Do you continue the slow rebuild or go out and acquire some players via trades and UFA that will help push the team into the playoffs onw? That is the big question that is plaguing the LA Kings management these days. Wisdom would say to wait another year, maybe sign a good player or two and wait for some of the prospects to develop. There is always that urge to win now though and the management does think its possible.
The biggest road block for the team right now is goaltending. If the team had a bonafide starting goaltender, the choice would be easy, but they don't and a starting goaltender is not cheap to acquire. There are a couple that may hit the UFA market and a goalie like Hasek would be a decent hold over for a year or two but its not the ideal solution. The team doesn't want to go that old but if the rest of the team is in place, then it may be worth it.
Up front, there are already 4 players in place that will score the share of goals this year. David Legwand, Micheal Ryder, Alexei Ponikarovsky and Bill Thomas are all capable of scoring 20+ goals this season (Ryder and Legwand likely 30+). The team has their defensive stalwarts in Gordon, Arkhipov and Legwand as well. Another top line player to play with Legwand and another solid player for the 2nd line and the team cane compete up front.
On the back end, the team needs a couple of good minute eaters to help out the youngsters. A top flight defenseman would be ideal but is not necessary. Daley, Kronwall, Fitzpatrick and Coburn provide ok depth and 2 solid defenseman would likely be enough to get the team in the playoffs.
Sean Burke is an adequate back up for now.. without a starting goalie though its really difficult to put forth the resources for this to get done.
LA's got its work cut out for them. Too bad the old Gm dealt Briere and some others, was a shame really. GL to you. I would say that the Western Conference isn't quite as competative as the East, so you're in ok shape in that regard.
LA's got its work cut out for them. Too bad the old Gm dealt Briere and some others, was a shame really. GL to you. I would say that the Western Conference isn't quite as competative as the East, so you're in ok shape in that regard.
Hah.. I dealt Briere.. for Gomez and Hartnell..
Gomez then turned into Legwand and Franson (Compare the two's ratings btw)
I had traded Ryder (along with Orpik) for Poni, Daley and TB 2nd but then traded Hartnell back to Philly for Ryder and Philly's 1st and 2nd round picks next year.
Yea they've worked out.. for now.. Mind you Briere is more likely to continue putting up points than any of the other guys that have been moved around but we'll see.
