We might be able to get NYR's #15 pick, if we are willing to move Kupari

[triplcrown]

OK, it's just a theory of mine, but I figure the NYRs really want to get Kaapo Kakko going.

If they add his countryman Rasmus Kupari, that could make a difference in achieving that goal.

Kupari and Kakko are friends who have been linemates on their national Jrs team,
and have also played against each other in league play.

They have the promise of having some chemistry together (Kupari as Kakko's center),
which could really help get Kakko going.

We could offer Kupari and a pick (1 of our 2nd rounders, or a 3rd?) for their #15 pick.

If we do that, we could kick-up BOTH our FW prospects and D prospects.

Kings are loaded at C; We can spare Kupari.

Imagine coming out of this draft with BOTH
Dylan Guenther and Carson Lambos?

:shocked2:


Or maybe, (somewhat more likely) Kent Johnson and Lambos?

The Kings' future would be so bright, we'd all look like the Blues Brothers.

"Are you the police?"
No, ma'am. We're hockey scouts."

 

[gokor84]

No just no. we don't need more project picks . if Kings are trading Kupari it will be for already established top six forward.

 

[DryKing]

No just no. we don't need more project picks . if Kings are trading Kupari it will be for already established top six forward.

Agreed. Kupari is likely to be NHL ready at some point next season and is an upgrade over some of the roster players we had last season which the potential to continue to develop into a top forward. The only way we trade him is to expedite that growth by adding an already established top 6 forward now. As cool as it would be to have both Guenther and Lambos join the Kings, a trade like this would move the team backwards in terms of development.

If we want to help the Rangers solve the Kakko situation we could always trade our 8th overall for him j/k

 

[jom]

Trading Kupari isn't a bad idea it's just that I don't see the need for the Kings to receive another draft pick in return. The thought of moving the #8 for Kakko actually makes more sense....not that it would happen though.

jom

 

[DryKing]

Trading Kupari isn't a bad idea it's just that I don't see the need for the Kings to receive another draft pick in return. The thought of moving the #8 for Kakko actually makes more sense....not that it would happen though.

jom

Doubt it too but they do remain hungry for a top center. Total speculation article below, but perhaps there is a deal to be made.

https://bluelinestation.com/2021/02...rade-kakko-or-kravtsov-because-of-buchnevich/

 

[HeadInjury]

Maybe Kupari and the 8OA pick for Sergachev and Johnson's contract. If we are going to dream, then dream big.

 

[jom]

Doubt it too but they do remain hungry for a top center. Total speculation article below, but perhaps there is a deal to be made.

https://bluelinestation.com/2021/02...rade-kakko-or-kravtsov-because-of-buchnevich/

Who knows? Drury and Blake were teammates on the Avs I believe so maybe they talk. I would point out that I wouldn't move Byfield for ANYONE the Rangers could reasonable trade us.

jom

 

[Trapper9]

Kupari is better than #15 this year.

 

[Trapper9]

Maybe Kupari and the 8OA pick for Sergachev and Johnson's contract. If we are going to dream, then dream big.

Tyler Johnson is 30 years old, Stats have been diminishing and makes $5 mill for 3 more years with a M-NTC
His numbers this year were Blake Lizottes last year.

 

[HeadInjury]

Tyler Johnson is 30 years old, Stats have been diminishing and makes $5 mill for 3 more years with a M-NTC
His numbers this year were Blake Lizottes last year.

That's why we agree to take him. We are trying to entice the Lightning to part with Sergachev by taking Johnson's contact and removing them from cap hell.

 

[Pickle_Pucks]

We need players closer to NHL ready or actually ready. Not trading players on the cusp for players 3-4 years away. A deal for Kakko coming to LA actually could make some sense depending on parameters.

 

[Statue4Deano]

Zero interest in trading Kupari for a mid-round 1st. I want to see what that kid can do with a full healthy NHL season.

 

[VCRW]

Zero interest in trading Kupari for a mid-round 1st. I want to see what that kid can do with a full healthy NHL season.

I would rather trade Kempe, keep Kupari, and see how he looks as a winger. The guy has an exceptional shot.

Juice would probably flourish on a team that plays a more upbeat pace than the Kings. And I see him as part of a bigger deal for that LD.

 

[Trapper9]

Kempe is starting to flourish now. no point in moving him now when this is what we were waiting for.

 

[Byron]

Since mid January, 2021, Kempe had at least 19 games in which he had one shot or less. He went the last 6 scoreless. In 4.5 years of nhl experience, he has 7 PP goals. His 29 points this year is in line with his historical ppg.

 

[What party?]

Kempe is starting to flourish now. no point in moving him now when this is what we were waiting for.

Uh...well...[too early in the summer to start, pinning argument]

 

[LAKingSteve]

Kempe is starting to flourish now. no point in moving him now when this is what we were waiting for.

Kempe had one good run that I can remember, zero consistency. He should be a more consistent player. The problem is that Kings offense can challenge any player who might otherwise flourish somewhere else (see Toffoli)

 

[salami]

It's not a bad trade under certain conditions. If LA's #2 guy falls and is available at 15, yeah, you absolutely consider it. Let's say all NYR's faves are off the board at 15, then they're more incentivized to deal. But from a GM perspective, this is really a conversation for draft day, with a decision being made somewhere around pick 13 after seeing how the day plays out. It's plausible, but WAAAAY too early to be talking about it. I'd prefer to move up and get pick #2 or #5 , as opposed to giving up assets to have picks 8 and 15. I'm not saying pick #8+Kupari=#5 overall, (let alone #2 ) but I'd be more interested in moving up in this draft...assuming I trust my scouting department, that is.

 

[Helvetica]

I just don't see any way that LA doesn't use this offseason to convert picks and prospects into players that are ready to play right now. Literally everyone from management to players is on the same message about adding to the team to push it into the next level of contention. They also have a **** ton of prospects that need to be moved. Some of those will probably be converted into picks to help facilitate the next wave, but some need to be put towards getting players that can contribute immediately. The 8OA is probably our best trade chip, along with one of either Vilardi or Turcotte. I dont see why we'd trade Kempe away when we need scoring from the wing in the top 6. He checks all of those boxes. But we also have guys like Madden and Thomas that that should probably be moved.

As for moving up (or down) in the draft, i see arguments for both sides, but to me this is the draft to take advantage of other GM's/scouting departments. There's significantly less certainty with these picks, so id rather trade the 8OA and try to hit on guy later in the 1st and into the 2nd.

 

[jammer06]

The fact that there's so much conventional wisdom going on about this being the draft to trade down because the top end isn't as high as a Mcdavid draft and the uncertainty in the consensus past 5-6 spots leads me to believe it's probably a better time to trust your own scouting. There's probably not going to be a premium to move up if everyone wants to move down. I'm not talking first rounders here, the kings are well positioned for anything their scouting department is hot about that projects past their 8 spot. But if they want to package a couple 2nds to get up into the back half of the first this might be the year that can actually happen.

In no way should a deal revolve around a player like Kupari for a mid first. Rags would be fools not to take that deal, which means Blake would be a fool to offer it.