NHL network top 20 centers segment

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Maybe they can get Kopi some motorized skates… or switch Kempe back to center…

But seriously, you are correct that Byfield should be the real answer… or even Turcotte… problem is neither may ever be that guy…

Well, we can't know that, yeah. But pairing either with top talent will maximize the chances of finding that out sooner rather than later. AFAIK Kopi played with top talent upon arriving to the team back in the day...sure, he was lucky to not have much competition since "top talent" back then was...1 line. But still...
 
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Maybe they can get Kopi some motorized skates? or switch Kempe back to center?

But seriously, you are correct that Byfield should be the real answer? or even Turcotte? problem is neither may ever be that guy?

Big problem, in my eyes. Especially when you look down the 5 freeway and compare Byfield, Turcotte, and Clarke to McTavish, Zegras, and Drysdale. That?s going to be tough to watch for the next 6-8 years if it continues to shake out the way it has so far. :(
 
Well, we can't know that, yeah. But pairing either with top talent will maximize the chances of finding that out sooner rather than later. AFAIK Kopi played with top talent upon arriving to the team back in the day...sure, he was lucky to not have much competition since "top talent" back then was...1 line. But still...

Been thinking a little more about the kids and maybe Turcotte would actually be the better choice to center the two speedsters. Turcotte, like Danault, is sneaky fast. He also sees and thinks the game really well. I hope he can finally get past the curse of injury that has kept him from claiming his place on the roster. The other kid I hope to see solidify a spot is Kupari. He has the tools to play top 9. Just needs to show those tools every game.
 
Been thinking a little more about the kids and maybe Turcotte would actually be the better choice to center the two speedsters. Turcotte, like Danault, is sneaky fast. He also sees and thinks the game really well. I hope he can finally get past the curse of injury that has kept him from claiming his place on the roster. The other kid I hope to see solidify a spot is Kupari. He has the tools to play top 9. Just needs to show those tools every game.

Yeah the few games he's played with the Kings last season it was easy to see his on ice vision and ability to process the game at a high speed was there. He was a bit out of sync with his linemates, though, and trying to do too much, both of which should alleviate with more longevity and confidence at the NHL level. He also appears to be a player who makes his linemates better, moreso than being the central focus point. He's going to very good provided, like you said, he can stay healthy.

Kupari took very impressive strides forward last season and should have a bit of a breakout year provided he does not get stuck in the AHL due to roster limitations. In addition to his offensive prowess there were a few shifts where he dominated physically and seems to have the makings of a similar style player to Kempe who projects to get to that level a bit faster if given consistent playing time.

The player I am most curious about is Lias Andersson. The guy has skills but looked like a completely different player in 20/21 thank he did in 21/22 when he came back up from the Reign (and not in a good way). He's had a pretty rough time stuck between leagues resulting in a solid lack of games and playing time. Hope he gets a chance this season to prove himself with a consistent stretch of games, along with Vilardi.

With all of these fowards ready for a shot, I wonder if we will see another trade between now and October.
 
injuries have been one of the biggest subplots to the Kings team over the past 2-3 seasons. All teams deal with this stuff, but it really feels like the Kings havent been able to catch a break. I hope they can get through this season relatively unscathed, especially the young guys who have faced some serious setbacks in their development. #fingerscrossed
 
Yeah the few games he's played with the Kings last season it was easy to see his on ice vision and ability to process the game at a high speed was there. He was a bit out of sync with his linemates, though, and trying to do too much, both of which should alleviate with more longevity and confidence at the NHL level. He also appears to be a player who makes his linemates better, moreso than being the central focus point. He's going to very good provided, like you said, he can stay healthy.

Kupari took very impressive strides forward last season and should have a bit of a breakout year provided he does not get stuck in the AHL due to roster limitations. In addition to his offensive prowess there were a few shifts where he dominated physically and seems to have the makings of a similar style player to Kempe who projects to get to that level a bit faster if given consistent playing time.

The player I am most curious about is Lias Andersson. The guy has skills but looked like a completely different player in 20/21 thank he did in 21/22 when he came back up from the Reign (and not in a good way). He's had a pretty rough time stuck between leagues resulting in a solid lack of games and playing time. Hope he gets a chance this season to prove himself with a consistent stretch of games, along with Vilardi.

With all of these fowards ready for a shot, I wonder if we will see another trade between now and October.

Funny thing is, Kupari and Lias would probably play well together… don’t know what’s gonna happen with either of those guys. Kupari has some serious assets and could be a more valuable piece than Vilardi if packaged with Durzi/Spence/Roy/Walker or even Clarke. Would sure hate to see Rasmus go tho’…

Gotta believe in that big trade for a left shot defenseman before the start of the season…
 
He's slow-ish by modern NHL standards, declined a bit recently, not very flashy and the soon-to-be 35yo is also playing in a non hockey market.

Of course he's not in the top 20 NHL ranking.

Non hockey market should have nothing to do with it.
 
Non hockey market should have nothing to do with it.

"Should have nothing to do with it" sadly doesn't ring any bells with hockey writers and most of the so called "analysts". You want clicks and you don't get clicks unless you moo with the biggest crowds.
 
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