2022-23 LA Kings

If Kempe has another good season I think he’ll want more than 3 mil. But this is a pretty good overall vision without taking trades into account. I think there’s a good chance they’ll trade Walker before next season to make room for Faber. I’m also curious about Moverare. I heard interviews that he was the best Ontario defender at the end of the season. I didn’t get to see him, but I’m curious whether he passes one of the three LDs in that time.

I have Kempe penciled in as a 3rd line forward. I don't know that I'd be willing to pay much more than $3M for him unless he has an explosion of offense and works his way into the top six this year.

Faber is still only 18 years old. Defenders notoriously take longer to develop. I do think he'll eventually be a mainstay on the Kings blue line, but I don't think it will be in 2022-23. 2023-24 or 2024-25 sounds more realistic after playing a season or two in the AHL.

Danault won’t play 3C
He left MTL because he wants to stay on the top 6
LA GM told him he’ll have a top 6 role
Not for the 6 years, but I can’t see him playing 1 year 2C and drop 3C after

Not true. Blake told him he wouldn't be used in a purely defensive role, not that he would play in the top six.

I think you need three good centers to win, so 2C or 3C isn't that big of a deal... other than maybe a little bit of ice time. -- Danault

— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) July 28, 2021

I do think he'll start this season as 2C until one of Vilardi or Byfield steps up and takes over, but I'd be very surprised if he's still the 2C in 2022-23.