In theory, I like the idea of picking up the Sedins. It fills two prime spots in the lineup with established NHL production. I don't like the (real or perceived) inflexibility that comes with having the brothers (need to play them together and treat them as one) but that could actually work in the Kings favor in the short run since I struggled with some of TM line combinations last season.
Based on an interview done with Brown at the end of the year, though, I would expect him to be back on the right side if a LW was acquired (he said he liked RW better). I would see the lines more like this:
Sedin-Sedin-Brown
Frolov-Kopitar-Williams
Zus-Stoll-Simmonds
Battle Royal for the fourth line
I think Stoll would likely need to be deal in this scenario, but it wouldn’t have to be before the season started because the Kings have the Cap room to hold him if there isn’t a decent deal out there right now.
Moller would make a nice insurance policy in case/when Williams goes down with injury. His positional flexibility means they could slot him anywhere on the fourth line and he’d be productive or they could send him to Manchester (I believe he is eligible now) to work on playing a top six role.
Of course (and I know this is probably blasphemy) someone may actually beat Simmonds out for that third line job. He had a solid year, but I wouldn’t actually call him a lock yet if in fact DL is going out and landing big fish like the Sedin’s in an attempt to make the playoffs. In that situation, it will be more about getting the job done this year and that might mean opening that spot up to competition as well.
Oh yeah... and long time listener first time caller... thanks for taking my call... etc
