full of speculation. Speculation on what will happen with Kempe for starters.

Some folks do not see QB as being a 1C at this point. Therefore, for them it is reasonable to discuss what could have been with Stutzle. If the Kings went with Sutztle, they may have beaten the oilers in that 7 game series. They probably would not have wasted good assets on trading for Fiala. Also, some think that if QB was going to take the reigns of this team he would be doing that now. He would have had a better/stronger year last year and well this year as well.

This team is a bit of a mess at this point. Kempe is not signed and folks are wondering what the future holds if he leaves. It makes sense that folks would be thinking about what could have been, while at the same time thinking of an unknown future.

For all this mess I blame the Kings front office. Speaking of the front office, sounds like Kings are looking for another top 6 forward and Bergevin has been at the past few Flyers games.

How good is Quinton Byfield?

Good points and I am not arguing as that is a fair evaluation, however I have a different opinion. Not sure how this will come out below as I am having a hard time pasting images into this board - but AI actually summed it up pretty well.

Comparing Byfield to Kopi. his analytics are much higher this season (I can't paste the images so please use the two links at the very bottom).


AI Overview

Yes, Quinton Byfield is considered good, having made significant strides in his development to become a strong two-way center for the LA Kings. He has shown a strong offensive resurgence in recent seasons, including career-high point totals, and has also developed into a very capable defensive player, even earning a fifth-place vote for the Selke Trophy.


Offensive development

• His point production has increased significantly each season, culminating in a career-best 55 points in the 2023-2024 season.
• He showed a remarkable offensive surge in the latter part of the 2024-2025 season, scoring at a high level in the final months.
  
  
• He has demonstrated flashes of being a dominant offensive player, capable of creating highlight-reel plays.

Defensive and two-way play

• Byfield has become a strong defensive player and penalty killer, ranking highly in the NHL for his performance in those areas.
• He has improved his defensive metrics, leading the Kings in several possession categories.
  
  
• He is now seen as a "matchup-caliber center" due to his all-around game.

Growth and potential

• He is still young and has not reached his full potential, but his development trajectory is very positive.
• His confidence and physical play have improved, as he has learned to use his size more effectively.
  
  
• He is a key part of the Kings' present and future, having recently signed a five-year contract extension.

Skater | HockeyStatCards.com

Skater | HockeyStatCards.com

 

[Halfwall]

Last I checked, Kopi is still playing. When he retires at the end of the season, Byfield will be ready to assume the mantle.

Getting rid of the team's best winger makes zero sense unless the Kings are determined to start a rebuild. Given their weak pool of prospects, if that is the direction they need to trade away the talent know to get a jump on rebuilding the pool this coming draft. I don't see that the direction the franchise ends up moving in, however.

Reality check. Kopi is playing but with 2nd/3rd liner stats. Danault is playing like a 4th liner (along with Turcotte). Byfield is indeed a two way center but under performing on offense and there is a term for that: 3rd line center or marginal 2nd liner. As much as I hate repeating myself--the Kings have no realistic choice other than going for another rebuild. They will likely have to wait for the deadline to move Kempe. It is unlikely to find a win win trade with a team that he will want to sign a long term deal. So they will get what they can get at the TDL.

 

[DryKing]

Reality check. Kopi is playing but with 2nd/3rd liner stats. Danault is playing like a 4th liner (along with Turcotte). Byfield is indeed a two way center but under performing on offense and there is a term for that: 3rd line center or marginal 2nd liner. As much as I hate repeating myself--the Kings have no realistic choice other than going for another rebuild. They will likely have to wait for the deadline to move Kempe. It is unlikely to find a win win trade with a team that he will want to sign a long term deal. So they will get what they can get at the TDL.

You are telling me, you honestly think Byfield is playing like a 3rd line / marginal 2nd line center?

If that is the case, I have no intention of insulting you so I will not comment on that other than to say, we will have to agree to disagree on your "Reality check".

 

[symbology]

How good is Quinton Byfield?

Good points and I am not arguing as that is a fair evaluation, however I have a different opinion. Not sure how this will come out below as I am having a hard time pasting images into this board - but AI actually summed it up pretty well.

Comparing Byfield to Kopi. his analytics are much higher this season (I can't paste the images so please use the two links at the very bottom).


AI Overview

Yes, Quinton Byfield is considered good, having made significant strides in his development to become a strong two-way center for the LA Kings. He has shown a strong offensive resurgence in recent seasons, including career-high point totals, and has also developed into a very capable defensive player, even earning a fifth-place vote for the Selke Trophy.


Offensive development

• His point production has increased significantly each season, culminating in a career-best 55 points in the 2023-2024 season.
• He showed a remarkable offensive surge in the latter part of the 2024-2025 season, scoring at a high level in the final months.
  
  
• He has demonstrated flashes of being a dominant offensive player, capable of creating highlight-reel plays.

Defensive and two-way play

• Byfield has become a strong defensive player and penalty killer, ranking highly in the NHL for his performance in those areas.
• He has improved his defensive metrics, leading the Kings in several possession categories.
  
  
• He is now seen as a "matchup-caliber center" due to his all-around game.

Growth and potential

• He is still young and has not reached his full potential, but his development trajectory is very positive.
• His confidence and physical play have improved, as he has learned to use his size more effectively.
  
  
• He is a key part of the Kings' present and future, having recently signed a five-year contract extension.

Skater | HockeyStatCards.com

Skater | HockeyStatCards.com

I never said QB is not good. I like QB, maybe my favorite King these past few years. Also, over the past few years I have done a fair amount of defending him and his development. I just disagree that right now he is a "Top" 2-way center with only 6-8 having a better overall game than him. I feel that there are a lot of really good centers in the NHL and I think you are over valuing him a bit. You believe he will be ready to take over for Kopi next year. My opinion is that he should be stepping up and doing that this year. He is almost there, but he needs to "get there" before I will consider him a legit "Top" 2-way center.

 

[symbology]

Reality check. Kopi is playing but with 2nd/3rd liner stats. Danault is playing like a 4th liner (along with Turcotte). Byfield is indeed a two way center but under performing on offense and there is a term for that: 3rd line center or marginal 2nd liner. As much as I hate repeating myself--the Kings have no realistic choice other than going for another rebuild. They will likely have to wait for the deadline to move Kempe. It is unlikely to find a win win trade with a team that he will want to sign a long term deal. So they will get what they can get at the TDL.

While I do not agree with everything you are saying, I think you are being just a little bit harsh in your outlook. I will say I think it is hard to argue with you the way the Kings are have been playing/trending.

I think this is one of the reasons the Kings were trying to get Marner this past summer. Marner is 2nd on the Knights in points behind Eichlel and his +/- is 60% higher than the next highest on the team. Last year Marner received considerably more Selke votes than Kopitar. Though they finished 7th and 8th, Marner had 177 votes to Kopi's 125 (yes east coast). QB was literally last on the list (tied at 37th with 7 other players who received a single vote)

One could argue that last year and so far this year Kopi has not been a high end 1C. That is not surprising since he is 38 years old. He is still a heck of a player, but not a top 1C any longer. So, if Kopi is not a top end 1C and is trending towards a 2C, what does that make Byfield? Byfield has not been able to replace Kopi yet, and that could be a reason of concern.

 

[Statue4Deano]

No, not Crosby or McDavid, but how about Stutzle? That should be the only comparable for Byfield and after years of denial (not easy living in Ottawa) I think I have finally accepted we chose very wrong. I like Byfield, I have a Byfield jersey, but Stutzle is an elite scorer and that's who we should have drafted.

Stutzle has 14 points in 13 games. Byfield has 10 points in 13 games. Let’s maybe tap the brakes on calling Stutzle an elite scorer. Especially when you consider that Byfield plays in one of the most conservative offensive systems in the NHL while Stutzle plays in one of the highest scoring.