We were right there

San Jose needs to make moves, the right ones at that, in order to become a team of serious conversation. Can't see Celebrini doing much more by himself, so others need to improve and they need to add fitting vets to round out the team.

I can't see Vegas being as bad as this year. Edmonton - who knows what happens there...

My prediction is VGK-Ducks-Kings, if Ken manages to secure solid options for #2C, #3C and top 4 D. Otherwise we're probably going to battle for the WC spot...
What , oh no problem Ken has a magic wand to waive, 3 waivers and he has a 2c, 3c and a top 4 d within the 94 million dollar internal cap. Kendini!
 
Don’t think they would either, but I couldn’t think of a more ideal solution at center given the age and skillset. He scored 60 something points last year. His production has dropped off a bit this year and he was healthy scratched a couple games in a row at one point. But he has all the tools to be a very effective second C.

He’s someone I’d be tempted to trade Fiala for and Verbeek might even be good with that return. But that removes a top 6 winger. I don’t like making one hole to fill another. If Fiala was traded for Tkachuk it could just be seen as a new direction/upgrade. The center hole would remain a separate issue.
I agree with you and that's what I don't get - why would Anaheim want to move him? He provides what they desperately need, size, board battles, physicality along with scoring.

If they do move him, though, my guess is they will want high potential roster players 24 and younger, top prospects and draft picks to fit their current core's age bracket.

Even though Tkachuk is more established, currently much better and the far safer overall bet, I would roll the dice on MacTavish in a heartbeat if he became available.
 
It’s Torts. He often uses “healthy scratch” as a motivation tool, not always as punishment.

Torts? You mean Q?

Don’t think they would either, but I couldn’t think of a more ideal solution at center given the age and skillset. He scored 60 something points last year. His production has dropped off a bit this year and he was healthy scratched a couple games in a row at one point. But he has all the tools to be a very effective second C.

He’s someone I’d be tempted to trade Fiala for and Verbeek might even be good with that return. But that removes a top 6 winger. I don’t like making one hole to fill another. If Fiala was traded for Tkachuk it could just be seen as a new direction/upgrade. The center hole would remain a separate issue.

If Fiala is the centerpiece I'd do it in a heartbeat. If the Kings can secure a talented, young #2C that's on a decent contract with term without giving up Clarke, Laf, Bruz, Wooley or Slukynsky - do it. Maybe the Ducks want one of our goalies, too?

Fiala, Forsberg/Kuemper and a 2nd round pick if they need a sweetener?

Don't forget that the Kings now have a full season of Panarin to be the main offensive catalyst, and if they resign Kuzmenko on relatively cheap, the Kings have that #2C position solved long-term in a relatively painless fashion. Sure, Kuzmenko is no Fiala, but Fiala won't be getting any better while McTavish absolutely could. And Kuzmenko bought into the system and still isn't out of the question for a stable middle 6 role with impact on the PP.

McTavish's contract @7mil until 2031 is reasonable.

I wouldn't worry about wingers...there are a few with yet untapped potential that haven't been thoroughly (or at all) tested at the NHL level. Lee, Chromiak, Jämsen...there's also Cihar who seems to be a big game player (great at WJC, great in the recent playoffs) and a couple of NCAA guys as the more long-term options that could pan out...
 
I agree with you and that's what I don't get - why would Anaheim want to move him? He provides what they desperately need, size, board battles, physicality along with scoring.

If they do move him, though, my guess is they will want high potential roster players 24 and younger, top prospects and draft picks to fit their current core's age bracket.

Even though Tkachuk is more established, currently much better and the far safer overall bet, I would roll the dice on MacTavish in a heartbeat if he became available.

I don’t get why he’s being scratched, but I can’t see a player of that potential being healthy scratched several times including in a playoff win and not being moved. And because of all the positives you listed I don’t even think it’ll hurt his value. So they’ll be fine either way.

PHI was dumb enough to trash Gauthier’s character and ANH got him relatively cheap and without much competition. 40 goals this season and a force against EDM round 1.
 
I have a long time hockey buddy in Las Vegas whose nickname is also “Torts”. He and I were texting a lot during the game. He, of course, was rooting for the Knights and the “other” Torts. Thanks for catching that slip.😁

Ah, I see. Confusion basically guaranteed!
 
Don’t think they would either, but I couldn’t think of a more ideal solution at center given the age and skillset. He scored 60 something points last year. His production has dropped off a bit this year and he was healthy scratched a couple games in a row at one point. But he has all the tools to be a very effective second C.

He’s someone I’d be tempted to trade Fiala for and Verbeek might even be good with that return. But that removes a top 6 winger. I don’t like making one hole to fill another. If Fiala was traded for Tkachuk it could just be seen as a new direction/upgrade. The center hole would remain a separate issue.
A hole at wing is a lot easier to fill than a hole at center.
 
A hole at wing is a lot easier to fill than a hole at center.

Generally yes but a player with Fiala’s point production is not available as a UFA nor is there anyone in the Kings’ pipeline remotely close. Kings couldn’t replace Vilardi after acquiring the center they traded him for.
 
Hi Dolphin, admittedly overstepping but I have some suggestions for your Star Wars and Blues Brothers memes. "Notes" as they say in the industry. So, not going to describe the image because you'll see it in your head.
*ahem*

Star Wars:
" Hi, I'm Ken Holland and I'm here to rescue you." (speaking to the Kings front office)

Blues Brothers:
"We're on a mission to placate season ticket holders" (Elwood and Jake picking up Panarin)

***
If you need to call me an asshole, I get it and deserve it. lol.
Tim Gunn Reaction GIF by Amazon Prime Video
In Orphy Fashion, I beat the meme thing in this thread into the ground so I should stop.

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:mhihi: :fpalm:
 
Generally yes but a player with Fiala’s point production is not available as a UFA nor is there anyone in the Kings’ pipeline remotely close. Kings couldn’t replace Vilardi after acquiring the center they traded him for.

But if Fiala nets you a legit top 4 D or #2 C that's a good tradeoff. You're going to have an even bigger issue trying to fill those two needs in UFA...
 
But if Fiala nets you a legit top 4 D or #2 C that's a good tradeoff. You're going to have an even bigger issue trying to fill those two needs in UFA...

UFAs of Fiala’s caliber don’t sign here. Also think on what was given up to get him in the first place.

I would still be open to trading him for MacTavish because that would also be a move for the future. I would also consider it for a top pairing LD but no way just top 4 D.

If Holland trades Fiala we’re likely not getting a winger that productive anytime soon. This is not just wingers being easier to replace than centers.
 
UFAs of Fiala’s caliber don’t sign here. Also think on what was given up to get him in the first place.

I would still be open to trading him for MacTavish because that would also be a move for the future. I would also consider it for a top pairing LD but no way just top 4 D.

If Holland trades Fiala we’re likely not getting a winger that productive anytime soon. This is not just wingers being easier to replace than centers.

The Kings have been very good with two top wingers in Fiala and Kempe 2 years ago. Now we have three and one top 6 C less.

But I agree...it would have to be for a young #2C player with some upside and on a good, long term contract. McTavish seems to fit the bill.

Kuzmenko is capable of being a 2nd line winger, too, if Moore is also traded in the offseason. It's a role that would suit him more than 3rd line duties. Moore also has 2nd line capabilities if Kuz doesn't resign. There's certainly some risk involved in that neither get the job done well enough, but the Kings can't afford (or rather shouldn't) to play it safe and risk-free. We don't have "surplus" quality prospects (apart from goalies) to trade away and I don't want Ken to spend more than 1st rounder this offseason.
 
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In Orphy Fashion, I beat the meme thing in this thread into the ground so I should stop.

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:mhihi: :fpalm:
This is your best one, nice job. Dude, cut yourself a little slack you're learning a new skill it takes work but once you are proficient ...it benefits the community. No rational person is going to have a problem with that and if they do...they can deal with both of us. *laughing*
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