2019-20 Off Season Thread

PuckinUgly57 said:

I'm really really curious to see who he knows. There is no logical reason this guy should have taken over Miller's spot, he is awful and adds minimal to the in game experience.

He knows someone or is close to someone within the organization to have landed this gig, which makes sense when you think about it considering all the unqualified people in high paying roles in LA currently. We never heard of him until it was announced he will take Miller's spot.

I tolerated him in 2017-18 thinking he should get a shot, I shouldn't compare him to Miller much like we shouldn't compare our next serious relationship to the last one. I wanted to be fair.

This season however he didn't get a pass and he seriously should not be in that role. He is uninformed and doesn't know the game of hockey. He is a dumbass.

He has a great voice, it's meant for something like this but that's more along the lines of Jeopardy and not LA Kings hockey.

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You might be right. I see him on national broadcasts too, so he's getting legs, which is even more interesting. I know that the brains wanted a pillar guy, who would be in the roll for a long time. Vin Scully, Chick Hearn, Bob Miller types. Guys who get in young, and stay their whole careers, so I think more than anything, Faust had "The look" and the age.

I try not to be emotional about it, because he does have to replace Bob Miller, which wasn't really possible, so it's hard to fault him for that, but at the same time, I haven't heard anyone who's really a fan of the guy. He also came in right as the Kings were terrible, so there's that association as well. I would love to see if they rebounded and he was still here, if everyone would hate him as much, but I am not sure how close we are to that.

Los Angeles Kings Biggest Game in Franchise History

Random article. Referencing better days from the Kings' past.

Minnesota looks like the next team to challenge the Kings and Senators for 2020 lottery. They ought to seriously consider blowing it up and stock piling draft picks. As much as their cap space permits, offer to be the next Arizona and take on dead weight contracts for some picks/ prospects.

Stunner_At_Staples_Kings said:

Los Angeles Kings Biggest Game in Franchise History

Random article. Referencing better days from the Kings' past.

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Pretty sure we all knew that was going to be this one but that whole run had some great games. Gaborik tying it and winning it against Anaheim in OT was excellent as well but I think that Hasks Kings series has to be one of the best playoff series ever in the history of the game. Nail biters galore and two very evenly matched teams. At the time I said it's too bad there will be a loser because this was the Stanley Cup job matter who moved on to face the East.

Appreciate the work kid, but let's try and keep the use of the word "legendary" to a minimum, especially when you use it 3 or 4 times in one paragraph.

=)~~

PuckinUgly57 said:

Pretty sure we all knew that was going to be this one but that whole run had some great games. Gaborik tying it and winning it against Anaheim in OT was excellent as well but I think that Hasks Kings series has to be one of the best playoff series ever in the history of the game. Nail biters galore and two very evenly matched teams. At the time I said it's too bad there will be a loser because this was the Stanley Cup job matter who moved on to face the East.

Appreciate the work kid, but let's try and keep the use of the word "legendary" to a minimum, especially when you use it 3 or 4 times in one paragraph.

=)~~

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Yeah 100%. My girlfriend (now wife) would be at the house in my old room. I had this crazy surround system and two TV's, and during those games I'd sit on the floor in the middle of the room with no sound because I couldn't handle the games in Chicago with crowd noise etc. I would just watch in silence and she was nice about it, but couldn't understand the intensity.

Every game was so intense. That Handzus Game 5 winner was rough, but nothing worth anything is easy, so pretty amazing run. Definitely an unbelievable series, and Chicago really could have won 3 in a row if not for that one goal (Then it could also be argued they could have just as easily lost in OT in Game 5).

LoCal Kings said:

Minnesota looks like the next team to challenge the Kings and Senators for 2020 lottery. They ought to seriously consider blowing it up and stock piling draft picks. As much as their cap space permits, offer to be the next Arizona and take on dead weight contracts for some picks/ prospects.

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Yeah I never understand Minnesota. Like what are they? They let Nino Niederreiter go, and then Charlie Coyle, for like nothing. Every time the Wild (The Mild?) play LA Jim Fox would talk about how good Coyle was, and then you turn around and Boston got him for nothing.

It all depends on what you're looking for I guess. They aren't competing for a championship anytime soon, which should be the goal. But if you just want to ice a good team that be competitive and keep butts in seats, and then I guess they're fine and doing that. I feel like a lot of NBA teams do that. Be a playoff bubble team indefinitely. Never the worst, but never the best.

I would think (hope?) LA take a big step already this season. Their d is the biggest group that needs to take a step and have 1 or 2 guys emerge this season. I think their forward depth is already improving and we should see some legit progress there. And there's always the hope that McLellan can motivate or get something out of our two $10+ million guys.

Also, I said it last year, but who in the West really wows you? Like you look at them and go "That's the team to beat. If they didn't win it all, I'd be shocked".

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/you-ca...s-in-las-vegas-because-why-not-011004421.html

You can get married by Ryan Reeves in Vegas now.

The Athletic just released Front Office Management rankings from a survey a few weeks ago, I participated in this and honestly assessed how I felt about Blake and Robitaille. Most areas were 3s (average) and some 2s (below average).

The results are not good, especially considering they were ranked 25th in 2017 (Blake's first summer) and 23rd in 2018. I highlighted what seems to be the general consensus around the hockey community, fans and management alike.

Big year coming up for Bowlby. I'm not sure he makes it past summer 2020 if there are even more steps backwards. I think matching or slightly improving on last year saves his job but if there is serious regression AEG needs to consider letting him go.

It seems the fans agree the rest of the public, except draft. I think that is optimistic because the most recent draft. Got 2 cups after decades of being a fan. That may be all for a while

davnlaguna said:

It seems the fans agree the rest of the public, except draft. I think that is optimistic because the most recent draft. Got 2 cups after decades of being a fan. That may be all for a while

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I'm honestly on the fence with even the draft. I don't believe in shit until a prospect hits NHL ice and we see what they can do. Remember guys like Rosa, Aulin, Kanko, etc? Yes it was a different time but the hype surrounding guys was insane and yet they never panned out. They too had great World showings, solid traction at the AHL level, good developmental trajectories.

I've been around this sport for over 4 decades and know better than to believe hype. Just going back to last season Clague was the next big thing but in preseason he looked like a deer in headlights and was one of the worst prospects out there. He had a strong AHL season, which is great, but that's all it is - an AHL season. Kids don't get drafted to tap out as minor league players (not saying that's the case, just illustrating my point).

Other NHL teams are starting to see fruits from their 2016 and 2017 draft picks but LA has not had a consistent NHL player from any draft since 2014 (Kempe) and even that is questionable because he has shown flashes but not enough consistency.

Futa has a huge reputation around the league, but most of his successes are from the 2008-2012 drafts. Time to stop living in the past, his drafts can be considered busts in my opinion since then for the most part. His bread a s butter was finding guys in the later rounds (3rd/4th on) and that hasn't happened in quite some time. I don't prop GMs/staff for 1st round players, you better draft a good player there unless you're the Oilers.

His name seems to come up quite a bit for GM openings when they happen but the Kings always decline open discussions and instead elevate his position and give him a raise.

Time to let that guy start taking calls if some of his kids don't work out this season.

Yeah I've sort of changed on everything. Would like see some actual prospects emerge this year. Even if the team still struggles overall, I'd at least like to see some guys emerge that we can get excited about. Looking at the teams and my money is on the central sending 5 teams, so I think the already faint chance of playoffs, is probably an even longer shot because of how that division looks. But, like I said, I'd like to see some progress. However you would define that. Get some guys to root for, and then next summer some contracts fall off, and we'll be looking like maybe a playoff team again in summer 2020.

100% Blake and Robitaille should be seriously looked at depending on how this season starts to look and how it progresses.

PuckinUgly57 said:

I'm honestly on the fence with even the draft. I don't believe in shit until a prospect hits NHL ice and we see what they can do. Remember guys like Rosa, Aulin, Kanko, etc? Yes it was a different time but the hype surrounding guys was insane and yet they never panned out. They too had great World showings, solid traction at the AHL level, good developmental trajectories.

I've been around this sport for over 4 decades and know better than to believe hype. Just going back to last season Clague was the next big thing but in preseason he looked like a deer in headlights and was one of the worst prospects out there. He had a strong AHL season, which is great, but that's all it is - an AHL season. Kids don't get drafted to tap out as minor league players (not saying that's the case, just illustrating my point).

Other NHL teams are starting to see fruits from their 2016 and 2017 draft picks but LA has not had a consistent NHL player from any draft since 2014 (Kempe) and even that is questionable because he has shown flashes but not enough consistency.

Futa has a huge reputation around the league, but most of his successes are from the 2008-2012 drafts. Time to stop living in the past, his drafts can be considered busts in my opinion since then for the most part. His bread a s butter was finding guys in the later rounds (3rd/4th on) and that hasn't happened in quite some time. I don't prop GMs/staff for 1st round players, you better draft a good player there unless you're the Oilers.

His name seems to come up quite a bit for GM openings when they happen but the Kings always decline open discussions and instead elevate his position and give him a raise.

Time to let that guy start taking calls if some of his kids don't work out this season.

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I have same skepticism overall. Not sold on Kempe at all. All of our guys crush the Worlds, and then go 50 games without a goal in the NHL. Writing Vilardi off, and considering him a complete bust unless something drastic changes. I like the hope for the new guys, but that's like 2-3 years down the road. Kupari would be nice to have make the team.

That all being said, there are tons of young guys who are fighting for spots and that's pretty exciting actually. Challenge the vets, and get them to raise their game too (Or force them to step aside). Even some promissing seasons from some vets will raise their value to potentially get some return.

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/drew-d...failed-the-entire-organization-220417226.html

Not too much in here, but at least Doughty says he's motivated...

Speaking of Doughty.. Here is NHL Network's Top 20 defenseman rankings.. 9th? This list is ridiculous.

Fox4Kings said:

Speaking of Doughty.. Here is NHL Network's Top 20 defenseman rankings.. 9th? This list is ridiculous.
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If you go by his full body of work, 9th is definitely way too low. If you go by last season, it's way too high.

Vegas said:

If you go by his full body of work, 9th is definitely way too low. If you go by last season, it's way too high.

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Exactly. Kopitar was final 3 in MVP voting 2 years ago, then team was terrible last year so he wasn't even on their Top 50 list this year. Recency Bias to the max. Guy is is top 3 in the whole league suddenly can't crack top 50? I guess it starts debates, which is maybe the whole point.

I doubt they're talking body of work with those rankings, so based on this last year, that's a pretty fair ranking to me. He has the potential to be the best, but we've seen a little less of it of lately. I would say it's not fair to put it all on him (team's struggles), but he had the whole year-long parade demanding he be the highest paid defenseman in the league, which the Kings obliged, and the team followed that up with one of the worst seasons in their history (which is really saying something). You have $21 mil/year tied up in two dudes, and to me you look no further than for any struggles. Just simply need more from Kopitar and Doughty because they wanted to get paid, and are now being paid.

His $11mil/year kicks in this year, so this is Year 1 really of that extension, so hopefully he's been training and is ready to get after it. I'm hoping as much for a lot of these guys.

LoCal Kings said:

Minnesota looks like the next team to challenge the Kings and Senators for 2020 lottery. They ought to seriously consider blowing it up and stock piling draft picks. As much as their cap space permits, offer to be the next Arizona and take on dead weight contracts for some picks/ prospects.

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Bill Guerin hired as GM to replace Fenton, who went out on pretty bad terms and was roasted for having no direction, disconnected with his own staff and literally didn't work 4 days a week at some points. I'm not even sure how you land a gig like that but several anonymous NHL execs went on record saying he was not ready for the job and incompetent.

Guerin joins Blake as the only 2 retired NHL players to be GM less than 10 years after returning. The difference is Blake has considerably less experience, Guerin was Pittsburghs Director of Player Development for 3 years and then Assistant GM to Rutherford for 5 before landing his own gig.

I already pointed out how Sakic and Blake are very different in terms of experience (and it shows), curious to see how Guerin does compared to Blake as well.

My guess is a hell of a lot better.

LA Kings Farm System Ranked No. 2 in NHL by Sporting News

Some national recognition for the farm system.

PuckinUgly57 said:

Bill Guerin hired as GM to replace Fenton, who went out on pretty bad terms and was roasted for having no direction, disconnected with his own staff and literally didn't work 4 days a week at some points. I'm not even sure how you land a gig like that but several anonymous NHL execs went on record saying he was not ready for the job and incompetent.

Guerin joins Blake as the only 2 retired NHL players to be GM less than 10 years after returning. The difference is Blake has considerably less experience, Guerin was Pittsburghs Director of Player Development for 3 years and then Assistant GM to Rutherford for 5 before landing his own gig.

I already pointed out how Sakic and Blake are very different in terms of experience (and it shows), curious to see how Guerin does compared to Blake as well.

My guess is a hell of a lot better.

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Yeah Minnesota has always been in the tweener phase. Never terrible, but definitely never great. Those trades of Nino Nidereiter and Charlie Coyle were really bad though. Those guys had some real value and are good players.

I just always felt they remind me of Montreal with their size issues. Like Parise was their best forward at whatever he is. Undersized defenseman. Unless you're lightning fast, I don't think that's a recipe for success.

Some more recognition for the farm system courtesy of The Athletic. The "tier legend" is at the very bottom. The one misnomer is the "Key Subtractions" which are actually graduations for three of them, unless Luff dazzles...

2019 NHL farm system rankings: No. 4 Los Angeles Kings


By Corey Pronman Sep 3, 2019 80
Corey Pronman’s deep dive into the farm system of every NHL organization includes a ranking of all of the team’s prospects, broken into tiers based on their projection; the impact on the upcoming season and an overall ranking of all players under 23. Further explanation of Pronman’s system, player eligibility, prospect tiers and the complete ranking of all 31 teams can be found here.

The Kings have built a very deep farm system, making the most of a lot of their picks even with 2017 11th-overall pick Gabriel Vilardi in injury limbo. There are a lot of players in this system who not only project to make it to the NHL, but also to become quality NHL players.

Key additions: Alex Turcotte, Arthur Kaliyev, Samuel Fagemo, Tobias Bjornfot

Key subtractions/graduations: Cal Petersen, Matt Luff, Matt Roy, Sean Walker

2018 farm system ranking: No. 10

2019 draft grade: A

Prospect Ranking
1. Alex Turcotte, C, USNTDP-USHL

Feb. 26, 2001 | 5-foot-11 | 185 pounds

Tier: Elite NHL prospect

Turcotte had a tough season, missing time due to injury and contracting mononucleosis late in the season. When healthy, though, he was awesome and a dominant center at the USHL level. He’s a well-rounded prospect without any clear weakness in his game and a lot of high-end elements. He’s a great skater with a clean stride and can barrel down the wing with speed. Turcotte’s speed is good, not overwhelming, but he’s got a fantastic first step and a great overall pace to his game. He combines that pace with very good hands and vision, showing how versatile a threat he can be. He can make creative plays off the flank and sees his options well. It’s not just his speed and skill that stand out, but his compete level is elite. Turcotte is the kind of forward who can dangle around defensemen, blow by them or drive his way through them. He gets to the net consistently and without fear. He battles for pucks as hard as anyone and typically wins them, even at 5-foot-11. He’s not the biggest center, but that is really the only criticism I can find of his game.

2. Arthur Kaliyev, RW, Hamilton-OHL

June 26, 2001 | 6-foot-2 | 190 pounds

Tier: High-end NHL prospect

Kaliyev lit up the OHL last season, as one of the few modern-day OHL players to score 50 goals as a 17-year-old. He’s one of the best goal-scorers in the CHL and often had more than 10 shot attempts in a game. He’s not going to go bar down that often, but his shot is an absolute rocket, and if goalies are not in position, they won’t have time to adjust once he lets it go. Kaliyev is also a very good playmaker who makes high-end plays. Those 50 goals were complemented with 50 assists. Due to his shot and vision, he’s an absolute weapon on the man advantage who can run a unit and pick apart defenses. He’s skilled but Kaliyev isn’t a player who can go end-to-end. He skates OK, but the main criticism of his game is his pace and compete. Kaliyev can often look like he’s not going that hard and will have long stretches of indifference. With that said, even in the many games where he looks like he’s doing nothing, you’ll check the box score and see one goal and two points. Thus the question is whether his style of play will translate to the NHL pace.

3. Rasmus Kupari, C, Karpat-Liiga

March 15, 2000 | 6-foot-1 | 185 pounds

Tier: Very good NHL prospect

Kupari is not a player whom it takes an eloquent scouting eye to appreciate. He’s 6-foot-1, has high-end speed and high-end puck skills, and almost every time he’s on the ice something exciting happens. On his best shift Kupari can break a game open with his speed and hands, making plays through defenders at full speed and getting to the net. He can make plays, and occasionally very good plays, but I find he forces plays a lot and is not a natural passer. He’s a big forward but he needs to learn how to play better off the puck. He’s a prospect who has all the tools but will need to be molded by coaching and development staff. He played well versus men this season and showed he may be closer than I thought at this time last year.

4. Tobias Bjornfot, D, Djurgarden-J20 SuperElit

April 6, 2001 | six-foot | 203 pounds

Tier: Very good/legit bubble

Bjornfot was a touted prospect for a few years and a minutes eater for Sweden’s international teams, including being one of the best defensemen at the U18s and named the best defenseman in Sweden’s J20 league. His skating provides a lot of his value. His ability to lead a rush, pinch off the blue line and close on his checks is very good. His feet allow him to make stops and transition pucks. He has solid defensive acumen and generally is trusted by coaches to play tougher minutes. His puck game is fine. He can have the odd flash offensively due to his feet and very good vision. There were times, particularly in the second half of the season, he showed more confidence making creative plays. He could be a reliable two-way defenseman in the NHL who might not put up a lot of points.

5. Kale Clague, D, Ontario-AHL

June 5, 1998 | six-foot | 176 pounds

Tier: Very good/legit bubble

Clague had a so so first pro season, not seeing a ton of ice and facing some bumps as he adjusted to playing defense versus men. In discussions with the coaching staff, they seemed to be more optimistic about his play in the second half. He’s a very good skater, and when he’s on, he can move pucks very well. I don’t love his decision-making at times and his game has a lot more risk than you’d like. I still like the player a lot. After dominating junior and with the way he skates I think it will click eventually and he’ll become a good NHL defenseman. But Kale will still need some seasoning before he’s an essential part of any healthy blue line.

6. Samuel Fagemo, LW, Frolunda-SHL

March 14, 2000 | 5-foot-11 | 194 pounds

Tier: Very good/legit bubble

Fagemo went undrafted last season after a good, albeit unspectacular, draft season. He started off briefly in the J20 Sweden ranks but quickly rose up to the SHL. He was extremely productive for an 18-year-old, getting significant minutes and power play time for a Frolunda team that won the SHL. He was also impressive at the world juniors. Fagemo isn’t a guy who wows you in any one area. He skates well, but he’s not a blazer. He’s skilled but won’t have a highlight reel rush. He has a good shot and can score goals in a variety of ways, be it a hard drive or picking a corner from the circles. Fagemo gets a lot of chances close to the net, and despite not being that big or strong, he drives the net hard. He showed flashes of top-end hands and vision, but not consistently. The skill set on its own doesn’t overly excite, but it’s hard to ignore his incredible production.

7. Akil Thomas, C, Niagara-OHL

Jan. 2, 2000 | six-foot | 181 pounds

Tier: Very good/legit bubble

Thomas was a top player on one of the best teams in the OHL, clearing the 100-point mark. He’s a highly skilled and highly intelligent center. Thomas was often the player Niagara wanted with the puck on his stick because of his creativity and ability to make things happen. He can run a power play very well off the flank with his vision, and he can shoot it as well. Thomas’ game doesn’t always look like he’s going 200 percent or running people over, but he gets to the net, gets back on defense and is a reliable two-way center. His skating and pace have bugged me in previous years, but I thought it looked a little better last season. His speed is still average, but it’s good enough to make the NHL given everything else he has.

8. Jaret Anderson-Dolan, C, Spokane-WHL

Sept. 12, 1999 | 5-foot-11 | 196 pounds

Tier: Very good/legit bubble

Anderson-Dolan made the Kings briefly out of camp before being sent back to junior and when healthy had another very productive season. He’s a very quick and competitive forward who plays the game with a lot of pace. He has good skill and vision. The debate among scouts is how much offense Anderson-Dolan will ultimately produce and whether he’s a natural power play type. I’m torn on that front, as I’ve seen him make some nice plays and he has a hard shot, but I’ve seen stretches where he doesn’t make that many high-end plays. I think at the end of the day he will help the Kings, whether as a second- or third-line forward who can be plugged into a variety of roles.

9. Mikey Anderson, D, Minnesota-Duluth-NCHC

May 25, 1999 | six-foot | 196 pounds

Tier: Very good/legit bubble

Anderson had a great season. He was a top defenseman at the world juniors, and he was an important part of the eventual NCAA champion. He signed with the Kings at the end of the season, and he was on USA’s long list for the world championships as a 19-year-old. Anderson isn’t a flashy player. He skates fine and has some puck skills, but he’s not going end to end. Rather he’s just very smart. He sees the ice very well, can run a power play due to his smarts, and is reliable defensively because of his gaps and reads. He has a similar profile to his brother, forward Joey who just made the Devils this season. Some scouts aren’t huge fans, as they think Mikey’s too bland, but he’s been a producer and minutes eater for every team he’s been on.

10. Carl Grundstrom, LW, Los Angeles-NHL

Dec. 1, 1997 | six-foot | 194 pounds

Tier: Legit NHL prospect

Grundstrom had a decent season with Toronto and, after being traded at the deadline, played well between Ontario in the AHL and up with the Kings. He plays hard, has good hockey sense, shoots the puck well, has some skill and skates well. He showed in his appearance with the Kings he can skate and play with NHL players. He may never be dynamic enough to be a true scorer in the league as I once envisioned he could be, but I can see him as a bottom-six winger who scores around the hard areas and can penalty kill....

To be continued...