Sheng Peng: How Can Hanzal Help Kings?; Kopitar's Importance to Power Play What will Hanzal cost? What was LA missing on the power play without Kopitar on Monday?

I don't love the idea of giving up Dowd, but if he does end up being lost in the expansion draft anyway--and I haven't looked into the Kings' expansion draft scenarios--it's an idea worth considering. I also don't think the Kings can afford to part with another 1st round pick, but if the Coyotes would do something like Dowd, a 2nd, and a 4th...then yeah, maybe.

Kopitar/Carter/Hanzal is the type of center corps that wins a Cup.

Except that Hanzal will be injured well before a deep cup run can even get off the ground and then we're out Dowd as well, and I'd rather have Dowd over Shore. I'm not hot on giving up Down for a rental, and one that will end up like Secara (spl?) did, injured right before he could actually help. As much as that 3-headed centermen beast would/could be, I'd pass.
But I must add: are the Kings likely to lose Down in the exp draft anyway? If that likelihood is high, then maybe that changes things a little.

But I must add: are the Kings likely to lose Down in the exp draft anyway? If that likelihood is high, then maybe that changes things a little.
- Stu17

I think it is more likely that the Kings lose one of Forbort or McNabb. If the Kings choose to go the 8/1 route instead of the 7/3/1 route (I think they will), then they can only protect Doughty, Muzzin, Martinez, and one of Forbort/McNabb. Whichever they don't protect will be the one that the Kings lose IMO.

Now if a deal can be made for one of these two young defenseman, then I think that is worth looking in to.

Hanzal would be a nice addition. But I would really hate to give up Dowd. Question would be. Is LA interested in Hanzal maybe playing wing? Granted Dowd isnt traded. Or he simple just plays the 3c spot. Being that deep down the middle is always nice. But Kopi really needs a quality winger. And since Carter is playing so well with just about anybody. I hope Toff gets a real good look with Kopi.

Also. If Hanzal is a legit target. I hope nothing is done without some sort of extension being worked out first. The Kings cant keep losing on these trades ala Sekera, Looch and etc. Also a trade with Arizona might open the door for them to take on a bad contract.

this team isnt' good enough for a rental player at this point. quick still hasnt returned yet, and hanzal isn't the scoring fwd this team more desperately needs. and if you swap dowd+high pick for hanzal AND muzz/marty+another pick for landy/duchesne, you've crushed your depth yet once again beyond this season.

not enough signs this team is consistently good enough to make that bet this offseason. figure out how to keep toffoli and pearson first.

we can't lose multiple players in the expansion draft (I think). I read somewhere and I may be wrong here, but I did read that the Knights may only take one unprotected player from each team. If true I think that bodes well for the kings in who they do and do not protect.

As far as Hanzel for Dowd and a pick? that doesn't make sense. We would need to shed salary in order to make it work realistically, I understand from a skill point of view Dowd would offset the loss of Hanzel to Arizona but it just doesn't make sense financially for the kings to pull the trigger on that. I would tend to think there are other packages that make the deal work. I personally think they should be looking at moving out players , both D and offense, that cost us a little more and allow for us to pull up players from Ontario in addition to whatever piece we are acquiring.

It seems that the Avs are actively scouting LaDue. He is going to be a good one and I hope Lombardi doesn't trade hIm. Muzzin has been horrible most of the year and LaDue is the one that is going to have to step in, maybe this season but most likely next. He's probably on Arizona's radar as well. Dowd is an okay player but whatever...

we can't lose multiple players in the expansion draft (I think). I read somewhere and I may be wrong here, but I did read that the Knights may only take one unprotected player from each team. If true I think that bodes well for the kings in who they do and do not protect.

As far as Hanzel for Dowd and a pick? that doesn't make sense. We would need to shed salary in order to make it work realistically, I understand from a skill point of view Dowd would offset the loss of Hanzel to Arizona but it just doesn't make sense financially for the kings to pull the trigger on that. I would tend to think there are other packages that make the deal work. I personally think they should be looking at moving out players , both D and offense, that cost us a little more and allow for us to pull up players from Ontario in addition to whatever piece we are acquiring.
- MikeOxbyg

Las Vegas will draft 30 players in the expansion draft, one from every team. They cannot take any more or less than one player from the Kings.

Las Vegas will draft 30 players in the expansion draft, one from every team. They cannot take any more or less than one player from the Kings.
- tkecanuck341

so lets play an odds game here and throw up the most likely to be left unprotected and try to place odds of each player being taken. I know we did it before but I think it is time to revisit this topic

This is a joke rumor post right? Is DL considering Hanzal?
How desperate is a GM to trade Dowd for that type player.

DL all ready jacked us with Band-Aid fillers to start the season.
Setog(575k), Purcell(1.6m), Zatkoff(900k) & Gilbert(1.4m).
Purcell and Gilbert ARE NOT EVEN PLAYING!
That's $4.475m wasted at day 1 of the season. We have(1.7m) in Cap avail.
That would have been $6.175 for a solid scorer, or 2 solid players @$3.5m each,
AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SEASON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Kings need to waive or send down some of the bottom 6 who are a (non-factor)
and not producing points, had their time to shine and are not making the grade. Green on D, love his checks, but he is done.

The Kings need finishers, goals period.
We are all ready doing it with smoke & mirrors on our
defensive play buy in via DS coaching style, but this new NHL has
left the idiotic DL & DS behind talent wise after the 2014 cup,
and losing ground. Struggling to make the 8th playoff spot is not good.

DL's team circle of management, his scouts and people in place in this organization are a joke to what the Kings really could be. DL's stupid (I Love you man) contracts started this mess, leaving us cash strapped, and with bs fillers.

He better make some smart moves this time around by the trade deadline
because his ship is sinking fast. No help, no answer. #GKG

so lets play an odds game here and throw up the most likely to be left unprotected and try to place odds of each player being taken. I know we did it before but I think it is time to revisit this topic
- MikeOxbyg

Depends on what happens at the trade deadline. If the Kings trade one of Muzzin/Martinez as the Eklund rumor mill currently speculates, then the Kings will protect Kopitar, Toffoli, Pearson, Carter, Doughty, Muzzin or Martinez, McNabb, Forbort, Quick. In this case, Dowd likely gets taken.

If they don't, then replace McNabb or Forbort with Muzzin or Martinez and then the unprotected one of the former pair gets taken.

Depends on what happens at the trade deadline. If the Kings trade one of Muzzin/Martinez as the Eklund rumor mill currently speculates, then the Kings will protect Kopitar, Toffoli, Pearson, Carter, Doughty, Muzzin or Martinez, McNabb, Forbort, Quick. In this case, Dowd likely gets taken.

If they don't, then replace McNabb or Forbort with Muzzin or Martinez and then the unprotected one of the former pair gets taken.
- tkecanuck341

I am almost ok with Forbort being taken though I have nothing against him, I am totally ok with McNaab being taken because I have a lot against him. And certainly hopeful Brown is the one taken.

Side note: I just read on the insider that Toff is out another 3-6 weeks. if that is the case why isn't he on IR and why aren't we calling up Kempe to try at wing on the top line or second line and trying to get that Brown Dowd and Seto 3rd line back together.... I know I know... I am way off the mark here be pipe dreaming is what I do.

This is a joke rumor post right? Is DL considering Hanzal?
How desperate is a GM to trade Dowd for that type player.

DL all ready jacked us with Band-Aid fillers to start the season.
Setog(575k), Purcell(1.6m), Zatkoff(900k) & Gilbert(1.4m).
Purcell and Gilbert ARE NOT EVEN PLAYING!
That's $4.475m wasted at day 1 of the season. We have(1.7m) in Cap avail.
That would have been $6.175 for a solid scorer, or 2 solid players @$3.5m each,
AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SEASON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Kings need to waive or send down some of the bottom 6 who are a (non-factor)
and not producing points, had their time to shine and are not making the grade. Green on D, love his checks, but he is done.

The Kings need finishers, goals period.
We are all ready doing it with smoke & mirrors on our
defensive play buy in via DS coaching style, but this new NHL has
left the idiotic DL & DS behind talent wise after the 2014 cup,
and losing ground. Struggling to make the 8th playoff spot is not good.

DL's team circle of management, his scouts and people in place in this organization are a joke to what the Kings really could be. DL's stupid (I Love you man) contracts started this mess, leaving us cash strapped, and with bs fillers.

He better make some smart moves this time around by the trade deadline
because his ship is sinking fast. No help, no answer. #GKG
- Kings fan since72

It make sense if he plans on leaving Dowd unprotected and suspects that he will be the player that is taken by Las Vegas. Lombardi should be trying to position the team to make Brown and/or Gaborik the most attractive choices available to the expansion draft, while being careful to not take on any long-term salary.

That probably means trading Dowd and one of Muzzin/Martinez/Forbort/McNabb. Let's assume they trade Dowd and McNabb. The remaining unprotected players would be:

Brown
Gaborik
Lewis
Shore
King
Clifford
Nolan
Andreoff
Greene
Zatkoff

From that group, I assume that either Brown or Gaborik get selected, especially if Lombardi calls Vegas and promises future considerations if they decide to take on one of them.

I am almost ok with Forbort being taken though I have nothing against him, I am totally ok with McNaab being taken because I have a lot against him. And certainly hopeful Brown is the one taken.

Side note: I just read on the insider that Toff is out another 3-6 weeks. if that is the case why isn't he on IR and why aren't we calling up Kempe to try at wing on the top line or second line and trying to get that Brown Dowd and Seto 3rd line back together.... I know I know... I am way off the mark here be pipe dreaming is what I do.


- MikeOxbyg

Toffoli is on IR. Gravel is currently taking up the extra roster spot. Once Toffoli returns, Gravel will likely be returned to Ontario, since he is the only waiver-exempt defenseman that would not result in buried cap overages.

Toffoli is on IR. Gravel is currently taking up the extra roster spot. Once Toffoli returns, Gravel will likely be returned to Ontario, since he is the only waiver-exempt defenseman that would not result in buried cap overages.
- tkecanuck341

Spot on as usual

much to my dismay

Side note: I just read on the insider that Toff is out another 3-6 weeks. if that is the case why isn't he on IR and why aren't we calling up Kempe to try at wing on the top line or second line and trying to get that Brown Dowd and Seto 3rd line back together.... I know I know... I am way off the mark here be pipe dreaming is what I do.


- MikeOxbyg

kempe has been inconsistent this season in ontario...highly unlikely he gets the call up. mersch stood a better chance but he got hurt recently i believe.

and even if kempe was called up, what makes you have any confidence sutter plays him in an effective top 6 role? more likely he ends up playing with andreoff, nolan, etc on the fourth line for 8 minutes a nite.

kempe has been inconsistent this season in ontario...highly unlikely he gets the call up. mersch stood a better chance but he got hurt recently i believe.

and even if kempe was called up, what makes you have any confidence sutter plays him in an effective top 6 role? more likely he ends up playing with andreoff, nolan, etc on the fourth line for 8 minutes a nite.
- hiway39

well, just my opinion here, but I think we need to get a look at him with some real talent around him and see if maybe he steps up a bit. that could very well be a thing and I figure short term IR's are a great opportunity to conduct such experiments, but that is just me, I am a gambler that way

It make sense if he plans on leaving Dowd unprotected and suspects that he will be the player that is taken by Las Vegas. Lombardi should be trying to position the team to make Brown and/or Gaborik the most attractive choices available to the expansion draft, while being careful to not take on any long-term salary.

That probably means trading Dowd and one of Muzzin/Martinez/Forbort/McNabb. Let's assume they trade Dowd and McNabb. The remaining unprotected players would be:

Brown
Gaborik
Lewis
Shore
King
Clifford
Nolan
Andreoff
Greene
Zatkoff

From that group, I assume that either Brown or Gaborik get selected, especially if Lombardi calls Vegas and promises future considerations if they decide to take on one of them.
- tkecanuck341

Brown is auto protected because of his no trade clause. Unless he agree's to waive it for the expansion draft.

Brown is auto protected because of his no trade clause. Unless he agree's to waive it for the expansion draft.
- poisondhearts37

I don't think so. Unless this list has been updated:

http://www.sportsnet.ca/h...-list-contains-surprises/

Brown has a limited no-trade, but it doesn't appear to preclude Vegas.

I don't think so. Unless this list has been updated:

http://www.sportsnet.ca/h...-list-contains-surprises/

Brown has a limited no-trade, but it doesn't appear to preclude Vegas.
- Sheng Peng

Hmm. Interesting. I remembered awhile back it was stated that Brown would have to be protected. It good news that the Kings dont have to waste a protection on him.

Brown is auto protected because of his no trade clause. Unless he agree's to waive it for the expansion draft.
- poisondhearts37

He is not. Only full no movement clauses are subject to auto-protection. The only player on the Kings that has mandated protection is Kopitar.

I don't think so. Unless this list has been updated:

http://www.sportsnet.ca/h...-list-contains-surprises/

Brown has a limited no-trade, but it doesn't appear to preclude Vegas.
- Sheng Peng

Thanks for this. I had not yet seen this article. This certainly simplifies things.

If only they would come out with a expansion draft exemption list that definitively identifies which young players are not subject to the draft. I'm pretty sure I have the rules understood, but it would be nice to have a list to confrim.

He is not. Only full no movement clauses are subject to auto-protection. The only player on the Kings that has mandated protection is Kopitar.
- tkecanuck341

Most of all the rumors I had seen said he would be. But its obvious now that we know he isnt. Which is great for the Kings.

They don't need another center as much as they need wingers for the ones that they have. Kopitar's production is awful this season because he doesn't have adequate wingers. Adding a 3rd-line center does nothing to address that. If they had two scoring lines, upgrading 3rd-line center would be a natural move to strengthen the team, but they don't.

Lombardi seems to have the idea that, if he has a solid center core, nearly anyone can be thrown on the wings and made productive, and that's proving once again to be untrue. His principle offseason winger acquisition (and replacement for Lucic) was a disaster and is in the AHL, Setoguchi has only 9 points and Kopitar is having the worst production of his career. If Lombardi is now looking at making his principle trade deadline acquisition a 3rd-line center upgrade, it makes you wonder if he's blind to the real need on the team and too caught up in acquiring someone that he's always wanted to acquire.

BTW, somehow missing from the blog were Hanzal's stats on the season. Since I went ahead and looked them up, for anyone else curious, they are: 37 games, 9 goals, 6 assists, for 15 points, 39 PIMs and -18.