Jason Lewis: Don't Worry, the Kings Youth Movement Is Already in Effect

Gravel > McNaab

Gravel > McNaab
- MikeOxbyg

Think you should give that one some time to play out.

assuming Lucic goes by the wayside, you would potentially have on LW down the lineup:

1. King (since this is where we last saw him... )
2. Pearson
3. Mersch
4. Clifford

also assuming Brown/Gaborik don't switch from RW. doesn't inspire a lot of scoring threat, unless mersch gets the opportunity to play higher in the lineup with more creative centers or pp time.

still prefer to let lucic walk and use the dough to shore up the defense.

Jason Lewis: Don't Worry, the Kings Youth Movement Is Already in Effect
- Jason_Lewis

Serious question:

Is there a chance the Kings move out a guy like King to clear a little bit of cap space?

edit: or Clifford

Serious question:

Is there a chance the Kings move out a guy like King to clear a little bit of cap space?

edit: or Clifford
- eichiefs9

Probably realistic, but it wouldn't clear out THAT much space. Especially on a guy like Clifford who the Kings seem to see as a piece of their core in a 4th line role for a long while.

Probably realistic, but it wouldn't clear out THAT much space. Especially on a guy like Clifford who the Kings seem to see as a piece of their core in a 4th line role for a long while.
- Jason_Lewis

Certainly not a significant amount of space, but it probably also makes either an easy move. Where does King usually play and does he belong in that role?

I'm thinking Matt Martin replacement, but not sure if he fits more as a 3rd line guy which is certainly more valuable than Martin.

Certainly not a significant amount of space, but it probably also makes either an easy move. Where does King usually play and does he belong in that role?

I'm thinking Matt Martin replacement, but not sure if he fits more as a 3rd line guy which is certainly more valuable than Martin.
- eichiefs9

At his best 3W. Can move up and down the lineup. Last season he was really bad though so this season is kind of going to be a "Show me" season.

King also started with an injury so that might have played a role... athletes are creatures of habits and his season was outside of his norm. But I like Kings game, too, so there's that.

I know I've said this many times before but I would like to see Gravel, Mersch, and Dowd all make the team this year. I believe Forbort is no longer waiver exempt so either trade him or get him into the top 7 as well. I would hate to see him just let go.

assuming Lucic goes by the wayside, you would potentially have on LW down the lineup:

1. King (since this is where we last saw him... )
2. Pearson
3. Mersch
4. Clifford

also assuming Brown/Gaborik don't switch from RW. doesn't inspire a lot of scoring threat, unless mersch gets the opportunity to play higher in the lineup with more creative centers or pp time.

still prefer to let lucic walk and use the dough to shore up the defense.
- hiway39

I hope King is gone

I know I've said this many times before but I would like to see Gravel, Mersch, and Dowd all make the team this year. I believe Forbort is no longer waiver exempt so either trade him or get him into the top 7 as well. I would hate to see him just let go.
- KINGS67

I don't believe Dowd is waiver exempt either.

Thanks Jason, that's very interesting data.

What are your thoughts about Nick Shore sitting so much at the end of the season and in the first round? Did he do something to put himself in the dog house?

Think you should give that one some time to play out.
- Jason_Lewis

Sorry man, McNaab has zero foot speed. Yeah, he sure can hit from time to time, but his indecision with the puck in the offensive zone and predictable low speed shots will never get to the front of the net. I have read all the upside you stated about him, I just don't see it. we don't need to spend that much money on that position when Gravel can do a better job and have a more rapid ascent for a far cheaper price.

Serious question:

Is there a chance the Kings move out a guy like King to clear a little bit of cap space?

edit: or Clifford
- eichiefs9

I am all for moving out King, and think he could get us a modest return.
I don't think anyone would want Clifford, considering he's just entering the 2nd year of a 1.6 per contract that runs for 5 years, absurd. I still don't understand this contract, you lock up a replacement level grinder for 5 years when he plays a role so susceptible to injuries and wear down, and in a salary cap era where the 800k between him and a kid could cost you resigning someone vastly more important, that's just an irresponsibly long contract on a team littered with them. Is Clifford better than Andreoff? Probably. Is there a huge tangible difference to our performance when Andy is in over Cliffy? No. These are the types of decisions we can't afford to make when we have so few cap options.

Sorry man, McNaab has zero foot speed. Yeah, he sure can hit from time to time, but his indecision with the puck in the offensive zone and predictable low speed shots will never get to the front of the net. I have read all the upside you stated about him, I just don't see it. we don't need to spend that much money on that position when Gravel can do a better job and have a more rapid ascent for a far cheaper price.
- MikeOxbyg

I think McNabb skates very well for a stay at home guy. I think last year he got exposed as not ready for top lines minutes, but he can still develop well. In the AHL he supposedly had a stinging shot, still waiting for it at the NHL level. I'd like to see both McNabb and Gravel in the line up next season.
It seems 6/8 pairing is a foregone conclusion, so I'd try:
6/8
27/3
5/53
(scratch 2/Forbort) bury Scuderi in minors where his cap hit will only be like 175k

I know I've said this many times before but I would like to see Gravel, Mersch, and Dowd all make the team this year. I believe Forbort is no longer waiver exempt so either trade him or get him into the top 7 as well. I would hate to see him just let go.
- KINGS67

I'm all for that except Mersch. I know everyone else is high on him, I think his skating will hold him back from being a productive NHL player.

Finally! MM is not going to be anything special. He was slow and not very impressive during his call up. Dwight King 2.0.

Finally! MM is not going to be anything special. He was slow and not very impressive during his call up. Dwight King 2.0.
- malonepeters

But cheaper and younger, I think. Also, might be able to finish more garbage around the net... And I like Dwight King and what he brings, but I'm pretty much alone it seems.