Bobby Kittleberger: The Third Line Chink in the LA King's Armor The LA Kings third line is shaping up to be defensively liable, yet with high offensive upside.

I would try to trade for a veteran, playmaking center and offer one of Kempe, Pearson and Iafallo in return. I'm not sure who that would be, but I'm thinking of a player like Stoll and Lecavalier were at different points, someone who can be counted on to be the defensive conscience of the line while still being skilled enough to set up his wingers. It'd also be good for the kids to have someone to look up to on their line.

I would try to trade for a veteran, playmaking center and offer one of Kempe, Pearson and Iafallo in return. I'm not sure who that would be, but I'm thinking of a player like Stoll and Lecavalier were at different points, someone who can be counted on to be the defensive conscience of the line while still being skilled enough to set up his wingers. It'd also be good for the kids to have someone to look up to on their line.
- Osprey

Yeah, unfortunately, we don't have much cap space. That Phaneuf contract is just awful.

Of those you mentioned, Pearson is the biggest cap hit.

I'd really love to see Boyes on that line. But that's just me.

I would try to trade for a veteran, playmaking center and offer one of Kempe, Pearson and Iafallo in return. I'm not sure who that would be, but I'm thinking of a player like Stoll and Lecavalier were at different points, someone who can be counted on to be the defensive conscience of the line while still being skilled enough to set up his wingers. It'd also be good for the kids to have someone to look up to on their line.
- Osprey

I don’t think trading Kempe is a smart move. Cost controlled. Young. Talent.

Pearson and iafallo trade bait? Sure why not. Plus JAD can replace Pearson at some point I’m guessing.

Does anyone come in ad steal a spot this season?
My cousin is one of your draft picks...

I'd really love to see Boyes on that line. But that's just me.
- BobbyKittleberger

It looks like Boyes hasn't played since 2015-16. I'm guessing that he's more or less retired... and you wouldn't want a 36yo who's that far removed from game shape, anyways.

I don’t think trading Kempe is a smart move. Cost controlled. Young. Talent.
- KINGS67

I agree unless someone were to offer a pretty good player with term and couldn't be persuaded to take something else, instead. I wouldn't give him away for any warm body and wouldn't consider him untouchable if the right player were available.

So racist

Mike Richards is still available.

Yeah, unfortunately, we don't have much cap space. That Phaneuf contract is just awful.

Of those you mentioned, Pearson is the biggest cap hit.

I'd really love to see Boyes on that line. But that's just me.
- BobbyKittleberger

The team swapped the cold, dead body of Gabby for the warm, dead body of Dion. I guess Blake figured he could eventually hide Dion on the third line and still get some use out of that contract where he couldn't hide Gabby at all. Dion's salary goes down to ~1mm less than his cap hit in the final year, so you might get some takers in a trade to a cap floor team. But yeah: Dean's post-Cup dealings continue to haunt the club.

Edit: pairing, not line. DOH

With all due respect, how many of the Kings games did you watch last year? I know you were assigned the Kings this offseason, so you may have missed things that were gleaned from watching the games. If you think this year's third line looks bad, you should compare it to what we've used the last 3.
Alex Iaffalo has one knock from last season, his scoring output (which, you've already covered.) His two way play was very strong, he was a strong CF and CFR player while starting a majority of shifts in the defensive zone, he created turnovers with his skating and stick work (more takeaways than giveaways), so to suggest he'd be a defensive weak link is, well, wrong.
Adrian Kempe is a fast and efficient forechecker and competent defensive player who has an edge. His faceoff play is horrible, and what may most hurt his chances of being an effective 3c. His CF is also worrying, but his role fluctuated a lot last year and he was a rookie, so he deserves at least another shot. He is not a natural sniper or distributor, so I think his ceiling is around 15g-40p, spot on for a modern 3c.
If Vilardi can make the team, the hope would be that he can be the finisher and beneficiary of Iaffalo and Kempe's speed and forechecking. Iafallo had a fair amount of nice set ups last year too.
To suggest that Lewis brings more to this line that Iafallo is inaccurate, I love Lewis but 4R and heavy PK minutes are where he thrives. If Vilardi doesn't make it, I think Brodzinski gets the shot at 3R before Lewis does.

And....Brad Boyes?! who's been out of hockey 2+ years?! an odd choice.

A 3rd line of 19-9-Vilardi I'd find very intriguing and exciting.

I would try to trade for a veteran, playmaking center and offer one of Kempe, Pearson and Iafallo in return. I'm not sure who that would be, but I'm thinking of a player like Stoll and Lecavalier were at different points, someone who can be counted on to be the defensive conscience of the line while still being skilled enough to set up his wingers. It'd also be good for the kids to have someone to look up to on their line.
- Osprey

That's not the modern NHL anymore, the 3rd line needs to score. Stoll never contributed much offensively in LA, even if his defense was strong. Look at the cup winners and contenders of the last few years though, we need 3 skilled lines. In our cup years Stoll slid by without much scoring, and I just don't see a team with a 20ish point 3c making it in the current NHL.

I wouldn't be moving Kempe or Iafallo (I mean, obviously there are some players, but not for a 3c) and Pearson is a quality contract. I know Pearson and/or Toffoli likely won't play out their contracts for cap reasons and they are movable pieces with value, but I can't think of a veteran, defensive, 3c type I'd be willing to move him for.

With all due respect, how many of the Kings games did you watch last year? I know you were assigned the Kings this offseason, so you may have missed things that were gleaned from watching the games. If you think this year's third line looks bad, you should compare it to what we've used the last 3.
- CrownedKing

I don't think that he should be challenged on his opinions just because they're different from yours. Maybe he hasn't watched as many games as you or others, but there's a danger in watching nearly every game because you get this attitude that you're more informed than others and, thus, your opinions are more correct. Having enough familiarity to have opinions while not being so intimately familiar that you're overly biased is a useful perspective to have. For example, you seem inclined to downplay the concern with the 3rd line because you're comparing it to past years and choosing to be optimistic about it. His evaluation isn't affected by relativism or wishful thinking, though. He's just calling a spade a spade, which I find refreshing.

Alex Iaffalo has one knock from last season, his scoring output (which, you've already covered.) His two way play was very strong, he was a strong CF and CFR player while starting a majority of shifts in the defensive zone, he created turnovers with his skating and stick work (more takeaways than giveaways), so to suggest he'd be a defensive weak link is, well, wrong.
- CrownedKing

Your defensive stats will naturally look good playing next to a Selke winner. I kind of doubt that Stevens started the 1st line in the defensive zone more often than not because of Iafallo. Maintaining good defensive numbers playing with Kopitar and doing so playing with a 21yo and a 19yo are two different things.

That's not the modern NHL anymore, the 3rd line needs to score. Stoll never contributed much offensively in LA, even if his defense was strong. Look at the cup winners and contenders of the last few years though, we need 3 skilled lines. In our cup years Stoll slid by without much scoring, and I just don't see a team with a 20ish point 3c making it in the current NHL.
- CrownedKing

I knew that someone would argue against my examples, rather than the point that I was making, which is that it's good to have experience. You say to look at the recent Cup winners. How many of those had 3rd lines with less than 200 combined games of NHL experience?

I don't think that he should be challenged on his opinions just because they're different from yours. Maybe he hasn't watched as many games as you or others, but there's a danger in watching nearly every game because you get this attitude that you're more informed than others and, thus, your opinions are more correct. Having enough familiarity to have opinions while not being so intimately familiar that you're overly biased is a useful perspective to have. For example, you seem inclined to downplay the concern with the 3rd line because you're comparing it to past years and choosing to be optimistic about it. His evaluation isn't affected by relativism or wishful thinking, though. He's just calling a spade a spade, which I find refreshing.


Your defensive stats will naturally look good playing next to a Selke winner. I kind of doubt that Stevens started the 1st line in the defensive zone more often than not because of Iafallo. Maintaining good defensive numbers playing with Kopitar and doing so playing with a 21yo and a 19yo are two different things.


I knew that someone would argue against my examples, rather than the point that I was making, which is that it's good to have experience. You say to look at the recent Cup winners. How many of those had 3rd lines with less than 200 combined games of NHL experience?
- Osprey

He’s calling a spade a shovel, which is my problem. I don’t point to the dzs% in defense to Iafallo’s defensive work, more so his overall play, which is consistently written off by this writer but passes both the eye test and the statistical test aside from total points. It is harder to post positive possession numbers when you start in your own end more than the offensive zone (one of the many reasons Kopitar had a legitimate Hart resume if it truly meant MVP).
I find it very tough to argue that a smaller sample size is superior and insulates you from bias, I try to be unbiased and am open to strong arguments against my opinions (Peng had quite a few articles that made me rethink opinions), but his argument against Iafallo is weak and is obviously from a lack of familiarity with his subject.

I have no problem with experience, but the Kings are a very experienced team. I challenge your examples because they are the ones you gave, if you have better ones (or players in mind) I’d be happy to see them. It didn’t seem to hurt Pittsburgh when they trusted Guentzel and Sheary, or Washington with Vrana, etc. An inferior player shouldn’t be chosen for experience, so I’d be open to a more experienced player if they’re an upgrade on the status quo, but I wouldn’t part with future pieces for it. Thompson is the experienced, defensive center.

With all due respect, how many of the Kings games did you watch last year? I know you were assigned the Kings this offseason, so you may have missed things that were gleaned from watching the games. If you think this year's third line looks bad, you should compare it to what we've used the last 3.
Alex Iaffalo has one knock from last season, his scoring output (which, you've already covered.) His two way play was very strong, he was a strong CF and CFR player while starting a majority of shifts in the defensive zone, he created turnovers with his skating and stick work (more takeaways than giveaways), so to suggest he'd be a defensive weak link is, well, wrong.
Adrian Kempe is a fast and efficient forechecker and competent defensive player who has an edge. His faceoff play is horrible, and what may most hurt his chances of being an effective 3c. His CF is also worrying, but his role fluctuated a lot last year and he was a rookie, so he deserves at least another shot. He is not a natural sniper or distributor, so I think his ceiling is around 15g-40p, spot on for a modern 3c.
If Vilardi can make the team, the hope would be that he can be the finisher and beneficiary of Iaffalo and Kempe's speed and forechecking. Iafallo had a fair amount of nice set ups last year too.
To suggest that Lewis brings more to this line that Iafallo is inaccurate, I love Lewis but 4R and heavy PK minutes are where he thrives. If Vilardi doesn't make it, I think Brodzinski gets the shot at 3R before Lewis does.

And....Brad Boyes?! who's been out of hockey 2+ years?! an odd choice.

A 3rd line of 19-9-Vilardi I'd find very intriguing and exciting.
- CrownedKing

I agree with you that it would be an exciting line with a lot of upside. My argument is that they would be a defensive liability, i.e. a chink in the armor, which I would stand by despite your disagreement.

Iafallo with Kopitar and Brown is a far cry from Iafallo with Kempe and a rookie winger.

If that doesn't make you nervous, I would submit YOU haven't watched many Kings games

You can’t say chink in the armor!!! That got someone on ESPN fired

That's not the modern NHL anymore, the 3rd line needs to score. Stoll never contributed much offensively in LA, even if his defense was strong. Look at the cup winners and contenders of the last few years though, we need 3 skilled lines. In our cup years Stoll slid by without much scoring, and I just don't see a team with a 20ish point 3c making it in the current NHL.

I wouldn't be moving Kempe or Iafallo (I mean, obviously there are some players, but not for a 3c) and Pearson is a quality contract. I know Pearson and/or Toffoli likely won't play out their contracts for cap reasons and they are movable pieces with value, but I can't think of a veteran, defensive, 3c type I'd be willing to move him for.
- CrownedKing

But he had that run years ago where he couldn't miss in the shootout. Couple that with the faceoffs and I'd slot someone like him back in there. At least 4C.

Just keep him off the PP. Dude couldn't hit the broad side of a barn from the point.

With all due respect, how many of the Kings games did you watch last year? I know you were assigned the Kings this offseason, so you may have missed things that were gleaned from watching the games. If you think this year's third line looks bad, you should compare it to what we've used the last 3.
Alex Iaffalo has one knock from last season, his scoring output (which, you've already covered.) His two way play was very strong, he was a strong CF and CFR player while starting a majority of shifts in the defensive zone, he created turnovers with his skating and stick work (more takeaways than giveaways), so to suggest he'd be a defensive weak link is, well, wrong.
Adrian Kempe is a fast and efficient forechecker and competent defensive player who has an edge. His faceoff play is horrible, and what may most hurt his chances of being an effective 3c. His CF is also worrying, but his role fluctuated a lot last year and he was a rookie, so he deserves at least another shot. He is not a natural sniper or distributor, so I think his ceiling is around 15g-40p, spot on for a modern 3c.
If Vilardi can make the team, the hope would be that he can be the finisher and beneficiary of Iaffalo and Kempe's speed and forechecking. Iafallo had a fair amount of nice set ups last year too.
To suggest that Lewis brings more to this line that Iafallo is inaccurate, I love Lewis but 4R and heavy PK minutes are where he thrives. If Vilardi doesn't make it, I think Brodzinski gets the shot at 3R before Lewis does.

And....Brad Boyes?! who's been out of hockey 2+ years?! an odd choice.

A 3rd line of 19-9-Vilardi I'd find very intriguing and exciting.
- CrownedKing

Guy has 4 kids. Give him a break.

Guy has 4 kids. Give him a break.
- Only_A_Ladd

This, I appreciate greatly.

I will say though, you'd be surprised how much hockey I get to watch with four kids.

For all the mud that Iafollo has been dragged through, I think he might do some good things on the 3rd line. There's something to be said for a rookie playing with a stud and how the rookie will over-defer to his star linemate. If Kempe can be good, not even great, at the dot, I'd like to see what kind of noise they could make.

I agree with you that it would be an exciting line with a lot of upside. My argument is that they would be a defensive liability, i.e. a chink in the armor, which I would stand by despite your disagreement.

Iafallo with Kopitar and Brown is a far cry from Iafallo with Kempe and a rookie winger.

If that doesn't make you nervous, I would submit YOU haven't watched many Kings games

- Bobby Kittleberger

My apologies, I got too into defending Iafallo to perceive the full point. Iafallo will win you over, his stick work, the eye tests, the stats all say he’s a good defensive player. You can wash playing with inferior linemates with playing against inferior competition as well. But Kempe could be a liability. Have to think his faceoffs will be sheltered, but if he’s losing them in his own zone that could cause problems, especially if a Phaneuf or Macd is on the ice struggling with zone exits. Vilardi being an unknown quantity is valid too, even though I’m becoming increasingly skeptica he even makes it. But Iafallo is not a 4th liner! 😄 haha cheers 🍻

I agree with you that it would be an exciting line with a lot of upside. My argument is that they would be a defensive liability, i.e. a chink in the armor, which I would stand by despite your disagreement.

Iafallo with Kopitar and Brown is a far cry from Iafallo with Kempe and a rookie winger.

If that doesn't make you nervous, I would submit YOU haven't watched many Kings games

- Bobby Kittleberger

At this point of his career, Kempe has more defensive upside than offensive upside. He was very heavily praised last season by the coaching staff for his defensive ability, so much so that they said it made up his lack of scoring in the second half.

Kempe hasn't been a prolific scorer at any level of his career. I'm not sure why everyone has him slotted in as a scoring forward. If anything, he's a slightly more offensively gifted version of Trevor Lewis (and with better hair!). His defensive game is a strength, not a weakness.

Did you make a trade for Jett Woo ?