Don't let that mislead you, they had to pick someone from a completely talent-less Comet's team.
However, if you want some fun visit this thread when the Kings call him up (not that is likely to happen as Subban sucks). There will be some unfiltered hysteria.
- Marwood

The Kings have some quality defensive depth. LaDue and Gravel are the next in line to get a call-up. The only way Subban sees any time in the big show is if we have major injury problems.

As long as Subban can hold his own in the AHL for a season or two, then he does what we need him to.

You're right last season he had a good CF% but had a lot of ozone starts and had a very bad +/- (I know the stat doesn't mean all that much, but he still was out there for a lot of goals). This season, CF, SF, GF all under 50% on a team that has a positive record, and with somewhat sheltered zone starts. I believe in the kid, but I think that's what made Stevens use him sparingly, because it couldn't have been his passing. Even in his 8 minutes a night this year he'd routinely leave me in awe over a pass. 2nd best passer on Kings behind Kopitar probably.
- CrownedKing

Sounds like he might be worth a look with Boeser if he plays well in his first few games.

Canucks lack playmaking centers outside of Henrik Sedin.

Eh I think that Stevens had decided Dowd would be the one to be waived when Clifford returns and we simply tried to shop him before losing him for free, the return was not really important. VAN bit because they had a newly open hole at center. I don't really think we're going to move for a 2c.
- CrownedKing

garf is going to be so disappointed that sabres aren't getting muzzin and a 1st for rienhart

Eh I think that Stevens had decided Dowd would be the one to be waived when Clifford returns and we simply tried to shop him before losing him for free, the return was not really important. VAN bit because they had a newly open hole at center. I don't really think we're going to move for a 2c.
- CrownedKing

Yeah, this deal makes sense for both sides.

Eh I think that Stevens had decided Dowd would be the one to be waived when Clifford returns and we simply tried to shop him before losing him for free, the return was not really important. VAN bit because they had a newly open hole at center. I don't really think we're going to move for a 2c.
- CrownedKing

Stevens doesn't get to decide who gets waived. That's up to Blake.

I don't disagree that based on usage this season, Dowd is likely the player that would go once Carter comes back, but it doesn't explain the lack of usage this season, especially after a pretty good showing last season.

Here's his player evaluation from the official Kings blog at the end last season.

Good to see you post.
- Marwood

Thanks. It's been a crazy summer and fall. The wine industry is no joke during harvest.

Speculation is that the Kings are looking to move one of our 2nd pairing defensemen to bring in a 2C while Carter is gone. Gaborik-Kempe-Lewis have been an exceptional and speedy 3rd line for us, but Shore centering the 2nd line just isn't getting it done.

If the Kings trade Muzzin and call up LaDue, that leaves a pretty big hole on defense in Ontario. As a former AHL all-star, Subban could fill in the gap created by LaDue's absence.
- tkecanuck341

Subban filling a gap on D is a bit of a reach

via GIPHY

Stevens doesn't get to decide who gets waived. That's up to Blake.

I don't disagree that based on usage this season, Dowd is likely the player that would go once Carter comes back, but it doesn't explain the lack of usage this season, especially after a pretty good showing last season.

Here's his player evaluation from the official Kings blog at the end last season.
- tkecanuck341

Oh I completely agree, Dowd should've been playing. He lost games to Amadio, to Andreoff, to Auger LOL that makes no sense to me.
That Dowd, LaDue, Gravel, Mersch prospect generation is going to become a lost one, maybe Stevens just decided if he's going to play inexperienced players, they're going to be early 20s not mid 20s. I wish Gravel and Ladue were up, but if we don't plan to use them, I'd like to move them in deals similar to this one, ie a place they'll have a chance and for a younger prospect in return.

Yeah, this deal makes sense for both sides.
- Nucker101

It is curious though...to give up Subban for a 27 year old 4th liner. Now I'm sure from what I've heard Dowd could be a solid 3L guy but we still don't know where Subban will be given the right opportunities...which he didn't seem to get here. Very curious to see where this goes.

It is curious though...to give up Subban for a 27 year old 4th liner. Now I'm sure from what I've heard Dowd could be a solid 3L guy but we still don't know where Subban will be given the right opportunities...which he didn't seem to get here. Very curious to see where this goes.
- LordHumungous

Subban spent two or three years playing in Utica under Green. I think he was given every opportunity he could reasonably expect. If Green thought he could contribute in Vancouver he likely would have suited up for them.

It is curious though...to give up Subban for a 27 year old 4th liner. Now I'm sure from what I've heard Dowd could be a solid 3L guy but we still don't know where Subban will be given the right opportunities...which he didn't seem to get here. Very curious to see where this goes.
- LordHumungous

Subban has had 3 years in pro and still gets scratched every season. At some point you have to cut your losses before you cant get any return

Thanks. It's been a crazy summer and fall. The wine industry is no joke during harvest.
- CubanBuffet

Didn't realize you worked in the industry. This is great news for the picnic!

Subban spent two or three years playing in Utica under Green. I think he was given every opportunity he could reasonably expect. If Green thought he could contribute in Vancouver he likely would have suited up for them.
- CubanBuffet

After today, Subban's name should be ban worthy.

Didn't realize you worked in the industry. This is great news for the picnic!
- Marwood

I got a job at a winery so we moved up to Penticton in the summer. I'm VanhockeyGuy's problem now.

After today, Subban's name should be ban worthy.
- Marwood

Unless he gets a callup

Subban filling a gap on D is a bit of a reach
- Bowel-Auger

He can't play on the 2nd pairing in the AHL? I don't know that I believe that.

I got a job at a winery so we moved up to Penticton in the summer. I'm VanhockeyGuy's problem now.
- CubanBuffet

Congratulations! Did you move from the lower mainland or the island?
How do you enjoy the lifestyle change?
I ask because I moved to Cumberland nearly 10 years ago after being born & raised in Vancouver. Love it!

Unless he gets a callup
- Bettmanhatesus

That will be a special day indeed!

Heard TG interview. He's feeling out where to put players like Goldy. He's not committed to any line combination.

Vanek confirmed maintenance day. Dowd to join in Calgary eager to see him. He may get in line up without practice. Sutter not joining road trip. Tanev will play.

Unless he gets a callup
- Bettmanhatesus

That should be a fun day in here.

He can't play on the 2nd pairing in the AHL? I don't know that I believe that.
- tkecanuck341

He can. Realistically he's a 2nd pairing PP specialist at the AHL level who's prone to defensive lapses and bad games that will land him in the doghouse at times.

He's definitely a great PP weapon at that level though.

Subban has had 3 years in pro and still gets scratched every season. At some point you have to cut your losses before you cant get any return
- Codes1087

Yeah, I think both teams had this mindset with this deal.

Congratulations! Did you move from the lower mainland or the island?
How do you enjoy the lifestyle change?
I ask because I moved to Cumberland nearly 10 years ago after being born & raised in Vancouver. Love it!
- Marwood

We moved from Vancouver and love it so far. We weren't really taking advantage of what Vancouver has to offer so for us it was just overcrowded and expensive.

Looking into Dowd seems Canucks could be seeing him more then a just a temporary stop gap depth player this season. For a roster spot or to be in healthy line up he would need to beat out Burmi and Gaunce. That's not a stretch given where Dowd's developed and played over them being just okay.

Dowd is a natural center and seems more suited there then Granlund and Gagner. So given return of both Bo and Sutter he would fit in just as well playing center behind them and Hank.

A healthy forward group in January can look like this:

Goldy Bo BB
Sedins LE
Granlund Sutter JV
Gagner Dowd Vanek

He can. Realistically he's a 2nd pairing PP specialist at the AHL level who's prone to defensive lapses and bad games that will land him in the doghouse at times.

He's definitely a great PP weapon at that level though.
- Nucker101

Had hoped JB could have capitalized on Subban's point numbers and moved him in the off season for much needed prospect center help for Comets. Was harping on this need but naysayers said Chaput and Megna were good enough.

So with diminishing asset will take the developed and older Dowd as good enough now. He probably has more of a chance to carve a role and get resigned over Burmi, Chaput & Megna for next season.