Birdman
TEAM LGK
Fiala is our most skilled forward and it isn’t even close.
Official LA Kings Off-Season
- Thread starter Dexter
- Start date
Bollocks
Top Forward
Well, I'm on the fence about this one. On one hand it makes perfect sense - you trade a younger guy who's yet to become such a productive and complete player and who wants too big of a contract for the Kings' cap situation instead of taking a 1-2 year bridge deal until Kopitar's contract is off the books. Honestly, as talented as Gabe is, his injury history can't be ignored and if he wants 4,5 million+ based on ONE good season...that's too much. Maybe he doesn't want to bet on his health and wants to earn as much as possible on a long term contract now instead of a year later.
You'd think he should be willing to give the Kings some maneuverability for next season given how they were super patient with him...otherwise who knows if he'd ever make it as an NHL player. Lack of willingness to take home-town discount bridge contract for this reason does indeed show a problematic character trait...
On the other one does wonder if Gabe's ceiling (at least offensive one) is perhaps higher than PLD's...and then there is the contract that PLD is looking for.
So, let's see the scenarios:
A) No trade for PLD. Kings need to get rid of Iafallo/Arvidsson to fit both Gabe and a goalie under the cap. This could be a tricky situation where a losing hockey trade has to be done in order to sort out the financials and there is also a loss of talent situation in case Arvidsson needs to go instead of Iafallo. You basically bank that another prospect will have a breakout season this year.
B) No trade for PLD. Kings get into arbitration for Gabe, risk him getting as big of a cap hit as in option A but at a shorter term, which would be the worst case scenario. Wheeling and dealing still needs to be done, only with worse leverage.
C) Trade for PLD. Here the first question is whether it can be done for Gabe+Iafallo, without adding any sweeteners. From WPG perspective, if PLD doesn't want to resign and they can't find a better trade partner, they might not have a choice. I am afraid though that Kaliyev or Spence would have to be added, too. The second question is what kind of contract is he willing to sign for. Anything significantly above 8 million/per on a long term seems just too much.
I'm not against it, but more than one parameter needs to be acceptable in order for the trade to be worth it. It definitely isn't a slam dunk "yes" kind of deal. It does need to be noted that the Kings would have a SCARY lineup if Gabe+Iafallo is the price to pay:
Byfield - Kopitar - Kempe
Fiala - PLD - Arvidsson
Moore - Danault - Lizotte
Two of JAD/Fagemo/Grundy/Lias - Kupari
Alternatively, how about:
To Kings: PLD (signs for 8 million/year) + Hellebuyck (6,2 million/year - 3 million retained by WPG)
To WPG: Gabe + Iafallo (4mil) + Arvidsson (4,2mil) + Kaliyev
The Kings have, what, 4 million cap space right now? It's doable from that perspective. The question here is how big of an impact on offensive production would be losing Arvidsson and whether or not Hellebuyck would be willing to resign at an affordable level, not some 10 million (although Kopitar's 10 is off the books I doubt nearly all of it can be spent on Connor). And the Kings would be betting on one of the JAD/Fagemo/Lias having a breakout season. The Kings would become instant contenders, though, and maybe not even just for 1 season (highly depends how good Clarke will be and if DD can bring it well enough for a few more years).
You'd think he should be willing to give the Kings some maneuverability for next season given how they were super patient with him...otherwise who knows if he'd ever make it as an NHL player. Lack of willingness to take home-town discount bridge contract for this reason does indeed show a problematic character trait...
On the other one does wonder if Gabe's ceiling (at least offensive one) is perhaps higher than PLD's...and then there is the contract that PLD is looking for.
So, let's see the scenarios:
A) No trade for PLD. Kings need to get rid of Iafallo/Arvidsson to fit both Gabe and a goalie under the cap. This could be a tricky situation where a losing hockey trade has to be done in order to sort out the financials and there is also a loss of talent situation in case Arvidsson needs to go instead of Iafallo. You basically bank that another prospect will have a breakout season this year.
B) No trade for PLD. Kings get into arbitration for Gabe, risk him getting as big of a cap hit as in option A but at a shorter term, which would be the worst case scenario. Wheeling and dealing still needs to be done, only with worse leverage.
C) Trade for PLD. Here the first question is whether it can be done for Gabe+Iafallo, without adding any sweeteners. From WPG perspective, if PLD doesn't want to resign and they can't find a better trade partner, they might not have a choice. I am afraid though that Kaliyev or Spence would have to be added, too. The second question is what kind of contract is he willing to sign for. Anything significantly above 8 million/per on a long term seems just too much.
I'm not against it, but more than one parameter needs to be acceptable in order for the trade to be worth it. It definitely isn't a slam dunk "yes" kind of deal. It does need to be noted that the Kings would have a SCARY lineup if Gabe+Iafallo is the price to pay:
Byfield - Kopitar - Kempe
Fiala - PLD - Arvidsson
Moore - Danault - Lizotte
Two of JAD/Fagemo/Grundy/Lias - Kupari
Alternatively, how about:
To Kings: PLD (signs for 8 million/year) + Hellebuyck (6,2 million/year - 3 million retained by WPG)
To WPG: Gabe + Iafallo (4mil) + Arvidsson (4,2mil) + Kaliyev
The Kings have, what, 4 million cap space right now? It's doable from that perspective. The question here is how big of an impact on offensive production would be losing Arvidsson and whether or not Hellebuyck would be willing to resign at an affordable level, not some 10 million (although Kopitar's 10 is off the books I doubt nearly all of it can be spent on Connor). And the Kings would be betting on one of the JAD/Fagemo/Lias having a breakout season. The Kings would become instant contenders, though, and maybe not even just for 1 season (highly depends how good Clarke will be and if DD can bring it well enough for a few more years).
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Dr. Tran
Super Star
Why are so many of you assuming that Vilardi wants too much money? Is there any evidence of that other than the fact that he’s not been signed & is rumored to be in this PLD trade? If there’s anything other than that let me know.
I’m trying to get used to this trade happening. But I don’t like it. Not for who it brings in & not for who’s supposedly going out. I just hope I’m wrong about him. I was wrong about not wanting Gavrikov. Actually what I really hope is that all this is a big fakeout by Blake & who he’s really targeting is Hellebuyck. That would be the move to make & I would gladly give up Vilardi & Iafallo to get him.
I’m trying to get used to this trade happening. But I don’t like it. Not for who it brings in & not for who’s supposedly going out. I just hope I’m wrong about him. I was wrong about not wanting Gavrikov. Actually what I really hope is that all this is a big fakeout by Blake & who he’s really targeting is Hellebuyck. That would be the move to make & I would gladly give up Vilardi & Iafallo to get him.
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hokiecat
Lurker
Totally agree here. I haven't seen a peep that Vilardi is demanding big bucks or playing hardball. This feels like Kings fans making up facts to rationalize a front office move.
I'm of the same opinion on PLD and hope I'm wrong. But jeez that shift in Columbus. That was unprofessional and just goofing around to get traded.
Hellebucyk would be an amazing pickup but I don't know how the Kings pay him Vassy money. That would take some gymnastics. But with an elite goalie, the top 4 D, and most of the top 9 forwards returning... The Kings would be stacked.
Bollocks
Top Forward
AFAIK Rob's affordable bridge deals that he successfully negotiated until now were usually signed pretty early in the season...I have a sneaking suspicion that Gabe would be signed already if he agreed with an affordable bridge deal until Kopi's contract expires. That would also mean he's worth more in a trade, so I doubt Rob is holding out because he wanted to trade him for PLD all along.
I think it's entirely likely Gabe wants to protect himself in case his back problems reoccur (maybe there was some pain involved during his play this past season, who knows), in which case he would be looking at the absolute maximum total dollar amount he can get. And I can't really blame him if that's the case. This could very well be the reason Rob is considering trading for PLD, not vice versa. Maybe he just wants to make the most of the difficult situation with Gabe and instead of trying to squeeze him and a mediocre goalie under the cap he perhaps thinks a bigger splash would be worth it if WPG is very interested in Gabe.
And yes...of course this is speculation, what fun would it be if there was no speculation?
And trading for Hellebuyck along with PLD is also doable since WPG can retain some salary to make it work this season (of course the Kings would need to trade Iafallo and Arvi - either along Gabe or in a separate deal for tradeable assets - and prospect(s) to make it work with resigning PLD). And next season a ~9 million/year contract would be doable for Connor since Kopi's contract is off the books (I assume that if he resigns it would be to a very significant discount).
Clif
Super Star
Can’t verify any of the Vilardi contract or malcontent stuff so won’t entertain those things personally, even though it feels better to do so. Can only verify a player who was disappointing to the point that he may as well have been untradeable last summer. A player who then broke out for 41 points. The fact that he’s now a potential piece for a power forward center who’s put up 3 60+ seasons, I can understand Blake wanting to cash in. As a hockey trade it makes sense.
Stick PLD with Fiala and it’s scary as hell for opposing teams. Kaliyev could very well have a breakout season in goals on that line. They won’t be good defensively but won’t have to be. Kopi and Daneault will still do that heavy lifting. Against the Oilers, that could the difference in a series.
Big picture this team is not winning the division or a round with Lizotte as the 3rd line center. Even with Vilardi and Fiala on the wings, it won’t get as much ice time as a PLD line will. That’ll only make Kopi better as everyone here has been saying he needs to play less minutes. This trade happens and he finally does. And yeah, they could trade AI and get a Bjusgstad type center, which I prefer, but hey, I get the appeal of stacking up big right down the middle.
All this said, I look at a trade like this as better in the short term but possibly worse in the long term. Continuing to allow Vilardi to grow into the dynamic player he’s so capable of being with a center in Byfield or even Pinelli could pay greater dividends long term. By then Kopi will be nearing retirement, but should still be playing. If Blake really wants to go all in sooner then so be it, but I’m not convinced that’s how you build a team to last.
Stick PLD with Fiala and it’s scary as hell for opposing teams. Kaliyev could very well have a breakout season in goals on that line. They won’t be good defensively but won’t have to be. Kopi and Daneault will still do that heavy lifting. Against the Oilers, that could the difference in a series.
Big picture this team is not winning the division or a round with Lizotte as the 3rd line center. Even with Vilardi and Fiala on the wings, it won’t get as much ice time as a PLD line will. That’ll only make Kopi better as everyone here has been saying he needs to play less minutes. This trade happens and he finally does. And yeah, they could trade AI and get a Bjusgstad type center, which I prefer, but hey, I get the appeal of stacking up big right down the middle.
All this said, I look at a trade like this as better in the short term but possibly worse in the long term. Continuing to allow Vilardi to grow into the dynamic player he’s so capable of being with a center in Byfield or even Pinelli could pay greater dividends long term. By then Kopi will be nearing retirement, but should still be playing. If Blake really wants to go all in sooner then so be it, but I’m not convinced that’s how you build a team to last.
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Statue4Deano
Lurker
I’m not sure how reputable this fella is but he’s speculating that Korpisalo’s rights and Jansen Harkins will also be involved in a potential trade.
Seems highly unlikely but I wonder what Blake would give up for both Dubois and Hellebuyck
Seems highly unlikely but I wonder what Blake would give up for both Dubois and Hellebuyck
symbology
TEAM LGK
At the same time, do we really know what PLD wants? Besides a MTC (trade me to Montreal Trade Clause) I am sure.
With the reports of Vilardi going the other way I am not thrilled about the trade. If it can happen without giving up Vilardi and the AV is reasonable I can be okay with it. I cannot
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LAKingSteve
Lurker
I keep hearing Byfield's name being added to the Iafallo & Vilardi mix. If that's the case, there better be a lot more than PLD coming back and it would tell me that the Kings also might not believe QB is the guy they thought he was.
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SaltyPuck
Lurker
I'm hoping for a deal that brings both PLD and Helly
Clif
Super Star
Who’s saying that? I’m refreshing more about this thing than is healthy and I haven’t seen that anywhere.
Latest from WPG beat writer is Kings haven’t been given permission to talk to PLD yet.
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SaltyPuck
Lurker
I'm in the same boat... but there are sooo many takes out there....
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Consolidated:<br><br>Pagnotta: Done deal, just between PLD & LA<br><br>Friedman: PLD & LA no permission to talk. Deal? Maybe yes, maybe no.<br><br>Seravalli: No deal is done, no talking from LA+PLD camp, other teams circling. WPG
.<br><br>Choose your fighter.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoKingsGo?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc^tfw">#GoKingsGo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LAKings?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc^tfw">#LAKings</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NHLJets?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc^tfw">#NHLJets</a></p>— Joe W. Patarino (@JWPatarino) <a href="">June 26, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
symbology
TEAM LGK
No freaking way Blake makes that trade. All that crap is from stupid Jets fans. I am not sure I like the deal even if Vilardi goes the other way. If the Kings wanted a player to help them sooner rather than later, they would have drafted Stutzle. Why change their minds now, and for freaking PLD? Not seeing that at all.
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Ice24
Lurker
This team has to make moves, if not they are just a one and done team in the playoffs. Defense is a must and then work on acquiring some decent role players that can play and pound the opposing defense.
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Statue4Deano
Lurker
Only time I’ve seen QB mentioned is an article from The Athletic that speculated he would need to be included if the Kings want Dubois. That was written prior to the Vilardi rumors.
Vilardi for Dubois makes a lot more sense because of their respective ages and contract statuses. Both RFAs.
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hokiecat
Lurker
The comps that his agent (Brisson) is using are Larkin and Barzal. So that is where the 9M AAV is coming from.
Blake better take that as the want and not what is realistic. Those comps are IMO the equivalent of "this crappy guy got into the hall of fame (during a down year), so our local star should make it in as well" argument.
HeadInjury
2 Late to Change My Name
I'm in the same boat... but there are sooo many takes out there....
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Consolidated:<br><br>Pagnotta: Done deal, just between PLD & LA<br><br>Friedman: PLD & LA no permission to talk. Deal? Maybe yes, maybe no.<br><br>Seravalli: No deal is done, no talking from LA+PLD camp, other teams circling. WPG
One should not accept in haste a Pagnotta rumor. I don't recall him ever breaking anything of significance. He's not Eklund, he's a legit reporter, but doesn't seem to have the connections.
It wasn't Pagnotta, but before the trade deadline there was all this fuss about Clarke being offered and that turned out to be hogwash.
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LAKingSteve
Lurker
Biggest concern for Gabe is injuries. The above is based on one season of 63 games. He's played 152 total games, always had injuries. Don't get me wrong, love the guy, but there is risk there.
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LAKingSteve
Lurker
I've seen it multiple times on Twitter over the past two days but could very well be the same fake rumor getting recirculated. I personally don't believe Blake makes that move.
