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he isnt really any different than what LA currently has.
-he's 25, he's young and still developing and just entering his prime
-has speed, which is one thing LA needs more or
-an RFA, which would result in a compensatory pick if now re-signed
-NHL career record of 267GP, 61G, 72A, 133 TP = 0.498 pts per game.
the only LW's the Kings really have is Sturm, Smyth and Clifford. everyone else that has skated that position has been moved from RW. so let's look at some numbers to compare.
Marco
-32, coming off major knee surgeries
-speed, he possessed it. will he regain his previous form? time will tell
-UFA this summer
-870GP, 238G, 236A, 474TP = 0.544 pts per game
Smyth
-35
-UFA after 2012
-never known for speed, even criticized for his skating over the years
-uncanny ability in front of the net and along the boards to control and maintain possession, helps offset his lack of speed and skating
-1046GP, 351G, 398A, 749TP = 0.716 pts per game
Clifford
-20 a very young player, early in his career and developing
-not in the line up for speed or skating (other than not being a detriment)
-big body, energy line, physical presence and MW enforcer
-55GP, 4G, 5A, 9TP = 0.163 pts per game
Poni
-27
-UFA after this season
-massive frame, strong on his feet, average speed
-can control possession tempo along the boards and in front of net
-the downside is his consistency and willingness to use the assets he has every shift
-532GP, 120G, 154A, 274TP = 0.515 pts per game
Clarke falls in someplace in the Marco & Poni area. similar stats. has a similar make up to Strum and his speed, but doesnt have the size of Poni and Cliff. Smyth is in a completely different tier than all of these guys, even now as he is obviously on the downhill side of his career.
the player Clarke most closely resembles on LA's roster now is Marco. he is a younger version, minus the knee injuries. so moving forward if DL were to make this move and over the summer LA signs or doesn't sign either of them the cost is
LA's 1st
LA's 3rd (2nd if the conditional kicker happens)
LA's ? 'future consideration' for Sturm
that seems a rather steep price to pay for two LW's that are L2, L3 quality
...just my $0.03
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