Coaching/Management:
Kings need to make some moves. First of which is sending off Rob Blake and finding a new permanent HC. Blake has done a fine job, but fine isn't really good enough. 3 consecutive first round exits, underwhelming regular season and questionable asset management and decision making is enough for me to say he needs to go. As far as Hiller, he met expectations in the situation he was tossed into. But a new coach is needed, give the team a refreshed look. Someone who allows for more offensive flare, allowing guys like Fiala, Kempe, Byfield to really take off.
Some signing notes:
- While I can definitely see a long term deal for Byfield, I also understand that it may make more sense to give that bridge deal. However, looking around the league to guys like Boldy, Stutzle and more, I can see how Byfields agents may argue for an 8 year deal.
- I don't see a realistic scenario where Kings can find a long time solution in net this offseason. Trades for guys like Binnington, Ullmark, Gus etc, just seem like too steep of a price. Only one I could maybe see is Gus. Either way, Portillo was a killer in the A this year and will likely transition to the NHL this year. Nej/Rittich can step in to be the 1A in the likely 1A/B with Portillo going into next year
- Duclair takes Arvidsson's spot. Arvy is great when he plays, but the issue lies in the second part of that. He isn't getting any younger, and the injuries have been adding up. Duclair brings a good pop of goal scoring and physicality that will be more consistently in the lineup than Arvidsson.
PLD:
This guy has been battered and bashed from every angle from Kings fans and fans across the league. His point production was not at 8.5mil level, defensive play lacklustre at times and took unnecessary penalties often. However the common theme that he does not try is not true. PLD went from playing 18 mins per game to barely 15, and having a carousel of line mates. I see Kings having him play as the 2C next season, with some combination of Moore, Fiala & Duclair to provide stable goal scoring. The idea of a buyout seems very unrealistic, and a trade while his value is at an all time low equally dumb.
Prospects:
The kids are ready to play. The long, drawn out development for a lot of the Kings young players should be done, with many ready to jump into the lineup. Clarke will slide into the second or third pair after being named to AHL second team this past year. ****emo scored 43 GOALS in 50 games in the AHL last season, and will add goal scoring no matter where he is slotted in next season. Thomas and Turcotte have already proved they deserve a full season shot in the NHL, while Laferriere just wrapped up a surprisingly good rookie season in the NHL.
Kaliyev is possibly the worst asset management the Kings have showcased in the last 5 years. He easily has 20 goal scorer potential, which Kings flushed down the drain in exchange for guys like Anderson Dolan and Trevor Lewis this past season. While holes still exist defensively, he can be a great addition to the Habs bottom 6, contributing goals on the PP2.
Harris is likely the odd man out of the Habs d core next season. He gets a fresh look at consistent ice time on the Kings third pair, with the opportunity to play with and create chemistry with one of the young Kings RHD (Clarke or Spence).
I like it. Neither players fix the real problems for both teams but could benefit the change of scenery and the opportunites they would not get in their respective organization.
I think that you've advanced an entirely reasonable and realistic strategy, especially in your Team Description. Well done!
Grundstrom's Qualifying Offer is $1.3 million, so he will become a free agent because someone will want him. I think that you're correct in believing that we just won't be able to re-up Lizotte or Grundstrom.
I'm perfectly happy with Englund at #3LD and Kaliyev can almost certainly be re-signed for the $900,000 you've given Grundstrom, so if we reduce Byfield's bridge deal by about a million dollars, we have the space for another player.
I like it. Neither players fix the real problems for both teams but could benefit the change of scenery and the opportunites they would not get in their respective organization.
Quoting: Cadyn
Englund was horrid this season, doesn't necessarily need to be Harris but I think the Kings could benefit from signing a 3LHD
MTL management wants to build their team based on seize & speed (Dach ‘seize’ Newhook ‘speed’), Kaliyev skating is just too bad for them to consider him being part of the team. MTL will keep Harris if they don’t get what they want (a trade that make sense for them)
MTL management wants to build their team based on seize & speed (Dach ‘seize’ Newhook ‘speed’), Kaliyev skating is just too bad for them to consider him being part of the team. MTL will keep Harris if they don’t get what they want (a trade that make sense for them)
Montréal also needs goal badly, if he can put up 20 on a 3rd line with 2PP minutes, Harris is not a big loss even if Kaliyev can't skate IMO
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Portillo,
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