Confirmed with Link Kings name Holland their 10th GM in History

[Clif]

IMO Kopitar and Turcotte/Thomas would be the 2/3 Cs, depending on the matchup and health situations. I assume Danault would have to be shipped due to cap concerns.

Ahh...pipe dreams.



I'm pretty sure George or Slukynsky would have to be traded if the new GM wants to actually improve this team in a meaningful sense. It's a position that only needs one of the young goalies to develop into a proper #1 and having three talented young goalies where only two will have a proper chance to prove themselves (especially if the Kings want to go forward without rebuild/retool) means that one will eventually walk for nothing and one traded for a likely lesser return (a semi-proven goalie is IMO worth considerably less than a highly touted goalie prospect, unless the Kings really struck gold and two of them play out of their minds from the get go).

My money is on George getting traded, since Portillo has probably very little value at this point.


Re. McDavid: Edmonton simply can't afford to let him walk for nothing. IMO if they don't win it all this season they would have quite a bit easier time "selling" the idea of trading McD for a ransom to their fans, especially if McD expresses any concerns about his future with them publicly. One thing that is much worse than your star generational talent getting traded for a ransom is letting him walk for nothing. I think they would burn the city down if that happens.

You can’t trade George until Slukynsky signs an ELC. Until then, there is no guarantee Slukynsky won’t opt to write his own ticket and finish out college to reach UFA, or force the Kings to trade him if that’s the way it’s trending. If that happens, makes the decision easy enough and fortunately George sounds promising.

But that won’t happen this summer. Next summer the team will have a better idea. George can play the AHL 26-27 as could Slukynsky if signs that ELC. Then you’ve got one hell of a tandem to watch. My early money is on Slukynsky. He’s been absolutely elite in three different leagues over three years. He won an NCAA championship as a freshman. He could be a franchise defining player.

As for McDavid, he’s Cup or bust as is the team. Ekholm makes their entire d corps better. Pickard is 6-0 with a sub .900 save percentage! McDavid’s best bet to actually win a Cup next year is in EDM provided they upgrade in goal, and they will. As for EDM’s front office, their best bet to win the Cup is yo keep McDavid at the cheapest he will ever be and take advantage of the extra 7M in cap they get next year. And if they do win the Cup, best possible way to keep McDavid. He’s an Oiler all year next year.

 

[Clif]

I think it’s very likely a mistake to trade Greentree unless you’re getting a 1st line/1st pair guy under the age of 30 in return. The organization is in win now mode and desperate to get past the 1st round. Desperation is exactly what leads to stupid short-sighted deals. I expect the next GM to fully lean into the stupidity.

My guess is there’s a scenario where Byfield is on the table in exchange for someone who is already established as a 1st line Center. Names that come to mind are Tage Thompson, Nico Hischier, Elias Lindholm, Dylan Larkin, Sam Reinhart. Not saying any of them are available but if you dangle a 22 year old 20 minute a night Center with room for growth I think you’ll get some GMs to call you back and that’s what Holland or whoever the next Kings GM will be counting on.

I share in some pessimism about what could transpire next year, but trading Byfield is beyond stupid. Luc said as much that there’s a committee approach though the GM makes the final call. Number one that doesn’t solve your second Center vacancy for when Kopi retires. Number two the Kings are marketing around Byfield and he is their future. He’s not being moved from either a team-building or team-selling perspective. I agree they’re desperate, but not that desperate.

 

[Statue4Deano]

You can’t trade George until Slukynsky signs an ELC. Until then, there is no guarantee Slukynsky won’t opt to write his own ticket and finish out college to reach UFA, or force the Kings to trade him if that’s the way it’s trending. If that happens, makes the decision easy enough and fortunately George sounds promising.

But that won’t happen this summer. Next summer the team will have a better idea. George can play the AHL 26-27 as could Slukynsky if signs that ELC. Then you’ve got one hell of a tandem to watch. My early money is on Slukynsky. He’s been absolutely elite in three different leagues over three years. He won an NCAA championship as a freshman. He could be a franchise defining player.

As for McDavid, he’s Cup or bust as is the team. Ekholm makes their entire d corps better. Pickard is 6-0 with a sub .900 save percentage! McDavid’s best bet to actually win a Cup next year is in EDM provided they upgrade in goal, and they will. As for EDM’s front office, their best bet to win the Cup is yo keep McDavid at the cheapest he will ever be and take advantage of the extra 7M in cap they get next year. And if they do win the Cup, best possible way to keep McDavid. He’s an Oiler all year next year.

McDavid isn’t leaving Edmonton ever. Draisaitl is locked in long term. The team will get more kicks at the can as the salary cap goes up. The team is making plenty of money so they will be a cap team for as long as McDavid is on the roster.

 

[DoubleMinor]

McDavid isn’t leaving Edmonton ever. Draisaitl is locked in long term. The team will get more kicks at the can as the salary cap goes up. The team is making plenty of money so they will be a cap team for as long as McDavid is on the roster.

I have to think that Draisital had some assurance that McDavid would stay in EDM before Leon signed his extension.

As for the Kings making deals I think it’s wise to keep expectations realistic with prospects. There is no way of knowing how they will develop. I’m in the camp of getting proven NHL players for prospects because it takes the guessing out of it. I know we want to believe we have a future superstar in the org (and used to over-value them myself) but there is just too much uncertainty.

I don’t think it’s a contradiction however to value the idea that teams do need to develop young players. Those young players provide low salary and cost certainty in a salary cap system.

I just think you can’t refuse to trade a Greentree if he gets you a player to fill a big hole on the current NHL roster. A bird in the hand…

 

[Statue4Deano]

I share in some pessimism about what could transpire next year, but trading Byfield is beyond stupid. Luc said as much that there’s a committee approach though the GM makes the final call. Number one that doesn’t solve your second Center vacancy for when Kopi retires. Number two the Kings are marketing around Byfield and he is their future. He’s not being moved from either a team-building or team-selling perspective. I agree they’re desperate, but not that desperate.

If they trade Byfield I’m probably done with the team until they inevitably clean house but I think a new GM can (attempt to) justify a trade if they get a finished product like Tage Thompson in return. Tage is 27/28 year old 1st line Center, elite goal scorer locked into a reasonable contract for 3 more seasons.

Let’s say they throw 8M at Brock Boesser and you move more assets for pending RFA K’andre Miller. You better believe Luc will be selling the moves as filling holes, making upgrades and positioning the organization to compete now and in the immediate future.

 

[Clif]

If they trade Byfield I’m probably done with the team until they inevitably clean house but I think a new GM can (attempt to) justify a trade if they get a finished product like Tage Thompson in return. Tage is 27/28 year old 1st line Center, elite goal scorer locked into a reasonable contract for 3 more seasons.

Let’s say they throw 8M at Brock Boesser and you move more assets for pending RFA K’andre Miller. You better believe Luc will be selling the moves as filling holes, making upgrades and positioning the organization to compete now and in the immediate future.

You can rest assured Byfield isn’t going anywhere. Half the people in Crypto on any given night don’t even know who Tage Thompson is. I can’t emphasize this enough: marketing is big part of keeping players around too. Fans watch high end draft picks grow up, are given the “future” and “franchise player” script over and over again. Byfield is part of the team narrative.

Hockeywise, 22 year-old, 6’5” 200 ft centers who were taken 2nd overall only get traded when they ask to be traded.

One of Turcotte or Moore will be moved. You can bank on that. Decent chance Spence gets moved if they resign Gavrikov.

 

[hokiecat]

McDavid isn’t leaving Edmonton ever. Draisaitl is locked in long term. The team will get more kicks at the can as the salary cap goes up. The team is making plenty of money so they will be a cap team for as long as McDavid is on the roster.

Not only are the making a pile of money, but they are relevant as long as they have the 2 stars. Even if they end up capped out paying the big 3 (97, 29, and 2) along with Nurse which leads them to not being super Cup competitive after 2026, they'll still be a draw with top stars. I agree with you, Edmonton will keep McDavid no matter what the cost.

Plus he has a custom house so I think he's ready to put down roots for his entire career.

 

[DoubleMinor]

You can rest assured Byfield isn’t going anywhere. Half the people in Crypto on any given night don’t even know who Tage Thompson is. I can’t emphasize this enough: marketing is big part of keeping players around too. Fans watch high end draft picks grow up, are given the “future” and “franchise player” script over and over again. Byfield is part of the team narrative.

Hockeywise, 22 year-old, 6’5” 200 ft centers who were taken 2nd overall only get traded when they ask to be traded.

One of Turcotte or Moore will be moved. You can bank on that. Decent chance Spence gets moved if they resign Gavrikov.

I also don’t think Byfield is going anywhere.
Moore is an asset with some value. He is a very good player with a very good contract. And he was real good in this recent playoff series. I don’t know that it’s wise to trade him but if it’s the right package I would understand it.

Turcotte is the one who can be moved but I wonder if there is much value there. He just isn’t durable I don’t know what he brings in a trade.
Spence is another who I could see being packaged. He was pretty good this year. I just don’t know if he is what the Kings need at his position. With Doughty and Clarke I think they need a bigger player in that role.

 

[Illegal_Stick]

A) McDavid could easily be a UFA. Who chooses Edmonton as a city to live in for life? I think it’s far more likely than a trade too. Edmonton will go all in for sure if he’s not re-signed. There are 30 other teams though - you can’t plan on getting a ufa in a year.

B) trading a goalie and choosing now which one will be good is sooo risky. It’s too early to tell. In a similar situation we definitely would have chosen Bernier and traded Quick. Leafs choosing Pogge over Rask also comes to mind.

 

[emsomaso]

No way in h..l we should trade Byfield, that would be beyond stupid for so many reasons.

But reality is that we will for sure not get a game changer type of player if all we have to offer is Turcotte and Spence. I really like Turcotte, the way he hustle, and Spence has been just fine, but unfortunately there is not very much trade value in either one.

 

[Birdman]

Turcotte and Spence are the ones we have to upgrade to make the next step,

 

[McSorleyFan]

Last thing I want this team to do is take a step back like Nashville. Sign a bunch of over priced talent at the expense of your younger talent getting a chance. The new GM HAS TO find that balance where proven talent/vets are positioned with developing talent for a winning combination. If for anything, cost management. I'm sad to say but Turcotte & Thomas just aren't fitting and will probably benefit from being moved (mutual).
This team is built to compete, but just can't take that next step.
Another center will be key. Kopi needs to slide down the depth chart and let QB take over. Another center who can take 2nd line minutes and have Kopi and Dannault slide down could make this team a 4 line team again.
I hope they can resign Gavrikov, if not a D man who can take over defensively/physically should be the next target.
Let Jeannot, Lewis, and Rittich walk. Fill those with some young talent.
Moore, Thomas, Turcotte are all trade chips. But, IMO aren't enough to fill those gaps mentioned above.
Kings have only a little bit of time ... SJS, Ducks, 'Nucks, Flames, Kracken, Mammoth will only be bad for a little while and will start competing for playoff spots.

 

[Bollocks]

You can’t trade George until Slukynsky signs an ELC. Until then, there is no guarantee Slukynsky won’t opt to write his own ticket and finish out college to reach UFA, or force the Kings to trade him if that’s the way it’s trending. If that happens, makes the decision easy enough and fortunately George sounds promising.

But that won’t happen this summer. Next summer the team will have a better idea. George can play the AHL 26-27 as could Slukynsky if signs that ELC. Then you’ve got one hell of a tandem to watch. My early money is on Slukynsky. He’s been absolutely elite in three different leagues over three years. He won an NCAA championship as a freshman. He could be a franchise defining player.

Ah, very good point that escaped my memory. Yeah, in that case there is no choice but to wait.

But with Kopitar signed at 7m until 2026 and DD at 11m until 2027, building a real contender before these figures change drastically/expire (and I'm 96% sure neither of them will be traded) is a pipe dream anyway, so unless there is a chance to trade for a player like McDavid, it's pointless to make any huge splashes.

Last thing I want this team to do is take a step back like Nashville. Sign a bunch of over priced talent at the expense of your younger talent getting a chance. The new GM HAS TO find that balance where proven talent/vets are positioned with developing talent for a winning combination. If for anything, cost management. I'm sad to say but Turcotte & Thomas just aren't fitting and will probably benefit from being moved (mutual).
This team is built to compete, but just can't take that next step.
Another center will be key. Kopi needs to slide down the depth chart and let QB take over. Another center who can take 2nd line minutes and have Kopi and Dannault slide down could make this team a 4 line team again.
I hope they can resign Gavrikov, if not a D man who can take over defensively/physically should be the next target.
Let Jeannot, Lewis, and Rittich walk. Fill those with some young talent.
Moore, Thomas, Turcotte are all trade chips. But, IMO aren't enough to fill those gaps mentioned above.
Kings have only a little bit of time ... SJS, Ducks, 'Nucks, Flames, Kracken, Mammoth will only be bad for a little while and will start competing for playoff spots.

It's true about going all in at the expense of the future. That would be disastrous.

The problem with Turcotte, Thomas and Spence is that none of them have high trade value, especially Turcotte and Thomas. Not a lot can be done on the trade market (if the goal is not to sacrifice significant pieces for the future) UNLESS the GM manages to snag Bennett as a UFA and can then trade Danault along with one of the above mentioned prospects to solidify the defense...

 

[jammer06]

You guys are funny, if this franchise can pull Ehlers out of the Peg I'd be shocked he'd want to sign here. There's no way McDavid is happening. NHL UFA's don't pick LA. The first big name that does will definitely be a giant plate of 50+ year fetid crow.

 

[Bollocks]

You guys are funny, if this franchise can pull Ehlers out of the Peg I'd be shocked he'd want to sign here. There's no way McDavid is happening. NHL UFA's don't pick LA. The first big name that does will definitely be a giant plate of 50+ year fetid crow.

So those posters who claimed McD loves LA and is frequently vacationing there were trolling or were simply misinformed?

If this is true and he doesn't win the Cup in Edmonton because their management can't put together a complete enough team that would give him a better chance, I can totally see him leave just the way Gretzky did. Though maybe he perseveres until the very end of his career because he doesn't want to be seen as a "quitter"...

 

[salami]

So those posters who claimed McD loves LA and is frequently vacationing there were trolling or were simply misinformed?

If this is true and he doesn't win the Cup in Edmonton because their management can't put together a complete enough team that would give him a better chance, I can totally see him leave just the way Gretzky did. Though maybe he perseveres until the very end of his career because he doesn't want to be seen as a "quitter"...

It's important to remember that Jammer cannot be trusted. I'm just sayin'.

 

[LAKingSteve]

Lots of chatter out there today from non Kings insiders that Holland is the guy. Imagine we'll hear soon if true.

 

[jammer06]

So those posters who claimed McD loves LA and is frequently vacationing there were trolling or were simply misinformed?

If this is true and he doesn't win the Cup in Edmonton because their management can't put together a complete enough team that would give him a better chance, I can totally see him leave just the way Gretzky did. Though maybe he perseveres until the very end of his career because he doesn't want to be seen as a "quitter"...

The biggest name to sign in the Southern California area NHL UFA and who still had something to give (and wasnt coming back to a franchise) was Scott Niedermeyer. Everyone else arrived not completely in their own control. Scott, as accomplished as he was, came because his brother. Once the big names actually start coming I'll believe it

 

[Clif]

The biggest name to sign in the Southern California area NHL UFA and who still had something to give (and wasnt coming back to a franchise) was Scott Niedermeyer. Everyone else arrived not completely in their own control. Scott, as accomplished as he was, came because his brother. Once the big names actually start coming I'll believe it

Pavol Demitra and Craig Conroy both put up 60+ point seasons after signing as UFAs. I could go for a 60+ point guy this summer. Boeser fits that bill. Although it is sad that these two probably represent peak Kings UFA success over 20 years+. So yeah I get what you’re saying. I’ve said before probably every team in the league would like to sign Bennett this off season, so that’s a real hard reach.

Mitchell was a different story being an injury reclamation, but he’d be the very best actual UFA signing in that period IMO.

 

[jammer06]

Pavol Demitra and Craig Conroy both put up 60+ point seasons after signing as UFAs. I could go for a 60+ point guy this summer. Boeser fits that bill. Although it is sad that these two probably represent peak Kings UFA success over 20 years+. So yeah I get what you’re saying. I’ve said before probably every team in the league would like to sign Bennett this off season, so that’s a real hard reach.

Mitchell was a different story being an injury reclamation, but he’d be the very best actual UFA signing in that period IMO.

Ahh Pavel, who got out of St Louis for all of 58 games and in return for volunteering to come to LA is then promptly rewarded with a trade to Minny for Patty O and a pick. Conroy is nothing close to a star, Handzus was a far more prominent UFA signing of the era (I believe that was the summer of him and Nagy...). In any case Rantenan told the Kings the same thing he told Carolina. Franchise level guys that are made available like Panarin, Tavares, Thachuk never even hint at LA. The ones that do like Kovalchuk and Richards are in it for the bidding war. Plus all the ones that flat turn it down like Rantanen, Pacioretty, hell even Guy LaFleur told the kings to p*ss off. I guess we should be happy when a guy like Carter gets traded here and does drink the cool aid but it sure seems like it takes a pretty big jug of cool aid.