The Petersen contract looks like a disaster now, but he did have valid comps, so it was at least defensible.
But with how barren the pipeline was and is in net, it just magnified the problems. And again, the barren pipeline is an issue they've known about for years, considering they tried trading up in the first round for Wallstedt. They then proceeded to go the rest of the draft and all of last one not drafting or acquiring a young goalie. Blake finally traded for one at the deadline this year. But in the past few years, they:
- dropped Bartosak for being a domestic abuser (not lamenting the decision, but more outlining how the pipeline's been depleted)
- didn't re-sign Parik due to his uncooperation with the coaching staff
- had Ingham miss all of last season due to injury
- have parted ways with Hrenak (he signed with a Czech league recently)
- are probably going to part ways with Villalta, as he's not been able to be a reliable starter in the AHL
- traded away Quick
- traded away Petersen
- may have to let Korpisalo walk if they can't come to terms
So assuming they're all gone, that leaves the Kings with 3 goalies in the system: Copley, Portillo, Markkanen
Yes, I expect them to sign a goalie in free agency, but that's still very bare. And it again shows how Blake is more reactionary.
How can a team that "just completed a rebuild" be sorely lacking in two positions: LD and G?