OK, so...Ken did something. Is it a good thing? I don't know.
First impressions:
+ from a win-now perspective (which is the unfortunate reality we live in) this wasn't too bad, he didn't give up a lot for him, and I like the contract extension - 2 years coincides with Ken's contract...I guess we're going all in for 2 more years and then we scrap it up; I guess this also makes sense from Doughty's perspective...which means 1 more year of overplayed DD and no DD trade at the deadline
+ powerplay should be improved
? 3 on 3 probably won't be improved if he's not a great skater?
- he's 34 and is likely on a decline already...Kovalchuk in his first season was around the same age as Panarin will be next season...not sure I like that
? he's not a very fast skater and he's not in any way, shape or form a two-way player...so how does he fit Hiller hockey? Is Ken firing Hiller, too? If so, when?
? he's more of a playmaker, but the Kings need finishers, and he's a right shot LW, so perhaps he'll be utilized as more of a finisher?
- if he wanted to come to LA because his wife/GF is an actress that can't be a great thing
- why the hell didn't he take Gavrikov with him in return for a 1st rounder?
- the Kings still need a center for next season...is Laf going to be the 2nd line center if Ken fails to sign someone at free agency (likelihood of which is very high)?
? Why on earth is Panarin listed as a Center on NHL.com? They might as well change the player positions to F if it's a forward, they have no clue.
To start:
Panarin-Byfield-Kempe
Fiala-Turcotte-Laferriere
Kuzmenko-Kopitar-Moore
Armia-Helenius-Perry
Foegele??? Malott, Ward
So...the Kings have improved skill on the offense...and defense is still missing a mobile D-man. More moves incoming if Ken is that serious about competing? We have another winger now...someone has to go. Foegele's trade value is at an all time low ATM but he's the most likely to go IMO from the perspective of improving this team's current chances.
From a perspective of maximizing assets, you trade Kuz and Perry for 2 late 1st round picks (with a late pick added if necessary) and turn that and Ceci/Dumo/Edmundson into someone able to man the PP and able to play 3 on 3...but IMO Ken is too much of an ego to admit his mistake in signing Ceci/Dumo to do something like that and trading Clarke's D-partner might not be a good idea.
great breakdown.
I think DD with Mkey is a good pair and look what happens when DD and no Mikey.
3 on 3 will be improved, he is elite and with that space.
Logic and history indict the Kings will have a new coach by next season unless Panarin comes in and has a seamless transition.
Hiller was not a Holland hire so he would probably have to get the Kings in and past round 1 to merit consideration to continue on.
everything changes now with an elite top line winger for the coaches and the players.
It is evaluation anew.
Rags likely want to keep Gav and build around him.
Ironic Gav left and Panarin ate what would have been his salary.
I would rather have Pan.
WHo cares why he came.
We finally had a big name chose LA and he got thKings a huge discount and signed for cheaper than what he could have got.
The Kings still have Laffy as a fall back center but getting an FA like Coyle would be great.
But no one has to go because Kopitar is leaving.
I don't want to see the Spence move where you dump someone and then scramble for a replacement.
Get a replacement and then make a move to dump someone.
The focus is already shifting to next season after a brief window to see if Panarin can make a seamless transition and propel the Kings into the playoffs with win streaks that will be needed.
Holland only has 2 more seasons and the mandate to win now.
And the orgaization just proved it, they don't want picks.
They want players now.
I want Perry and Kuz back, grit and goals are what the Kings need and that net front Perry.
If you are going to the playoffs you do not trade them and either way get them back in the Summer.
Lol you cant trade 3 defenders, for one , who fills those slots.
It was devastating just losing 2 defenders this year, stability especially on the rear guard is important.
Edmundsen has been great for Clarkes development so he stays on as his partner or any other young d we try.
dumo is ok and Ceci as improved.
Remember Pan is anomaly, players are not lining up to come to the Kings.
Holland does not have an ego, he just realized, your moves are like rolls of the dice, you make the roll and hope for the best. And then you make another roll.
Everyone on the team needs to be evaluated on how they play and where they slot I after Pan joins the team and even next season where we very likely have a new coach
