Blake working on thanksgiving

lasportzphan said:

Losing to Phoenix is no easy task and the Kings handled it valiantly.

Organization may have to consider full rebuild mode. What are the thoughts on Quick, Kopitar etc contracts?

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PuckinUgly57 said:

This was one of those games you just knew they were going to shit the bed. It doesn't get easier tonight with Anaheim. At least last night I was in Escondido for my son's hockey tournament and didn't have to watch this, we are back home now so I will watch tonight*.

I don't think they need a full rebuild but they definitely need some tweaks. Like moving a long term veteran for some youth tweaks. I didn't see the game obviously, how did Gabirik look?

As for the contracts, Kopitar will not be going anywhere and Quick is earning his money so far. He hasn't under performed to the point where moving him is a consideration, especially since he has 5 years/$29 million ($23 million actual cash) left on the deal although I could see a team definitely ponying up for a two time Cup champ and Conn Smythe winner. He would absolutely net a massive return even with that term left.

However, the next 9 comps (similar cap hit and term) are Smith, Crawford, Howard, Schneider, Bishop, Jones, Halak, Fleury and Miller. Anyone seem like an upgrade/equivalent? Yeah, I didn't think so either. Apart from Crawford and Fleury, none have won a Cup let alone two and none have won a Conn Smythe. Personally I would rather have Quick than anyone on that list. $5.8 million isn't a massive contract for a starting goalie with his stats and pedigree, not to mention there are no real replacements. So I think Quick stays.

Of course as we all know losing Brown or Gaborik would be a godsend but not likely. Guys like Pearson and Toffoli are affordable, young and have shown 20+ goal capability so I wouldn't move them. Carter doesn't seem like he is slowing down. I think the focus shifts to defense where it's Martinez or Muzzin should be shopped, Muzzin more so than Martinez IMO.

Martinez has value on the team and seems to fly under the radar in the NHL where as we all know the fan fare Muzzin has but in reality he's a bonehead. Cash in on that and move Muzzin for some young help, defenders are always at a premium. The Kings have young guys in Gravel and LaDue who could be recalled, don't make nearly as much and have some NHL experience. Both those guys are 25 and approaching UFA status soon so they need to be evaluated more closely to determine if they have a future in LA or if they should be moved.

There just isn't a lot out there right now on the market because of cap dollars, so the Kings need to be a little more patient and see what happens. This is their toughest month with 14 games in November, so if they can hang in and weather the storm maybe things will lighten up a bit.

On the down side, December isn't here yet and we know how they play when the clock hits 12/1. It could get worse.

=)~~

*Junior scored on a penalty shot and got game MVP just now - I headed up at 8am back to OC because my daughter is also in a softball tournament - she hit a double, stole 3rd and played catcher in 8U. Her team is in first place and plays tomorrow at 10:40 or 12:20, plus Junior plays in Escondido again at 8:15am. Putting a lot of miles on this weekend.

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