The Pacific Division Thread

[waynet]

The sucks are good and fun, but they will get pummeled in the playoffs.

Not sure of this. Dostal has the ability to win games on his own, like when they were totally outplayed in Colorado recently. Did the latest win streak without their 2 best players, Carlsson and Terry. As someone said, they hit NHL gold with Sennecke. When the camera pans their bench, it mostly resembles a college hockey team. A desirable composition of youth and skill.

 

[Clif]

That's why given the teams poor performance this year compared to last, is the opportunity for Ken to do a one year retool and do something before he retires.

The Kings without Fiala and with Wright are unlikely to even make the playoffs.
Ken is not doing that.
They will look back at 105 points last year, get a new coach, and hope this year is a mulligan.

This is probably an even more likely scenario, but losing Kopitar is not just a mulligan. Big changes are coming regardless.

Of course not. In some post I read today someone reminded us that Ken is 70+ on a 3 year contract. He won't start a rebuild unless the team collapses horribly, which I can't see happening this season.



The Kings almost 100% won't rebuild yet, and in this case they want a borderline 1st line C or an established 2nd line center that could step in the 1A/1B situation with the Kings immediately, and Wright is not that player. Or they go big and take a gamble with Elias.

At this point Wright is only slightly more useful to improving the Kings short-term winning chances as Kenny Connors or Nikita Alexandrov are, and they are cheap. So, why bother losing assets?

Rebuilds implying selling it all off and tanking for top picks. No, Kings will not go that route. But being one of the oldest teams in the league who have need for a top 6 center, a new system, more mobility on the backend, increased physicality, and increased scoring shouldn’t be lost on Holland.

 

[The Nuts]

This is probably an even more likely scenario, but losing Kopitar is not just a mulligan. Big changes are coming regardless.

Rebuilds implying selling it all off and tanking for top picks. No, Kings will not go that route. But being one of the oldest teams in the league who have need for a top 6 center, a new system, more mobility on the backend, increased physicality, and increased scoring shouldn’t be lost on Holland.

Outside of the coaches , I don't see big changes and think that would be a mistake.
Prices are too high because so many teams are in buble or better positions.
Thank Cliff

 

[symbology]

Right now indicates a trade as you can't sign but a few players in season.

Plenty free agents, top tier players are not picking LA lately.
If you trade for one , he won't resign here or will ask for a trade.

https://www.spotrac.com/nhl/free-agents/available/_/year/2026/position/c/type/ufa

The Kings need help but if we maybe miss playoffs , why buy during pre deadline when prices are high and a record number of teams are in the race?

If the team even makes the playoffs advancing would be a miracle.

The Kings have a shot at being better next year.

But we agree on a lot

I personally remove much of the meat on that list due to their age (over the age of 33yrs).

I have been in a "sell" mode off and on for 2 years. I thought they should have sold Arvi and Roy 2 years ago at the TDL. Used those assets to try improve the team that offseason. Kings management is delaying the inevitable, IMO. I had them getting swept in the playoffs by the Oilers that year. They won a single game. They could have retooled a bit and improved the team / org. Instead, they got their butts kicked in the playoffs and got nothing when Arvi and Roy walked.

Kopi will be gone and DD will be a year older, as will a few other "aged" Kings defensemen. Some younger players will improve, but I am not expecting them to be better on the ice. That is, unless they make some trades which would make the team worse overall by hurting an already poor prospect pool. That would just kick the can that much closer to the edge of the cliff. A one step forward, two steps back sort of thing.

I will agree to agree.

 

[Bollocks]

Not sure of this. Dostal has the ability to win games on his own, like when they were totally outplayed in Colorado recently. Did the latest win streak without their 2 best players, Carlsson and Terry. As someone said, they hit NHL gold with Sennecke. When the camera pans their bench, it mostly resembles a college hockey team. A desirable composition of youth and skill.

He'll have a hard time winning 4 games on his own, and they have near-zero playoff experience where the game changes significantly and crap D. Similar concern stands for Sharks, too. Would also depend on a matchups though...but deep run? Nope.

They may do something to shore up their D at the deadline. But it's going to be difficult to fix 2nd worst D in the league that's also full of inexperienced youth in a couple of months.