Most of this needs a grain of salt. The salary cap should start rising again this season but I'll refrain from considering it for the scope of this projection.
I'm hesitant to say this roster is a bona-fide improvement over the one featured in Part 2, but having a healthier Klefbom might be enough for me to consider it on par. Hard to predict development and how players mature. If Klefbom indeed retires, I'd wonder if Ekholm could be extended at or near $4.5M per on a 2-3 year deal. I'm not optimistic he could be however.
I'm anticipating bridge deals to Bouchard, Broberg, Konovalov, and Lavoie. I think Ennis, Haas, Khaira, Klefbom, Larsson, and Tatar walk and Kahun is moved at either the deadline or the draft. Holloway should be looking to inherit the #1LW spot but Huberdeau possibly being available in the offseason is exceptionally alluring, especially with so many cheaper deals on the roster, dead cap evaporating, and a rising salary cap.
A Lagesson trade happens after the 2022-23 season and the return I'd like to see is a right-handed center with top-nine potential coming back. I know the Kings are up to their sleeves in centermen as of publishing this, and I suspect JAD, Kupari, and Thomas to shake free in exchange for other assets. Most likely wingers, but a young, stable top-four defender (by this point in time) could be a suitable ask as well or part of a three-team exchange. Not expecting this to be the immediate trade, but something of this flavour.
Just because LA is flush with center prospects doesn't mean they're going to unload a guy with potential for a guy that hasn't been able to stick in the NHL by by 25. I suspect Edmonton will lose Lagesson to waivers in October. The Kings might trade you Michael Amadio for him.
Just because LA is flush with center prospects doesn't mean they're going to unload a guy with potential for a guy that hasn't been able to stick in the NHL by by 25. I suspect Edmonton will lose Lagesson to waivers in October. The Kings might trade you Michael Amadio for him.
A defencemen not being NHL ready until last year and not actually getting his shot until this year invalidates him from being a trade piece? Some player assessment tool you've got there. I even say it doesn't need to be that exact trade, just something in-line with it. A right-handed center prospect not expected to be more than a 3rd-line piece will be fine.
A defencemen not being NHL ready until last year and not actually getting his shot until this year invalidates him from being a trade piece? Some player assessment tool you've got there. I even say it doesn't need to be that exact trade, just something in-line with it. A right-handed center prospect not expected to be more than a 3rd-line piece will be fine.
It doesn't invalidate him from being a trade piece, but it does invalidate him from being traded for more than his value. As you say, Thomas is a top-nine potential guy, with 2 years or waiver exemption remaining after this season. Lagesson is not an upgrade to either Anderson or Bjornfot, so he's a healthy scratch on the Kings. Not sure when an overaged 6/7 defensive prospect became value equivalent to a 3rd line center with scoring upside.
They have transitioned Thomas to RW and he has been playing on the top line in Ontario this season, ahead of guys like ****emo and Kaliyev on the depth chart. The Kings are high on him.
Like I said, if Edmonton is ok taking back a similarly-aged guy like Amadio or Luff instead, then I'm sure the Kings would look at it.
It doesn't invalidate him from being a trade piece, but it does invalidate him from being traded for more than his value. As you say, Thomas is a top-nine potential guy, with 2 years or waiver exemption remaining after this season. Lagesson is not an upgrade to either Anderson or Bjornfot, so he's a healthy scratch on the Kings. Not sure when an overaged 6/7 defensive prospect became value equivalent to a 3rd line center with scoring upside.
They have transitioned Thomas to RW and he has been playing on the top line in Ontario this season, ahead of guys like ****emo and Kaliyev on the depth chart. The Kings are high on him.
Like I said, if Edmonton is ok taking back a similarly-aged guy like Amadio or Luff instead, then I'm sure the Kings would look at it.
I think Lagesson's comfortably established himself as a solid third-pairing option at this point.
Prospect would be much more preferred. If I'm taking back what amounts to an AHL forward, I'd want a pick involved. Ideally a late 3rd.
I think Lagesson's comfortably established himself as a solid third-pairing option at this point.
Prospect would be much more preferred. If I'm taking back what amounts to an AHL forward, I'd want a pick involved. Ideally a late 3rd.
You wouldn't get it from LA. They have no need for another 3rd paring defenseman. They've already had to bury NHL-ready Kale Clague in the AHL because he's still waiver exempt and they don't have an extra roster spot available. Cole Hults is looking to make the jump soon as well. Not to mention that Maatta and MacDermid are under contract for another season.
McDavid, Connor
$250,000)
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