2026-27 Off Season Thread

[PuckinUgly57]

I agree about Kempe, but I would also add DD8. I dont think DD is a true C. First, he is a FA at years end. Also, I think he lets his emotions get in the way of things. The A is good enough for him.

You mentioning all of those names from the teams really brought back some good memories. That team was so well assembled. Compared to what they have now, the word soft is so appropriate.

There is a fine line between being emotional and being immature. Doughty is a true competitor, and I completely respect that. Fiery is good. Being a temper tantrum toddler is not.

You do not gain any respect or acknowledgement from the refs and that ends up hurting the team. I learned this lesson in my hockey life too and had to change, if I can do it he can but the issue is he is at the end of his career - he is who he is.

I know the sentimental belief is Dougjty has earned it due to tenure, last remaining Cup winner, etc but I would not give it to him. For one his status as a King is up in the air because of contract and secondly what I mentioned above. Kempe makes too much sense. I honestly want three As and after the Doughty situation has clarity at the end of 2026-27 give it to Kempe unless Doughty is here for another three years minimum.

Those teams were just built solid all around. Dumbo was off the wall with his Venn diagrams, check boxes and explanation of time and crap (the Columbus OT game) but that nuttiness resulted in two Cups for the franchise and more importantly us fans. The dude had a method to his madness.

I'd take Dumbo and.his mad scientist stuff over Bowlby or Holly any day of the week.

 

[LAKINGSFAN]

There is a fine line between being emotional and being immature. Doughty is a true competitor, and I completely respect that. Fiery is good. Being a temper tantrum toddler is not.

You do not gain any respect or acknowledgement from the refs and that ends up hurting the team. I learned this lesson in my hockey life too and had to change, if I can do it he can but the issue is he is at the end of his career - he is who he is.

I know the sentimental belief is Dougjty has earned it due to tenure, last remaining Cup winner, etc but I would not give it to him. For one his status as a King is up in the air because of contract and secondly what I mentioned above. Kempe makes too much sense. I honestly want three As and after the Doughty situation has clarity at the end of 2026-27 give it to Kempe unless Doughty is here for another three years minimum.

Those teams were just built solid all around. Dumbo was off the wall with his Venn diagrams, check boxes and explanation of time and crap (the Columbus OT game) but that nuttiness resulted in two Cups for the franchise and more importantly us fans. The dude had a method to his madness.

I'd take Dumbo and.his mad scientist stuff over Bowlby or Holly any day of the week.

I almost forgot his real name after you referreing to him as Dumbo all of these years.
I dont know anyone in their right mind that wouldnt take him over the last two yutzs we have had. At least Blake had a direction he was going (although it didnt work out). He wanted to smaller quicker and more skilled. I am not sure how a good ol canadian boy would set up a team of "skilled" (term used lightly) and soft. Holly looks to be freeing up cap space and trying to hit a homerun with one of Mc D or Stash. I really dont see that happening. If it doesnt then what?
I wish we had someone that would create a winning attitude here in LA like what the Doyers have. Make it to where the players want to come here. Maybe even sign for less to make a run at the cup.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Hellebuyck officially goes public with his trade request:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/winnipeg-jets-connor-hellebuyck-trade-9.7323153

 

[Kings4OT]

Hellebuyck officially goes public with his trade request:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/winnipeg-jets-connor-hellebuyck-trade-9.7323153

I hate this kind of stuff, dont sign a long term deal f.uck head

 

[PuckinUgly57]

I hate this kind of stuff, dont sign a long term deal f.uck head

I see both sides of the coin.

I agree if you don't intend on staying somewhere don't sign a long term deal. But I also think they sign these (mostly) in good faith believing in the organization putting a championship caliber team together and puts pressure on the team.

If the team doesn't hold up that end of the bargain, I can see why the player would want to be traded. I certainly wouldn't want to waste my career with some team that treads water.

Winnipeg closed their contention window a few seasons ago, I understand why Hellebuyck wants out.

 

[Kings4OT]

I see both sides of the coin.

I agree if you don't intend on staying somewhere don't sign a long term deal. But I also think they sign these (mostly) in good faith believing in the organization putting a championship caliber team together and puts pressure on the team.

If the team doesn't hold up that end of the bargain, I can see why the player would want to be traded. I certainly wouldn't want to waste my career with some team that treads water.

Winnipeg closed their contention window a few seasons ago, I understand why Hellebuyck wants out.

Sure, but few teams in the history of the NHL have put a championship caliber team for 7 or 8 years running, so.....if im the Jets he stays unless i get a deal i want. They still have some great players.

 

[xis]

I see both sides of the coin.

I agree if you don't intend on staying somewhere don't sign a long term deal. But I also think they sign these (mostly) in good faith believing in the organization putting a championship caliber team together and puts pressure on the team.

If the team doesn't hold up that end of the bargain, I can see why the player would want to be traded. I certainly wouldn't want to waste my career with some team that treads water.

Winnipeg closed their contention window a few seasons ago, I understand why Hellebuyck wants out.

Call it what it really is. Canadian got butt hurt when the US won the gold but really lot their minds when the members of the team went to the White House. Because it's Trump they lost it and began harassing the players about it.

It's why Brady left and and why Hellebuyck wants out. There will be others.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Sure, but few teams in the history of the NHL have put a championship caliber team for 7 or 8 years running, so.....if im the Jets he stays unless i get a deal i want. They still have some great players.

Great players, I'd like several of them on the Kings.

And just like that side of the coin, Winnipeg is under no obligation to move him for the sake of moving him.

The way I see it is it's strictly business, player wants out, make him happy, a non distraction. Team gets the best deal.they can and both parties move on. Make them happy.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Call it what it really is. Canadian got butt hurt when the US won the gold but really lot their minds when the members of the team went to the White House. Because it's Trump they lost it and began harassing the players about it.

It's why Brady left and and why Hellebuyck wants out. There will be others.

Never looked at it from the political POV but that makes sense.

 

[LAKINGSFAN]

Hellebuyck officially goes public with his trade request:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/winnipeg-jets-connor-hellebuyck-trade-9.7323153

I will start by saying that this is only a joke!!!!! Since they will have an opening we send Keumper off to Win and in return get Vilardi back.

 

[LAKINGSFAN]

Call it what it really is. Canadian got butt hurt when the US won the gold but really lot their minds when the members of the team went to the White House. Because it's Trump they lost it and began harassing the players about it.

It's why Brady left and and why Hellebuyck wants out. There will be others.

MAGA!!!!!!

 

[LAKINGSFAN]

Great players, I'd like several of them on the Kings.

And just like that side of the coin, Winnipeg is under no obligation to move him for the sake of moving him.

The way I see it is it's strictly business, player wants out, make him happy, a non distraction. Team gets the best deal.they can and both parties move on. Make them happy.

I believe he has some sort of NMC so he can give a list of teams he would be willing to go to. That takes away some of the leverage of the team. I know there was talk about if a player makes a demand like this, they would waive their right to the NMC etc. That would keep them from handicapping a team from moving them and holding so much power as to where they go.

 

[Kings4OT]

Call it what it really is. Canadian got butt hurt when the US won the gold but really lot their minds when the members of the team went to the White House. Because it's Trump they lost it and began harassing the players about it.

It's why Brady left and and why Hellebuyck wants out. There will be others.

I 100% think this is it. Still, my oppinion stands....long contracts suck, sure you want to lock up guys as a GM or get your guaranteed $$ as a player, but stop with the public demanding of trade or removing of NMC s.hit. you signed it, honor it. You play hockey for a **** ton of money....f.uck off with this whining about not happy.

 

[xis]

I 100% think this is it. Still, my oppinion stands....long contracts suck, sure you want to lock up guys as a GM or get your guaranteed $$ as a player, but stop with the public demanding of trade or removing of NMC s.hit. you signed it, honor it. You play hockey for a **** ton of money....f.uck off with this whining about not happy.

110% agree. I posted about this earlier in the year. You demand a trade just because you want out your no trade, no movement etc gets waived.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Makar signs 8 years/$163.2M extension ($20.4M AAV).

These salaries are getting nutso, just a month ago Carlsson was the highest paid, then Celebrini and now Makar in a span of like 5 weeks.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

110% agree. I posted about this earlier in the year. You demand a trade just because you want out your no trade, no movement etc gets waived.

I think in theory that's great, but "wanting out" is extremely subjective.

There is no way to prove one way or another if the player wanted to leave because they were a malcontent or if they were driven to leave because the team is rudderless and not close to winning. The NHLPA would also go into a tizzy.

I think there would definitely need to be some parameters, ie you have to honor X amount of years on your NMC/NTC, then after those years if you request a trade it gets waived.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

110% agree. I posted about this earlier in the year. You demand a trade just because you want out your no trade, no movement etc gets waived.

Looking like Hellebuyck relaxed his NMC destinations to facilitate a trade. He did exactly what you guys are saying on his own.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Buster article, nothing we haven't discussed already however. But it's the dog days of summer, any news is worth reading. TC opens up in a few weeks.

https://rinkroyalty.com/la-kings-2026-27-season-player-previews-quinton-byfield?utm_source=RSS

Dude must take a large leap this season, Locked on Kings said 70+ point range minimum. I'll believe it when I see it.

The time for "potential" is long gone.

 

[LAKINGSFAN]

Looking like Hellebuyck relaxed his NMC destinations to facilitate a trade. He did exactly what you guys are saying on his own.

**respect**

 

[LAKINGSFAN]

Buster article, nothing we haven't discussed already however. But it's the dog days of summer, any news is worth reading. TC opens up in a few weeks.

https://rinkroyalty.com/la-kings-2026-27-season-player-previews-quinton-byfield?utm_source=RSS

Dude must take a large leap this season, Locked on Kings said 70+ point range minimum. I'll believe it when I see it.

The time for "potential" is long gone.

30 days or so until things get started. Camps will start soon so anything Kings or hockey related is welcome.
No question Busters time is now. Hopefully, he has been killing it this offseason and comes into camp a monster.
I dont have high hopes for this season but I think they can sneak into a PO spot and if they do, the results wont change. But, heres to hope and at least watching hockey again.