Offseason thread

[Stunner_At_Staples_Kings]

I feel like Dean et al. really blew their window here by not addressing the defense, and they may need to go through a 1-2 year retooling (I don't know if they absolutely have to, but they may). It is beyond me how a guy who stressed building from "net out", hasn't really addressed the gaping holes in the defense for two years. The first year came out of nowhere with Voynov's situation and Greene being hurt (And Pearson breaking his leg/Kings losing that insane amount of OT/Shootout games), but this year didn't sneak up on anyone. They wrapped up all of their effort in getting Lucic and let Sekera go.

Not to beat a dead horse, but the Sutter line shifting was so disappointing. I get maybe trying King on Line 1 for a game, but when it didn't work, he rode the exact same lines from Game 4 into Game 5. I have to ask a question about why Clifford doesn't play that much? He always seems to bring it and I feel like just putting him up with Kopitar would have been better than King. A few games ago, that line of Brown-Andreoff-Clifford was making life miserable for other teams, and I'm wondering why some line combo like that didn't come about this series. I also agree with asking why the Toffoli-Carter-Pearson line didn't get reunited. I just really don't get any of what Sutter did this series. I also felt disappointed that he complained about the refs after Game 4, because that's some loser New York Rangers moves right there. Good teams find a way to win no matter what, not complain about the refs or talk about "puck luck". Letting in 3 PP goals on 4 tries is a knock on the PK, not the reffing.

I think that Lucic would have been a good fit for an idealized version of the Kings, but as someone stated previously, the league is getting faster, and the Kings just keep getting bigger and slower. Lucic has pretty decent North/South speed but is basically a liability on D and didn't do nearly enough to justify how much the Kings gave up to get him. He isn't quick and he didn't really make up for it with any series changing hits or goals (or anything). Martin Jones/1st rd pick/Prospect is one piece shy of what superstars bring in return (Kovalchuk got 4 pieces for Atlanta when he was traded), so he needed to do a lot more than he did.

I feel like any and all criticisms towards Kopitar will be justified coming up, since he is going to be the 3rd highest paid player in all of hockey. I don't think it's enough that he matches up well with the other team's best players (Even though he didn't even do that very well, with Pavelski having 5 goals in the series to his 2, and one was off of his leg). He lost some huge faceoffs clean and when they flash the stats that he won "60%" of his faceoffs, I wonder if I'm watching the same game because he seems to lose all of the big ones. If you are the 3rd highest paid player in hockey, other teams should need to gameplan around you, ala a Jonathan Toews or Patrick Kane, not just have you matchup well.

I would like to see LA let Lucic go if the price isn't a steal, and I'd like to use that money to get that defenseman they've been missing for 2 years. Lost in the shuffle were Lewis' comments that he would like to stay. It sounds like there haven't even been preliminary talks, so he is probably gone. I really like Lewis and his PK skills/energy. He's one of those intagibles guy like Stoll/Richards that has that work ethic that the Kings were built on. It sounds like he wants to stay too, so that's disappointing, but probably the nature of the beast.

Anyway, we'll see what comes of this offseason since the draft picks have been thin the past few years and the prospect pool needs to be rebuilt as well (I can't really complain about Dean seeing the Kings window and going for it. He tried to plug holes every year).

Kings still have top players at all 3 positions and the core is still there. I even liked Lecavalier and thought he was a great fit for LA (I actually wish the Kings could find a way to keep him). The positives are also that the young D guys got Playoff experience, like Muzzin did in 2013, so there's that.

 

[smackdown380]

As for Dean, in all fairness he did try. Last year he went after Sekera (gave up a 1st rd pick and D prospect Mckeown) but Sekera bolted for money on a loosing team when we didn't make the PO. I actually liked him and was hoping he would stay. Nothing Dean could do there. The only real bad decisions made were giving out contracts to Brown and Richards. Those deals saddled us with debt not allowing us to really make any moves. We had to settle for 3-7 Dman, not top 2. We had a core and didn't expect to lose Voynov beating his wife/gf or Greene to injury.

I think he couldn't play Clifford on the top line because the only lines that were producing or had chemistry were the bottom lines. Sutter couldn't break that line since it was the only providing any energy.

Lewis would be nice to keep but it's time to bring up some guys from the minors to give us cap relief.

As for Kopi, I am kinda surprised there was nothing on the injury report because he did look a step slower than Pavelkski/Thorton.

Here is a breakdown that pretty I was summarizing.

So, what exactly happened?

 

[smackdown380]

Some more thoughts on the offseason. It's all audio so if you have time you can play it in the background. Mainly he states that their are 4 major contracts that are on the books that can be moved. Muzzin, Martinez, Gaborik and Brown. Given our biggest need is D I doubt Muzzin/ Martinez go anywhere. He alludes to Brown having value and not being used to his potential, hence why the decreased production we've all seen.

Another offseason note, Sutter does not have a contract going into next season.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Thanks for the link. One correction in your original post, Dumbo didn't give Richards that contract (12 years/$69 million), the Flyers did. But when you acquire a player under contract that becomes that team's responsibility so he knew what he was getting in to.

Can't say enough about the defense, it really did this team in. Looking back, there wasn't any real challenge from anyone else in the Pacific Division most of the season until SJ and Anaheim started heating up. I'm almost wondering if these guys, who were up as much as 16 points on Anaheim with half a season left, got a little cocky thinking none of the trailers had a shot to catch up. The point I'm trying to make is they had such a big lead they didn't take other teams seriously enough. Not a good mindset to have, and as things transpired, we saw that with Anaheim and SJ catching up and Anaheim subsequently winning the division.

I also don't use the words "potential" and "Brown" anymore, he has no more potential - he already reached it and started going down the other side long ago. He has had extended stays on the top line, no production, the fourth line, no production. He simply is not a productive player anymore and that contract to me is the linchpin to making a lot of moves. Get rid of the contract, or a majority of it, and it opens up a ton of options for LA to address the holes.

Guys IMO who can find new homes next season: King, Brown, McNabb, Shore
Guys I'd like to see back if affordable: Versteeg, Lewis, Schenn, McBain
Guys who absolutely need to be brought back: Lucic

 

[davnlaguna]

Quick Veznia finalist

 

[smackdown380]

Thanks for the link. One correction in your original post, Dumbo didn't give Richards that contract (12 years/$69 million), the Flyers did. But when you acquire a player under contract that becomes that team's responsibility so he knew what he was getting in to.

Can't say enough about the defense, it really did this team in. Looking back, there wasn't any real challenge from anyone else in the Pacific Division most of the season until SJ and Anaheim started heating up. I'm almost wondering if these guys, who were up as much as 16 points on Anaheim with half a season left, got a little cocky thinking none of the trailers had a shot to catch up. The point I'm trying to make is they had such a big lead they didn't take other teams seriously enough. Not a good mindset to have, and as things transpired, we saw that with Anaheim and SJ catching up and Anaheim subsequently winning the division.

I also don't use the words "potential" and "Brown" anymore, he has no more potential - he already reached it and started going down the other side long ago. He has had extended stays on the top line, no production, the fourth line, no production. He simply is not a productive player anymore and that contract to me is the linchpin to making a lot of moves. Get rid of the contract, or a majority of it, and it opens up a ton of options for LA to address the holes.

Guys IMO who can find new homes next season: King, Brown, McNabb, Shore
Guys I'd like to see back if affordable: Versteeg, Lewis, Schenn, McBain
Guys who absolutely need to be brought back: Lucic

Ahh yes you are correct, Richards contract was already in place. The compliance buy out is what Deano missed on. Regardless, I do want to know your thoughts on why we bring back Lucic. He disappeared during the PO and if he wants more than $5M I don't think it's worth it. However, you've always provided a good perspective so I am curious as to why you think he should absolutely be brought back.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Ahh yes you are correct, Richards contract was already in place. The compliance buy out is what Deano missed on. Regardless, I do want to know your thoughts on why we bring back Lucic. He disappeared during the PO and if he wants more than $5M I don't think it's worth it. However, you've always provided a good perspective so I am curious as to why you think he should absolutely be brought back.

Dumbo absolutely missed out on Richards' buyout and his loyalty ended up burning LA big time. I give the man credit, he had a heart to heart with Richards that summer and he promised him he would come to camp in great shape and be more productive so he offered him one more shot when he could have easily said see ya.

Richards did not keep his word, and it was evident in his play and eventual legal issues, so I don't blame Dumbo for doing what he did. He tried it the clean way, Richards screwed the pooch and made a major mistake by getting busted and Dumbo got a miraculous second opportunity (with some repercussions this time) to get rid of the contract and he did.

Lucic - he is a must keep because he fit right into this team. He was the only one all season long going to the front of the net, and he also kept other teams honest. Remember when the Kings were rebuilding and someone elbowed Simmonds at the buzzer in the head in a game they lost and Brown just skated by, looked at what happened and went on his merry way without sticking up for his teammate? That crap did not happen and will not happen with Lucic on board. He is skilled enough to play T6 minutes but also adds that element of toughness that the Kings lack. He also scored 20 goals, one of 5 LA players to do so this season so he chipped in offensively.

No one else on this team has the personality Lucic does, which is old time hockey - there are immediate consequences to your actions if you take liberties and I personally did not see too many taken with LA this season compared to seasons past. So that's Lucic the player.

Lucic the transaction, the Kings paid a very heavy price to get him, ultimately one piece being their demise (Jones). After making a big trade for Sekera and seeing leave for money over a shot to win, Dumbo absolutely must resign Lucic so the assets that have been traded for improvements and runs the last few years don't look like total wastes. Yes, the Kings won 2 Cups after moves in 2012 (Carter) and 2014 (Gaborik) but in 2011 (Penner), 2015 (Sekera) and 2016 (Lucic) did not pan out and 1st round picks were involved in each of those deals. They have to keep him to justify the cost to get him.

If you're going to be dishing out those 1st round picks, you have to get something for them, and Lucic showed he can play with this team. Regarding his PO no show, the entire team didn't. Lucic had more points than Mr. 30 Goal Scorer and Carter (I believe) as well so I'm not too upset at him, he was no better or worse than anyone else.

Collectively they all underachieved and just flat out got outworked by SJ.

 

[xis]

Dumbo absolutely missed out on Richards' buyout and his loyalty ended up burning LA big time. I give the man credit, he had a heart to heart with Richards that summer and he promised him he would come to camp in great shape and be more productive so he offered him one more shot when he could have easily said see ya.

Richards did not keep his word, and it was evident in his play and eventual legal issues, so I don't blame Dumbo for doing what he did. He tried it the clean way, Richards screwed the pooch and made a major mistake by getting busted and Dumbo got a miraculous second opportunity (with some repercussions this time) to get rid of the contract and he did.

Lucic - he is a must keep because he fit right into this team. He was the only one all season long going to the front of the net, and he also kept other teams honest. Remember when the Kings were rebuilding and someone elbowed Simmonds at the buzzer in the head in a game they lost and Brown just skated by, looked at what happened and went on his merry way without sticking up for his teammate? That crap did not happen and will not happen with Lucic on board. He is skilled enough to play T6 minutes but also adds that element of toughness that the Kings lack. He also scored 20 goals, one of 5 LA players to do so this season so he chipped in offensively.

No one else on this team has the personality Lucic does, which is old time hockey - there are immediate consequences to your actions if you take liberties and I personally did not see too many taken with LA this season compared to seasons past. So that's Lucic the player.

Lucic the transaction, the Kings paid a very heavy price to get him, ultimately one piece being their demise (Jones). After making a big trade for Sekera and seeing leave for money over a shot to win, Dumbo absolutely must resign Lucic so the assets that have been traded for improvements and runs the last few years don't look like total wastes. Yes, the Kings won 2 Cups after moves in 2012 (Carter) and 2014 (Gaborik) but in 2011 (Penner), 2015 (Sekera) and 2016 (Lucic) did not pan out and 1st round picks were involved in each of those deals. They have to keep him to justify the cost to get him.

If you're going to be dishing out those 1st round picks, you have to get something for them, and Lucic showed he can play with this team. Regarding his PO no show, the entire team didn't. Lucic had more points than Mr. 30 Goal Scorer and Carter (I believe) as well so I'm not too upset at him, he was no better or worse than anyone else.

Collectively they all underachieved and just flat out got outworked by SJ.

To add to what Puck said above keep in mind also that there aren't too many better options out there than Lucic on left wing. Not in the FA market or in the pipeline.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Good point. LW always seems to be a tough position to fill for LA, they've struggled with it for years with guys playing out of their natural positions (Brown, Carter, etc.) so it makes sense to keep Lucic as well.

If Gaborik can stay healthy this season, Lucic and Gaborik are both essentially interchangeable on the top 2 lines at LW. Some games they can put Lucic up there for the physical games, some games they can put Gaborik up there for the skill/speed games.

Defense is still right up there in terms of getting help along with resigning Lucic however.

 

[smackdown380]

Some good news for the future of our D corp:

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Make it or break it contract, he will be 24 years old in September. Good opportunity for him to make the club, especially since the 4-7 slots are weakened.

 

[LoCal Kings]

The lack of depth on D almost makes me wish the Kings never let Thomas Hickey go.

 

[smackdown380]

Some highlights from Lombardi conference call:

 

[smackdown380]

 

[smackdown380]

 

[smackdown380]

 

[smackdown380]

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Decent read on Brown and breaks down his metrics. Compared to others making his salary, he is downright awful.

Examining The True Cost Of Keeping Dustin Brown - TSS

Have to find a way to lose that contract if not this summer by 2017. Horrible contract that was dished out and this is what happens when you do. Easily one of the worst, if not THE worst, contract Dumbo has dished out not as GM of the Kings but as a GM as a whole.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Kings still own the rights to Voynov, correct? Maybe package his rights along with other folks to either a) clear up cap space and/or b) acquire d-man

Yes, they do own the rights to Voynov. The issue here is he was essentially exiled from the NHL, and any team acquiring him no matter how talented he is will be blackballed as supporting a DV criminal. It's a tough spot to be in because he has so much talent and bridged the gap between Doughty and Muzzin as a legitimate T2 defender but his baggage is brutal.

I can't see a GM taking that on his organization, especially sending something of value back to boot, so I think the Kings will just have to wait another year or two and maybe try to bring him back somehow under the radar so they don't get lambasted.

That is, if he's in the plans at all or if the Kings have permanently washed their hands clean of him.

 

[smackdown380]

Apparently Voynov was named to the Team Russia World Cup of Hockey.