The Pacific Division Thread

[orpheus]

I don't like that the Sucks are rising like foam and the Kings are sinking like lead.

 

[Bollocks]

"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.

I see. And I agree. If there was to be a rebuild that's definitely a trade you should make.

If some of the AHL centers come knocking on the door really loudly then you have assets to trade (Turcotte) or you can give up on making QB a center and you move him back to wing.

 

[Hockey53]

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…

Becket Sennecke leads all rookies in scoring,with 18 goals,23 assists for 41 points.The only Kings players that are even close to Sennecke in scoring,is Adrian Kempe with 17gls,22 assists for 39 points and Kevin Fiala with 18 goals,18 assists for 36 points.Byfield is next with 28 points.And yes VCRW,it does look like the Ducks hit pay dirt with Becket Sennecke.

 

[Clif]

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

Holland is signed for 3 years as GM and is 70 years old. I get it. I don’t believe Holland is looking at this team and thinks to himself, “Contender.” What that means for next season no one can say, but if we’re speculating on possible avenues a retool is one if this year goes poorly enough.

Note that a retool is different from a rebuild. Kings have young talent and a decent prospect pool already, but not a great prospect pool. They have old players they can move for picks/prospects. A retool would take 2-3 years. Fiala has 3 years left and is a productive, at times dynamic, top 6 scorer. He’s by far the best of the tradable older players, and it Wright is available I could see him being the Kings only real piece coupled with a first. Kraken are not trading Wright for a prospect.

The reasons you stated make the idea of losing Fiala painful, I agree. I don’t like it but may be necessary.

And I suppose I “admitted” Wright may not be top 6 since that’s the whole reason SEA may be willing to trade him, but there’s a lot to be intrigued by in this player. A center lineup of Byfield, Wright, Turcotte, and Helenius may be unspectacular but with the right coach there’s some real potential there for a responsible, hardworking and productive group.

 

[Statue4Deano]

Becket Sennecke leads all rookies in scoring,with 18 goals,23 assists for 41 points.The only Kings players that are even close to Sennecke in scoring,is Adrian Kempe with 17gls,22 assists for 39 points and Kevin Fiala with 18 goals,18 assists for 36 points.Byfield is next with 28 points.And yes VCRW,it does look like the Ducks hit pay dirt with Becket Sennecke.

Kings have a systemic problem. The rot comes from the top. It’s time to dig it out.

 

[Bollocks]

Holland is signed for 3 years as GM and is 70 years old. I get it. I don’t believe Holland is looking at this team and thinks to himself, “Contender.” What that means for next season no one can say, but if we’re speculating on possible avenues a retool is one if this year goes poorly enough.

Note that a retool is different from a rebuild. Kings have young talent and a decent prospect pool already, but not a great prospect pool. They have old players they can move for picks/prospects. A retool would take 2-3 years. Fiala has 3 years left and is a productive, at times dynamic, top 6 scorer. He’s by far the best of the tradable older players, and it Wright is available I could see him being the Kings only real piece coupled with a first. Kraken are not trading Wright for a prospect.

The reasons you stated make the idea of losing Fiala painful, I agree. I don’t like it but may be necessary.

And I suppose I “admitted” Wright may not be top 6 since that’s the whole reason SEA may be willing to trade him, but there’s a lot to be intrigued by in this player. A center lineup of Byfield, Wright, Turcotte, and Helenius may be unspectacular but with the right coach there’s some real potential there for a responsible, hardworking and productive group.

The upside is the Kings have a few wingers too many, especially with the recent&deent showing of Ward and Lee, and return to health for Moore and Perry.

Maybe the Kings should forget about relying on one very skilled, but somewhat inconsistent player with poor decision making and try to win with hard working, gritty wingers lead and mentored by Perry. Planting @sses in front of goalies instead of trying to outdeke everyone. The only issue is not many blueliners can shoot the damn puck...

 

[Clif]

The upside is the Kings have a few wingers too many, especially with the recent&deent showing of Ward and Lee, and return to health for Moore and Perry.

Maybe the Kings should forget about relying on one very skilled, but somewhat inconsistent player with poor decision making and try to win with hard working, gritty wingers lead and mentored by Perry. Planting @sses in front of goalies instead of trying to outdeke everyone. The only issue is not many blueliners can shoot the damn puck...

Well I don’t expect Perry will have interest in returning next year, but I am all for that approach to the game. The blueline is another story. I don’t know what mobile defensemen are going to be available to trade for or sign as UFAs. Feels like we may to wait that solution out a bit and hope Bruschetta really is an NHL talent.

The Kings are not doomed for years in the wilderness if Holland is given a greenlight for meaningful changes. The Blake Plan got to enjoy its death rattle this season. It’s all the justification Holland needs.