They are very close to being a top contender for the Cup, but there are some question marks here.
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50 Comments
I think ending the conversation at "they lost in the first round" is really misleading when they lost to a team that many people are thinking will go to the finals. A team with a player who will probably break the record for most goals in the playoffs.
Gavrikov/Koorpisalo trade was worth it, forget making the playoffs if it didn’t happen. Kings would’ve felt obligated to give Quick a few games (which would’ve ended in blowout losses), and that could’ve been the make or break, considering how close the pacific was this year. Even with the short playoff run, the young guys definitely grew from the experience, and Gavrikov is an important signing going forward.
Elder was fun to draft in EA sports games
Does anyone else want to see a Fiala Danault Kempe line in preseason next year? I think Danault would compliment them better than Kopitar. Id also like to see a 3rd Line of Iafallo Byfield Vilardi.
Wish i shared others optimism in regards to Byfield.
I have seen almost no indications that he be a great player.
Weak on the puck,
Poor stick handling and passing.
His shot is non existent.
First line minutes and many power play opportunities resulting in just 2 legitimate goals and an empty net goal.
Would likely make him him one of the least productive first line winger in the league.
And in the playoffs he was a big liability on defense as well.
Hope i am wrong.
But i don't believe that i am.
The team was better this year and had they not suffered injuries to Fiala and Vilardi at the end of the year they probably win the division. They're definitely on the cusp and this offseason will be a big one. They'll trade Sean Walker to get to about $10M in cap space and the hope is Cal Peterson has a decent World Championships to were someone would take a flier on him. It'll be interesting to see if they bring back both Columbus pieces or if they package some of their prospects to try and go after a Hellebuyck or Soros to fixe the goaltending.
It's a make or break offseason for the Kings. I think last year, we all thought they were a year ahead of the expected rebuild timeline, and they did take a step forward this season in spite of the disappointing final result. Now they need to take that next step, and become a real contender. Korpisalo is good enough if they can find a way to afford him. Byfield doesn't need to be elite yet but he needs to be good enough to center his own line, instead of riding Kopitar's coattails. Clarke is going to be a big boost to the offense, but at the cost of some defense, which means Gavrikov is still a good fit (again, if they can afford him). Durzi and Walker could both be moved out, would free up about $4M. I could also see one of Lizotte or Grundstrom moving for another ~$1.5M. I don't expect them to make a huge splashy move, but if they do decide to make a swing, someone out there would probably bite on a package of Iafallo + prospects.
Kings biggest mistake the past 2 years is playing the Oilers in the first round haha. Great defensive and offensive forwards and solid defense/goaltending.
ouch that second period of game 4…..
We need to do everything we can to resign Gavrikov, he was our best player in the playoffs along with Kempe.
Not a specific team need but they are 2-8 in their last 10 playoff home games. They should probably start taking care of home ice
I think they need to re sign Gavrikov if possible. I’m excited for this young defensive core to take that next step and take roles from players like Durzi and Edler. If they can continue to produce goals like they have been, all that’s left is finding a consistent goalie and developing the young defensive core.
they need to avoid edmonton.
A number one goalie is exxactly what we need. Hellebyuck might want to leave Winnipeg, who knows…
Kaliyev is on the bubble as well. For all that speed he has, Kupari needs to finish his chances. That Kings 4th line was essentially useless in the series against Edmonton so if any of these kids can come into camp and make an impact, the Kings should seriously look into putting them on the final roster.
I looked at the Kupari stats and I go, "Wait, Kupari had 13 goals this season? That doesn't sound right. I would have higher hopes for him going into next season if he had 13 goals." It turned out that THG had the Kupari stats mixed up with Arthur Kaliyev's stats which did have 13 goals.
Matt Roy is vastly underrated he does everything, the guy for 2 playoffs in a row severely limited McDavid and Draisaitl's options at even strength, quietly he ends up a +4 in the playoffs and it seemed like McClellan was content using him and Gavrikov in any situation against there top guys, but LA has a problem it's admittedly a nice problem but having 6 NHL RD (Doughty, Roy,Walker,Durzi,Spence,Clarke) is a problem, at least 1 (and i wouldn't be surprised to see 2 or 3 of those guys) has to be traded likely Walker but Roy is likely the most valuable trade asset but is also likely the most valuable to the team's bluline Clarke can start in the A but Spence needs to be in the NHL and Durzi with all his offence is the worst defensively amongst that group but the offence is tantalizing and has trade value what LA does in the off season on the bluline will be interesting.
Other things of note Kopitar worth every penny, Villardi's contract will determine alot of the Kings Offseason, I'm not worried about Byfield the talent is there you flashes those flashes got brighter as the season went along when he really figures out how to use his frame physically, that could be a big year, the goaltending is a question no doubt about it I don't have an answer maybe they swap Cal for Campbell with 50% retained both ways not exactly a win but maybe, on Alex Turcotte he has just been injury bitten really ever since his draft year but when he's healthy he dominates the game, he is really a fantastic player, and I personally like some of the talent that the Kings have in the system Laferriere looks like he could a steal Andre Lee is big kid with soft hands in tight that skates really well needs to be more physical though, Chromiak really impressed me as well especially considering he was really sick during training camplost something like 15lbs that effected him early on but got better as the strentgh returned, Fagemo could push for a roster spot great shot, Aiden Dudas I've said this before has NHL written all over him he's a smaller player but plays well above his stature, that doesn'teven mentionguys like Panelli who likely turns pro next season or European guys like Simontiaval or Jamsen and Jamsen by the way has all the makings of a superstar potentially has put real good #'s as 17/18/19 yo in maybe the 3rd or 4th best league in the world (Liga) all of those guys and few others found deeper in the draft are why I'm not worried about losing 1st rnd picks this year and last Blake saw what no draft capital did to LA at the end of the Lombardi era i have faith he'll be smart with said draft capital and to be honest i felt Blake did a fantastic job in the trades that sent out 1st's maybe they dont resign either Korpisalo or Gavrikov but showing the team that he's willing to go big has to be a confidence booster. Injuries have really had an effect on development for a few King prospects Villardi,Turcotte even Byfield have had to deal with significant injuries, lost in that is Akil Thomas another guy that injuries have just plagued another player who when healthy is a difference maker shoulder surgeries in consecutive seasons have limited his development when he's healthy he most definitely an any situation player who likely wears a letter someday there is alot more like what does Blake do with the trio of $4 mil forwards ( Moore,Arvidson and Iafallo) but this way to long so cheers
This playoff formate sucks
To get to the next round they need to get rid of their coach.
The Kings had a really good regular season then two years in a row got a decent lead in the playoffs only to drop a bunch of games in a row after a decisive game.
Game 4 Kings 2023 looked like game 4 Sharks 2014 (vs Kings). What do they have in common? Todd.
Also Kings really shouldn’t have traded this years draft pick imo, they should’ve moved some of these prospects we don’t have room for and are not trying to make room for. If you can’t get as much, oh well. But a draft pick this year is an ELC in 3 years, vs all these RFA PROSPECTS the Kings are trying to have in their system…
Kopi and Drew scrambling to make their next contracts have strict NMC's lol
I’m hoping Helenious is able to make an impact in training camp and get a chance on the 4th line. A big body or two on that can play PK and defend against top lines even if they don’t pose a scoring threat would be great.
Honestly, this series could easily have been a sweep for the Oilers, if they didn't shoot themselves in the foot in games one and three. LA had so many bounces go their way it's crazy, and the penalties were very lopsided in their favor as well (although Oilers weren't doing themselves any favors in that department either, especially in game 1). So it wasn't anywhere near as close as the scores would indicate. Game three, they of course got gifted the win after a play that was blatantly dead was not called dead, and even in game 6, they got two gifted goals from blatant missed penalties. Most notably the Kempe slash on Skinner that broke his stick.
And with Kopitar and Doughty aging, I don't really agree with the idea that they're on the cusp of anything. They're a good team for sure, but the level where they'd be a contender for anything but making the playoffs. I'd like LA to be good, because I've historically liked Kings teams, but not with this extremely unlikeable group of players, playing an extremely unlikeable brand of hockey.
as a kings fan love them a lot I would like to say that goal tending is huge and get rid of cal. Cal has had a rough time overall and is sinking us quite a bit. It is unfortunate because I cant see anyone taking that contract but i can hope.
Kings need to bring back those purple jerseys.
There is a fine line between contender and not . All 16 teams In playoffs are contenders . Florida has proven that.
As a kings fan i feel if we didnt play edmonton, we would have advanced
So the Kings traded away Quick to wind up in the same position that they were last year, save for not even getting it to a Game 7.
If doughty was 8 mil I think it would be perfect, but he hasn't lived up to that 11m pricetag for sure. Definitely LA's #1 Defensemen and I think it made more sense at the time (still too much imo). Hopefully, Brandt Clarke supplants Doughty as the #1 next year
I think more blue line depth would go a long way. Really a bummer about not having the money for Gavrikov. With Doughty making as many silly mistakes as he does (bad habits i think from when the Kings were rebuilding), I think the kings are going to be hurting on the blue line for a while.
been a kings fan since the 70s never thought id see them win a stanley cup . defense and goaltending blowing 3 goal lead when you should be up 3-1 is awful .
I think they have all the right ingredients, they just need a few more of the youngsters to take the next step like Kempe did last year and Vilardi this year. Yes, goaltending is a big question mark next season. They will likely give Petersen another shot with Copley and possibly Portillo on standby as a rotating 1A/1B scenario much like Carolina. I wouldn't be opposed if they shopped Durzi/Walker around to try and keep Gavrikov. He just seems like a perfect fit for them on the left side.
Hey Shannon, you put Kupari instead of Kaliyev as the third name down for young players.
The Kings better not ever bring those awful looking uniforms (1998-2011) back!
Phoenix Copley should've been the starter in the playoffs.
The Kings seem to be spinning their wheels at this point. Cap space is tight, and would be expensive to unload Pettersen's contract. Might have to though, because otherwise, their gear remains in neutral. Goaltending is their 1st priority. Maybe they try again for Voskala from Arizona. A shame there's no money to sign Gavrikov, who fit in very well. Still angry Kings had a 3-0 lead in game 4, then blew it. That was a huge turning point in the series. They hold that lead, Oilers would be out.
With Clarke coming up and Bjornfoot also making the team possibly, I'm thinking Walker is expendable, and with Edler retiring, they could have enough cap space to sign Gabrikov. Also, if they can't sign Korpi, Copley will be there guy for next season.
The coaching staff could use some help on defense and PK, they addressed the PP last year and it went from a liability to a viable threat. As far as personnel its a broken record, left shot Dman and goaltending. If possible move Walker and/or Durzi to figure out a way to keep Gavrikov that would rule. Blake has stated the team are hopeful that Cal Peterson can still be a solid NHL goalie, we will see, im down for another season with Copper as well. Another big question going forward is how serious Kopi is when he says he wants to stay in LA, hopefully that means hometown deal not one last pay day. Kopi looked good the majority of the time but this was the first season he looked slow, especially down the stretch and in the playoff. Doughtys contract doesnt look great right now but he had a solid year and still logs ridiculous minutes. Seeing Mikey mature paired with Dewy is added value to his contract. The Turcotte situation is a rough deal, kid has had a rough go of it so far. QB is coming along, the ankle break and illness where he lost 25 lbs set him back but very promising for a 20 year old. People were calling Kempe a bust a couple years ago, now hes a stud. Very excited to see Spence and Clark and Bjornfot vie for the first team next year. Next year might be rough but i expect a run in 2025 for sure.
Vancouver should pick up Petterson, just because
Let’s be real Edmonton, LA, and Vegas are the best in the west Edmonton continues to win tho because of their PP
The Cal Peterson mistake is really hurting them. The other problem is McLellan is not the head coach to get them over the hump. Look at those teams he had San Jose and they flamed out. Remember he was the coach that gave up a 3-0 lead to the Kings in 2014.
Better PK coach and personnel. Increase your blue line size. Maybe zadorov.
Maybe trade for a guy like Lawson crouse.
I'm not sure about anyone else offhand, but I know as soon as I saw the peterson contract, I was wondering what they were thinking. At the time, he was looking alright, but i thought that both the value and duration were both risky at best. I, at his peak, was maybe thinking a 3m contract for two years. though that's with the idea of either he is reliable and you extend him with a raise, or he's not and you let him go. Or wait another couple months, i didn't think he'd seen enough games to really gauge him well. i also don't know if there are rules about a minimum duration with certain contract values, or anything like that. in their defense, i also had no other ideas. Quick, unfortunately, was just cooked after this year.
I don't know of any goalies coming up that the kings may be able to draft. it is my understanding that, aside from a fistful of notable exceptions, most teams are drifting towards a decent pair of goalies, rather than one star goalie in the way that Vasilevsky, Quick or Shesterkin have been. I just hope we find an answer. Like you indicated, goaltending is by far our biggest questionmark. I'm oddly optomistic about Copley honestly. It wasn't a large sample size, but there weren't any games I saw (wasn't always able to watch unfortunately) where he looked jittery.
I think they should let Copley show them what he's got and go get an inexpensive backup. Copley is more than capable of being the #1 guy.
I dunno how close they actually are – their old core ain't in 2014 form, they're still looking for a good goalie and the kids aren't there YET. It might be the end of the decade before they're a favorite to win the Cup again, and that's IF they can find the talent they need.
The need draisaitl and Mcdavid tog get through the first round. Honestly the oilers are a better team right now.
Kings would be a better team if they brought purple back into their jerseys
This offseason could make or break Rob Blake as a GM in my opinion. There's a couple key things that need to happen in the offseason: 1) sign a goaltender so they don't go into next season with a tandem of Copley/Petersen, 2) Sign a LHD (Gavrikov or other), 3) re-sign Vilardi (probably to a 2-3 year bridge deal), and 4) Free up a roster spot for Brandt Clarke. To do this, Blake & Co are going to have to make some hard decisions and likely part ways with a few roster players to free up cap. Walker will likely need to be traded. Same with Durzi. If they can't get rid of the Petersen contract, they also may need to part ways with a roster forward as well (likely one of Iafallo, Moore, or Arvidsson). Should be very interesting. If Blake makes some great moves, Kings will be looking pretty good. If not, next season could be quite frustrating
Will they be one of those teams that peaks at where they have been and start to be the odd team out of the playoffs before heading to the basement in subsequent seasons? Tough to move up when the best players are well into their 30s and there is no emerging talent scoring 20.
OOPS! your Kupari stats belong to Kaliyev.
Cal Petersen – $5 million…in the AHL. 😂
Sabres fans probably happy he’s been so bad the last couple of years.