As we continue our off season coverage of the LA Kings we look forward with 5 questions for the Kings offseason. We also look back at how the Kings 5 questions for last season ended up being answered. Plus a World Championship update on the LA Kings players taking part in that event. That on this edition of Locked on LA Kings.
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3 Comments
This off-season will be fascinating, indeed. I can absolutely see Blake making Copley the #1, due in part to other up and coming teams, like Buffalo, overpaying, but not breaking the bank, to add a capable goaltender.
With more than 2/3 of the league pressed for cap space, I just don't see LA unloading Petersen on any team, without adding significant sweeteners in any trade. I just do not believe Blake will do that, and will keep any tradeable assets to potetnial adds inseason in 2024. That leaves the option of either trying to squeeze as much value in utilizing Petersen to play with Copley, or them outright releasing him to waivers again, to give another go in Ontario to salvage his career.
Durzi and/or Walker need to be traded as well. Not only for the emergence of Brandt Clarke, but also for the needed cap space — both to try to retain Gavrikov, and to also add a low-priced 3rd pairing left-shot defenseman, to help with PK.
There's more of a glut at right-side D than at forward, and these options should be explored before taking the risk of having to trade an Arvidsson, Iafallo, or even Trevor Moore. Those 3 forwards are going to be integral in maintaining scoring depth, sound possessions, and 5v5 play, and should be kept, until it can be determined where Byfield and Kaliyev pan out. Their make-or-break time IS 2024, and will be rightfully scrutinized in the first 30 games of the season.
Going forward I think the Kings should have 4 lines that go to the net and make that every shift. Let the Defense play a mix of man to man to a collapsing box in front of the net every shift. Let the coach mandate this or get one who can implement it. Relentless attack and defend the net. Tired of this dump and chase/cycle crap.
Good 5 questions, Eddie. My opinion is that neither Gavy or Korpi will be re-signed. Think Kings do sign a low cost (below $3m AAV) goalie. Young player to improve the most will be QB as 3C with Fiala & Vilardi on the wings with him. I would like Durzi, Walker & Moore traded but probably it will be Arvidsson or Iafallo instead of Moore. Trent Yawney should have been replaced for our PK, bad mistake by Blake.