Quoting: Gofnut999
Lol, you are funny.
First, Kings D is pretty much barren after your top 2 and and your prospects are not that deep or special either.
Second, Toffoli is worth a 2nd and a mid level prospect.
This trade is pretty close in value. Zboril could be replaced by any number of prospects or Grizz. And the 20 5th should be a 21 3rd.
Otherwise we can keep Backes and give you fair market value for Toffoli, the 2nd and mid level prospect, and clear cap space elsewhere. ??♂️
NHL-level D on the Kings is barren at this exact moment, yes. I'd encourage you to take a look at their defensive prospects again, though, as I sincerely think you are underrating them. The AHL team is stacked with NHL-level prospects. Bjornfot, Anderson, Durzi, Clague, Brickley all are projected as NHL'rs (granted at different ceilings). Bjornfot will be Doughty's partner next year (and was one of the few players of the 2019 draft to get time in the NHL this year). Anderson has excelled at every level he has played at, and continues to do so, even in his first pro year. Clague is expected to get NHL time this year, and would have last year if not for his broken foot (that was stated by Rob Blake). You should see Durzi in a Kings' sweater by the end of the 2020-21 season, most likely replacing Roy.
Sure, there's no superstar in that mix, but the Kings still have Doughty so they don't need one just yet. Sean Walker is turning into a decent 2nd pairing defenseman as well. So no, the defensive depth isn't what the Kings will want to address at this point in time. They are biting the bullet this year for another high pick, not attempting to shore up the defense to make a run this year.
As far as the trade goes, the 2nd one was my obvious reach, but I don't see how the first counter is too much different from what you said. It's exactly the same as OPs but changing out Zboril for one of the "any number of prospects". And that's not even changing the 5th to a 3rd.
I also don't have a problem with not taking Backes on. I'd be just fine with a 2nd and a prospect. Not sure who you consider "mid-level" on the Bruins, but that's why I looked at Lauko. It's not like I automatically requested Beecher lol.