Trade Bernier in the offseason, perhaps on draft day, to TB for a 1st in 2012 or 2013 and a 2nd in 2012 (I believe they have three 2nd round selections). This way the Kings can replenish their pipeline and maybe sign a less expensive backup to play behind Quick. Kings then lock up Quick to a multi-year extension during the summer.
Trade Bernier in the offseason, perhaps on draft day, to TB for a 1st in 2012 or 2013 and a 2nd in 2012 (I believe they have three 2nd round selections). This way the Kings can replenish their pipeline and maybe sign a less expensive backup to play behind Quick. Kings then lock up Quick to a multi-year extension during the summer.
Send Bernier to NYI for Moulson.....that'll guarantee Quick re-signs.
Jim Fox stated during the post game show that he thinks the Kings will make a minor move. He said it in a "matter of fact" type of tone, so he probably knows what's up. Don't expect another big move from the Kings.
I'm expecting a bottom 6 type move. Like Halpern, except less suck.
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"It has not been a good day. I lost my glasses early this morning and I had to go buy a pair of 79 dollar reading glasses today. 79 bucks. You can literally get them at Costco, three-for-20." - Darryl Sutter's response to going up 2-0 in the series.
I'm hoping the Kings land Moen and Moen performs just as he did the last time he was with the Ducks. The Kings need that type of winger on their third line. Then again, I thought the third line tonight with Penner-Stoll-Lewis was very solid, but who knows for how long we'll see them perform well consistently.
Jim Fox stated during the post game show that he thinks the Kings will make a minor move. He said it in a "matter of fact" type of tone, so he probably knows what's up. Don't expect another big move from the Kings.
I'm thinking it's something very underwhelming on our side. Like trading Richardson (healthy scratch tonight and upcoming ufa) for a pick
Getting a quality bottom six guy would be good. Right now the kings are too redundant down there with Lewis/Richardson/Fraser basically being the same player. Any upgrade for at least one of those guys and the bottom six gets better.
With Simon Gagne possibly being ready to play before the start of the playoffs, you could consider him as another roster addition, replacing Dwight King as the 2nd line LW on a line with Richards and Carter.
With Richardson being a healthy scratch tonight, and with the play of King and Nolan, I would say that his days are numbered. The Kings could use more experience and reduce Clifford's minutes and keep him on the fourth line with Fraser.
Seeing how they have had a rotating cast of wingers on the fourth line, I would think that adding a permanent third line winger would solve a lot of issues. Say they do land Moen and trade away Brad Richardson, the Kings could potentially roll with these lines down the stretch:
Give up on Moen, Ziggy. Montreal's holding onto him.
I wasn't aware that they were. Considering their position in the standings, which is dead last in the East, it seems foolish for them to do so.
Either way, the Kings need a player of the same ilk as Moen who will add more grit and get into the dirty areas and chip in with the occasional goal. Would love to pluck Chad LaRose from Carolina, but he probably won't go easily.
I know this guy is pretty much hated by fans of 29 other teams, but Patrick Kaleta could be a great addition to the bottom six. He's one of the best pests in the NHL and draws lots of penalties, not to mention he's a pretty big hitter who won't shy away from hitting anyone.
Someone suggested Ryan Jones earlier in this thread. If the Kings can swap out Brad Richardson for him, I think Jones would be a better fit on LA's third line.
I agree we have a gaping whole at 3rd line RW that needs to be filled. There's not much out there that's realistically available to us though (at a decent price). We might be better off just trying to develop Nolan/King further for that role.
I don't think the team will be adding any "impact" players up front. They may add some experience in their bottom 6 but that'll be about it. Gagne should be back before the playoffs and that'll be a great addition at the time. However, moving Johnson makes them thin on the blue line. I'm not worried about Voynov because he's shown the ability to play sound, smart hockey and I think he'll fit in a top four role quite well. Their #6 guy is young no matter who you put in there and if they sustain an injury between now and the playoffs that hole becomes even bigger, especially if it is to a top 4 guy.
So I believe the Kings will look to add a veteran presence on the back end that will play in the #5 or #6 role but be capable of playing top four minutes if necessary. If you scour what may be available there are a few names that pop out that are more than capable of filling that role: Jaroslav Spacek, Sheldon Souray and Lubomir Visnovsky. With both Dallas and Anaheim in the division, both still having a realistic shot at the playoffs with their current team and the probable high price tag, I really don't see either guy moving. That leaves Spacek who could probably be had for a fairly reasonable price. Of course there are other teams out of the playoff picture right now who may seem like sellers (for example, Buffalo, Anaheim, Minnesota,) but I don't think they will be making as many moves as everyone is expecting. The aforementioned teams are only a handful of points out of a playoff spot so I doubt they will be "mailing the season in".
After all is said and done Spacek seems like the best fit at the right price but I'm guessing he may have several suitors because of the lack of real sellers out there this year. Hopefully Lombardi brings in some help back there for insurance purposes. I'd hate to see another potential playoff run end because of another late season injury and no one to step up and fill the void.
