I just defended that LA should get Eichel and not be afriad to give up Byfield...

But this is too much. If Byfield is in the deal, Turcotte is not needed. Take him out at least.

I feel like the Kings are better as they are than taking this trade on.

Kopitar, Eichel, Vilardi, JAD (losing Bjornfot + two first rounders) < Kopitar, Byfield, Turcotte, Vilardi (keep Bjorfoot, keep 2- first rounders, save $10M in capspace)

I feel like that is a bit much, maybe take out Turcotte and put in someone like a Kempe.

I think this would be right where BUF would go if they feel they need to trade Eichel but if they do not feel that they need to I do not hink they will trade him for anything.

Here's my take on an Eichel trade.

LA shouldn't give up Byfield, Bjornfot, Anderson, or Petersen. They should only give up one of Turcotte or Vilardi. Pretty much everyone else is on the table.

The Kings should only give up four 1st round pick equivalents in the trade. There's no reason why Eichel should be worth more than the top RFA compensation.

One player from each category:

Tucotte/Vilardi
Kempe/Iafallo/Roy/Walker/Clague
Kupari/Kaliyev/****emo/Grans/Faber
1st round pick (any trade is likely to happen after the draft, so it would be a 2022 pick)

If the cost is any more than that, then the Kings shouldn't do it.

Yeah LA isn’t giving up Byfield AND Turcotte. That’s just bad decision making.

I think that’s reasonable except for no Byfield. The 1st choice should be Byfield or Turcotte not both.

I'd honestly rather keep Byfield than trade for Eichel.

I respect that. If I’m LA I make an Eichel trade happen. LA is in a weird spot with Kopitar and Doughty who both have something in the tank, how much is in question but I think they can become easily one of the top teams in the west

Eichel for Byfield and 2021 1st, 2022 1st - The Sabres need to at least have someone coming back who has a chance to be a first line center and that's not Turcotte who to me tops out as a solid 2C

Take out Mittelstadt and Byfield, and that's a trade I could live with, although I'd much rather prefer @tkecanuck341's formulation of Turcotte or Vilardi, Kupari, Clague and our 2021 or 2022 first as long as the trade was made BEFORE the expansion draft (so we wouldn't have to protect Clague).

Then take Vilardi instead.

I think Byfield could be a Ryan Getzlaf type what is Vilardi's upside comp maybe Ryan Johansen? I don't think it's even that so not enough for Eichel.

The upside "stylistic" comp I heard from when he was drafted was Marian Hossa.

Gabriel Vilardi Scouting Report: 2017 NHL Draft #3

This makes no sense

If I were a kings fan, I’d do this trade in a heart beat.

Well good thing you're not in charge then.

Why? You don’t like superstars? Byfield and turcotte are nice. Eichel is a top 10 player in the league. He’s on a different level. Plus, you’re getting mitts. Easy decision.

Here's the thing what does Eichel do for you? one thing, it speeds up your rebuild by two years - what that is worth depends on the fans and how long you think Kopitar and Doughty are going to remain high quality before they get old- I can see not wanting to give up Byfield but a center group of Eichel, Kpoitar, Turcotte and Vilardi will get you by.

Superstar players aren't going to win you a Cup by themselves, as evidenced by Buffalo being in the league basement with Eichel on the team.

I'd rather not empty the cupboards for one player. This proposal is giving up FIVE top quality teenagers for a player already 6+ years into his career and making 8-figures. No thanks.

The Sabres aren’t in the bottom because of Jack Eichel. It’s from mismanagement. Horrible drafting, bad trades, terrible free agent signings, subpar coaches, rookie GM’s, etc. Jack Eichel is not the problem. He’s the only thing they got right.

My point is that one player will not carry you from the basement to the playoffs. You need good players to play with Eichel. This trade removes 3 of the 4 best young players from the Kings system, as well as two qualify players from the next two drafts. This trade will hurt the Kings more than it helps.

Turcotte, one of Kempe/Roy/Iafallo, one of Kupari/Kaliyev/****emo/Faber, and a 1st. Anything more than that isn't worth it and the Kings should walk away.