The Pacific Division Thread

[ICE24]

Sell at the deadline. Start the rebuild. This team is far from being playoff winning team. At this point, I'm not sure you want to gamble the future by trading for a player that has not done well in a couple of years and has had multiple issues with teammates and especially at his salary. I just don't like his body language and that he is not strapping at all.

 

[Clif]

That's good insight - I would have thought his value would be much lower than Pettersson's but you may be right (age+contract, etc). If that's the case, I would opt for Pettersson.

Wright seems to have some attitude problems as well, but the positive is that he is young, hard working and badly wants to succeed. Given Seattle's offensive system seems almost as bad as the Kings, he's probably do well in a Kings uniform without much risk of dropoff post trade.

If the Kings picked up both Wright and Kakko that would be great haha

Wright and Kakko have nearly identical goals/assists per game stats. Both top 5 picks but disappointing in their NHL play early. They feel comparable save for the volume of games played.

I bolded the part above because Jeff Marek interviewed Wright’s sports psychologist last season. He’s her client of course, but that checks out with what she said and objectively the fact he’s seeing a sports psych so young is a mature choice. I’ve only watched SEA games this year when they played the Kings but I have noticed Wright’s “motor” so to speak.

I love the idea because I want the Kings to retool, but usually a team doesn’t trade a player that young for more youth.

 

[symbology]

Wright and Kakko have nearly identical goals/assists per game stats. Both top 5 picks but disappointing in their NHL play early. They feel comparable save for the volume of games played.

I bolded the part above because Jeff Marek interviewed Wright’s sports psychologist last season. He’s her client of course, but that checks out with what she said and objectively the fact he’s seeing a sports psych so young is a mature choice. I’ve only watched SEA games this year when they played the Kings but I have noticed Wright’s “motor” so to speak.

I love the idea because I want the Kings to retool, but usually a team doesn’t trade a player that young for more youth.

He has good speed, seems to have good hockey IQ with decent skill. Should have a fine career.

 

[symbology]

Sell at the deadline. Start the rebuild. This team is far from being playoff winning team. At this point, I'm not sure you want to gamble the future by trading for a player that has not done well in a couple of years and has had multiple issues with teammates and especially at his salary. I just don't like his body language and that he is not strapping at all.

All we need is for Luc to buy into this plan.

 

[Bollocks]

Sell at the deadline. Start the rebuild. This team is far from being playoff winning team. At this point, I'm not sure you want to gamble the future by trading for a player that has not done well in a couple of years and has had multiple issues with teammates and especially at his salary. I just don't like his body language and that he is not strapping at all.

That would be ideal but it's hardly a realistic scenario.

If we assume Ken and Luc aren't willing to rebuild, then it's sensible to advocate for smart moves (like trading for Elias, if he isn't too expensive) rather than dumpster diving for rentals who will be overpriced this year due to high parity or going big on an expensive overrated rental like Panarin.

 

[Bollocks]

Wright and Kakko have nearly identical goals/assists per game stats. Both top 5 picks but disappointing in their NHL play early. They feel comparable save for the volume of games played.

I bolded the part above because Jeff Marek interviewed Wright’s sports psychologist last season. He’s her client of course, but that checks out with what she said and objectively the fact he’s seeing a sports psych so young is a mature choice. I’ve only watched SEA games this year when they played the Kings but I have noticed Wright’s “motor” so to speak.

I love the idea because I want the Kings to retool, but usually a team doesn’t trade a player that young for more youth.

If the idea is to retool it could be a smart move, BUT only if the price is a bargain one (i.e. picks only, or maybe a player like Foegele straight up).

Remember, we have Alexandrov who is a ppg AHL two-way center and desperately needs another NHL opportunity, Connors isn't bad either and is progressing well. Why spend assets on another team's question mark if you have your own?

Then eventually Alexandrov and Connors would walk for nothing and maybe make a career elsewhere and again come out the pitchforks...

 

[symbology]

That would be ideal but it's hardly a realistic scenario.

If we assume Ken and Luc aren't willing to rebuild, then it's sensible to advocate for smart moves (like trading for Elias, if he isn't too expensive) rather than dumpster diving for rentals who will be overpriced this year due to high parity or going big on an expensive overrated rental like Panarin.

Yep, if Kings management continues to go down the "wrong" path getting a player like Pettersson might just be the best option for doing wrong.

 

[Statue4Deano]

 

[ICE24]

View attachment 13779

I’m thinking Holland is not that stupid. Or is he.

 

[Bollocks]

View attachment 13779

F*** no.

 

[Clif]

If the idea is to retool it could be a smart move, BUT only if the price is a bargain one (i.e. picks only, or maybe a player like Foegele straight up).

Remember, we have Alexandrov who is a ppg AHL two-way center and desperately needs another NHL opportunity, Connors isn't bad either and is progressing well. Why spend assets on another team's question mark if you have your own?

Then eventually Alexandrov and Connors would walk for nothing and maybe make a career elsewhere and again come out the pitchforks...

Wright is a question mark on being 3rd line vs a second line center in the NHL. For a player who was once regarded as the number one overall pick, you’d like to think he’s got the pedigree and the drive to at least be an impactful 2nd line center. I don’t think the two you mentioned have the same ceiling.

 

[symbology]

F*** no.

X 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000

 

[symbology]

Wright is a question mark on being 3rd line vs a second line center in the NHL. For a player who was once regarded as the number one overall pick, you’d like to think he’s got the pedigree and the drive to at least be an impactful 2nd line center. I don’t think the two you mentioned have the same ceiling.

Wright had more points and a better +/- than Beniers last year. Last year he was used on the PP more than this year and he actually lead the team in PP goals. Not sure why they have cut his PP time down so much this season.

Wright is playing in only his 2nd full season in the NHL. Slafkovsky who was taken 1st overall in that same draft is really only putting it all together this season. This season which can almost be considered his 4th full season.

I think there is a very good chance he has a nice NHL career as to top 6 center. Cannot say the same thing about the Kings prospects, as they are just AHL prospects at this point.

 

[Bollocks]

Wright had more points and a better +/- than Beniers last year. Last year he was used on the PP more than this year and he actually lead the team in PP goals. Not sure why they have cut his PP time down so much this season.

Wright is playing in only his 2nd full season in the NHL. Slafkovsky who was taken 1st overall in that same draft is really only putting it all together this season. This season which can almost be considered his 4th full season.

I think there is a very good chance he has a nice NHL career as to top 6 center. Cannot say the same thing about the Kings prospects, as they are just AHL prospects at this point.

But if that's the case what makes us think he's available for a reasonable return? Surely we're not the only geniuses out there realizing all this...

 

[symbology]

But if that's the case what makes us think he's available for a reasonable return? Surely we're not the only geniuses out there realizing all this...

"Us" does not think that. Not all of us as I sure do not. Word is that he is not available for a reasonable return. Kraken have said they are open to trade him for an upgrade/overpayment. I mentioned this elsewhere on this board. He is not going anywhere for Foegele +, but may be had for Fiala (in some sort of deal).

The only way it makes sense for the Kings if they are in rebuild mode. Why trade Fiala for picks only to then try and acquire a young player like Wright. Just trade for Wright from the start. This is the only scenario I see Wright coming to LA. Fiala would be the top scorer on the Kraken if that were to happen.

 

[The Nuts]

Its not the time to buy a star, prices at record highs because of crowded playoff races.
We are likely not making the playoffs

Ken needs to chill and add in FA or wait til next season.
Don't get suckered Ken

 

[Clif]

"Us" does not think that. Not all of us as I sure do not. Word is that he is not available for a reasonable return. Kraken have said they are open to trade him for an upgrade/overpayment. I mentioned this elsewhere on this board. He is not going anywhere for Foegele +, but may be had for Fiala (in some sort of deal).

The only way it makes sense for the Kings if they are in rebuild mode. Why trade Fiala for picks only to then try and acquire a young player like Wright. Just trade for Wright from the start. This is the only scenario I see Wright coming to LA. Fiala would be the top scorer on the Kraken if that were to happen.

Now this is how I’d want to see Fiala traded. As much as I want to see the Kings retool, trading Fiala will be a necessary part of that path which will sting because I really love the talent and he’s as close as Kings have to game-breaking when he’s at his best. Throw in it cost Faber to get him (even if Faber wasn’t going to sign here that’s a chip you don’t want to waste) and it’s extra painful.

But this is also the key: SEA would only trade Wright now because they’re still trying to be a playoff team and they’d gamble on cashing in on Wright when his value is still high in case he doesn’t emerge as a top 6 player. He’s not going for more prospects.

 

[The Nuts]

Now this is how I’d want to see Fiala traded. As much as I want to see the Kings retool, trading Fiala will be a necessary part of that path which will sting because I really love the talent and he’s as close as Kings have to game-breaking when he’s at his best. Throw in it cost Faber to get him (even if Faber wasn’t going to sign here that’s a chip you don’t want to waste) and it’s extra painful.

But this is also the key: SEA would only trade Wright now because they’re still trying to be a playoff team and they’d gamble on cashing in on Wright when his value is still high in case he doesn’t emerge as a top 6 player. He’s not going for more prospects.

Huh?
KH is only here for 3 seasons.
He is not doing anything but a one season retool if that, this year.
Trading Fiala from a team starved for goals is not happening.
You have to put a decent product on the ice or risk losing revenue that could impact your franchise value.
Wright has lost value and is not a piece you go after , especially for a player like Fiala.
Upper tier FA's have not been picking the Kings.
We need to keep every single thing we have until we acquire an upgrade for that player.
You admitted Wright may not end up top 6

 

[VCRW]

The Ducks hit pay dirt with Becket Sennecke. The big kid just scored his first career hat trick in Calgary and he leads all rookies in goal scoring. Jealous…

 

[symbology]

Its not the time to buy a star, prices at record highs because of crowded playoff races.
We are likely not making the playoffs

Ken needs to chill and add in FA or wait til next season.
Don't get suckered Ken

I am not sure I am understanding what you are saying. When you say "buy a star" are you talking trade, or UFA? It seems like you are talking trade, and I agree. However, if they do not start a rebuild, Ken is adding something by the deadline.

Missing the playoffs? Probably.

Adding in FA is not a great plan this year, as there are not many top tier UFA's. Some have already been resigned, if I recall correctly.

No matter what Ken does, or does not do this year at the deadline the team will probably be worse next year. Kings need help today and will need more help next year after Kopi is gone.

I get it that the Kings will keep trying to put a patchwork team together and try and stay relevant. They have been doing that for years. Well, 4 first round exits and one of the worst prospect pools in the league is all they have to show for it. Kings have some good goalie prospects, one kid in the OHL that has a chance to be a top 6 player, the rest are looking like bottom 6'rs. IMO, the Kings are running out of duct tape to try and hold it together. It is going to crumble, whether that starts to happen this year or the next. It is inevitable IMO.

If this team does not make a good showing in the playoffs this year, I cannot see any quality player wanting to sign up to a franchise destined to fail / rebuild.