Ben Shelley: Kings reportedly looking to add both a top-six winger and a defenseman

We will trade you Jason Zucker and Marcus Pettersson

No Takebacks

We will trade you Jason Zucker and Marcus Pettersson

No Takebacks
- TheGame316

Nope

It sounds like Blake and Doughty went out for drinks to talk about hip(cross)-checks and trying to win the Cup next year. "Sure", one of them said to the other.

Not sure if Doughty convinced Blake that should be the plan or vis versa -- but they seem to be reading off of each pretty well, like good defensemen should.

I prefer the slow n' grow game -- but I can't blame the franchise for wanting to go for it 2 or 3 more times before Kopitar and Doughty have to step down as King and .... Jack.

If we picked up a top four LD and a solid top 6 winger, I could see the team sitting between a peach and apple pie under the open window that should last 2-3 years; when one window shuts and another one begins to open.

Hopefully one or both of those players come to the franchise via free agency on short term contracts. Maybe pick up a player like Saad or Krejci for 2-3 years to go for it now without also giving up a bunch of assets.

The Kings are one of the few franchises that are poised to take advantage of the current economic climate. Maybe the Face-Cards of the franchise are reading the table and see a great opportunity right now to make a few bold moves to make the team very good right now while also letting the team develop to being good again (still) in 4-5 years.

I vote for a square deal -- but if we want to cut the deck, call Jack's wild and go all in...

I'd watch that.

I suspect Blake is going to make a run at Landeskog. Recent reports suggest that he and Colorado are light years apart on an extension.

As for the defensemen, if LA can make a home run swing for a top guy like Werenski, Chychrun, or Sergachev, then they should do it. It would be very costly, but a guy like that would be worth it. If not, then they shouldn't give up significant assets for a second tier guy. See what's available via UFA or make a trade with Seattle after the expansion draft. If the Vegas draft gave us any hint, Francis will have a ton of extra young defensemen to move.

Im betting Nate Schmidt ends up here.

Now we can pick up Ryan Suter on a 1-2 year deal. He is a LHD.

That's a real interesting idea.

Honestly, I think picking up 1-3 vets to take a run right now while the kids learn in Ontario is a pretty nice idea. I think it's hard to argue that the Kings are 2-3 middle of the pack vets from winning a cup -- but you never know...

If the Kings signed Parise and Suter for example (Parise hinted today of them signing together again) -- the Kings line-up might look like this next year.

Iafallo - Kopitar - Brown
Kempe - Vilardi - Arvidsson
Parise - Byfield - Athanasiou
L. Andersson - JAD - Moore
Wagner, Lizotte, Lemieux

Anderson - Doughty
Suter - Roy
Maata - Wagner
Clague, McDermid, Bjornfot

Does that look like a cup winning team? Eh, probably not. If the Kings want to go for it, they are probably looking at acquiring at least one grade A impact player. to slot other players down in the line-up.

If the Kings were able to trade for a player like S. Jones (and sign, obviously) -- while also signing a legit second line winger, like Landeskog (as tkecanuck341 mentioned) ... well that looks more like a playoff team to me.

What about voracek. Any interest. 3 years left on contract rw to play with anze

What about voracek. Any interest. 3 years left on contract rw to play with anze
- Stayin alive

No, they already got their RW in Arvidsson.

It's kind of funny that LA is looking for a LW and a LD and Minnesota just bought one of each out. They're old, but they wouldn't cost anything but cap space and the idea of giving the kids a couple more bonafide vets to sponge off of sounds appealing. I'd certainly prefer Blake to land Landeskog and Werenski, of course, but you can't always get what you want.

This isn't really news. John Hoven has been saying this for months. Maata only plays next year if LA doesnt bring in another LHD. Also Hoven reported that LA has been playing with putting McDermid at forward. If thats the case. Lemieux and him probably are extra forwards and swap out games depending on the pace they expect in the match ups.

I bet Jonathan Drouin ends up here. I don’t know why but this guy needs a change and Habs will want him in the west. A good playmaker that could fill the top 6 need. I don’t think the return will be high

Sorry,to me this is just like the reported eichel to l.a. rumours,just writers writing.why bring in FA to muddy the waters,why not bring the kids up and see what they can do.why would blake wanna hold them back?doesnt make sense to bring in ifs and buts,when we have our own ifs and buts in Ontario.personally I'd rather see the kids get a chance to play and earn a spot,then a FA to come in and take that spot without giving the kid a chance.

Sorry,to me this is just like the reported eichel to l.a. rumours,just writers writing.why bring in FA to muddy the waters,why not bring the kids up and see what they can do.why would blake wanna hold them back?doesnt make sense to bring in ifs and buts,when we have our own ifs and buts in Ontario.personally I'd rather see the kids get a chance to play and earn a spot,then a FA to come in and take that spot without giving the kid a chance.
- Dewey8

You need competition

I bet Jonathan Drouin ends up here. I don’t know why but this guy needs a change and Habs will want him in the west. A good playmaker that could fill the top 6 need. I don’t think the return will be high
- MONSTERSofMETALZ

For 5.5mm AAV? Pass. He can figure it out on someone else's dime.

Sorry,to me this is just like the reported eichel to l.a. rumours,just writers writing.why bring in FA to muddy the waters,why not bring the kids up and see what they can do.why would blake wanna hold them back?doesnt make sense to bring in ifs and buts,when we have our own ifs and buts in Ontario.personally I'd rather see the kids get a chance to play and earn a spot,then a FA to come in and take that spot without giving the kid a chance.
- Dewey8

I get it, but this is where analytics takes a backseat to psychology. The team wants to start moving upwards in the standings. IMO, it is a little early for that, but it is happening and it needs to be accepted.

But I get the concept: you need to surround prospects with guys who will, by example, show them how to be professionals. Poisonhearts mentions "compete". You need competition amongst the players at each position so they demonstrate, per shift, that they want to be a pro and will work hard after practice, on their own time, to earn ice time. This is where the shift in mindset from prospect to pro happens.

Will someone overpay for Blake Coleman this offseason? Yes. While I don't necessarily want the Kings to sign Blake Coleman, that's the type of mentality that would be welcome and beneficial on this club. You want a guy to inspire competition amongst the kids. I hope that type of player is brought in by GMRB.

You need competition
- poisondhearts37

I agree,but hungry youngsters that want to break into the nhl won't create competition?I'm just of the mindset that we have the prospects that are on the verge of making us a contender again,so why the sudden rush?

I get it, but this is where analytics takes a backseat to psychology. The team wants to start moving upwards in the standings. IMO, it is a little early for that, but it is happening and it needs to be accepted.

But I get the concept: you need to surround prospects with guys who will, by example, show them how to be professionals. Poisonhearts mentions "compete". You need competition amongst the players at each position so they demonstrate, per shift, that they want to be a pro and will work hard after practice, on their own time, to earn ice time. This is where the shift in mindset from prospect to pro happens.

Will someone overpay for Blake Coleman this offseason? Yes. While I don't necessarily want the Kings to sign Blake Coleman, that's the type of mentality that would be welcome and beneficial on this club. You want a guy to inspire competition amongst the kids. I hope that type of player is brought in by GMRB.
- Only_A_Ladd

Agreed on both points,Coleman would be a nice add but not at an overpayment.i think with what we have on the nhl roster at the end of the season and what's coming we will have tons of camp competition this coming season and beyond.
I also understand that with covid taking a toll on ownership financially,they want to recoup asap with more butts in the seats watching a winning team.i just hope it's not at the cost of some of our prized prospects just to make their money back.

Jake Voracek, come on down.

I suspect Blake is going to make a run at Landeskog. Recent reports suggest that he and Colorado are light years apart on an extension.

As for the defensemen, if LA can make a home run swing for a top guy like Werenski, Chychrun, or Sergachev, then they should do it. It would be very costly, but a guy like that would be worth it. If not, then they shouldn't give up significant assets for a second tier guy. See what's available via UFA or make a trade with Seattle after the expansion draft. If the Vegas draft gave us any hint, Francis will have a ton of extra young defensemen to move.
- tkecanuck341

I’ve never thought landeskog is a slam dunk for COL. Money talks and kings have a whole lot of it. If kings offer 70/7 years. I think he takes it. Maybe even 75/7 10.7AAV.

Sergachev would be amazing. Unfortunately I don’t think the other 2 will be available but werenski would be my guy.

I’ve never thought landeskog is a slam dunk for COL. Money talks and kings have a whole lot of it. If kings offer 70/7 years. I think he takes it. Maybe even 75/7 10.7AAV.

Sergachev would be amazing. Unfortunately I don’t think the other 2 will be available but werenski would be my guy.
- KINGS67

He is not a 10mil player. wtf.

I’ve never thought landeskog is a slam dunk for COL. Money talks and kings have a whole lot of it. If kings offer 70/7 years. I think he takes it. Maybe even 75/7 10.7AAV.

Sergachev would be amazing. Unfortunately I don’t think the other 2 will be available but werenski would be my guy.
- KINGS67

None of those are 10 mill players.
I would like either werenski or sergachev on our roster for sure,but not at 10 mill.
Our 2 10 mill players earned the money they got unlike most players getting that now.2 cups each,a lady bing,2 selke and a norris and both are still top players in the game.

He is not a 10mil player. wtf.
- poisondhearts37

Good even better

I’m just throwing out numbers. Ideally I want him for 8-9

None of those are 10 mill players.
I would like either werenski or sergachev on our roster for sure,but not at 10 mill.
Our 2 10 mill players earned the money they got unlike most players getting that now.2 cups each,a lady bing,2 selke and a norris and both are still top players in the game.
- Dewey8

I never said sergachev or werenski are 10