GDT: Training Camp 2023
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Raccoon Jesus
Todd McLellan is an inside agent
I can scarcely remember Kaliyev getting more than one period, never mind one game, with the same upper-lineup linemates. I don't think 'bad chemistry' is a fair critique.
Bold of you to assume management will move on from a middle six reliable vet in favor of an under-25 with upside. It's more likely Kaliyev is the one that gets moved a-la Vilardi so they don't have to give him a raise after Arvidsson is given a 5x5 extension.
bland
Registered User
- Jul 1, 2004
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Lets be honest though. Fiala and Dubois aren't exactly defensive stalwarts themselves, but we all know which guy on that line will be taking the demotion when they each have 3 point nights with a -4 on their stat sheets.
King'sPawn
Enjoy the chaos
- Jul 1, 2003
- 22,021
- 21,200
On another note, Clarke is skating with the team.
So either he really was just banged up or he'll be a healthy scratch the first time he can lace them up for a preseason game.
So either he really was just banged up or he'll be a healthy scratch the first time he can lace them up for a preseason game.
Personally, I think he's about to explode......
He only recently turned 22 and he's already played 137 NHL games. Yes, there's been some frustrating times - But he now has an excellent opportunity.
He's put in his time on the 4th line. He's dealt with the healthy scratches after making some defensive mistakes. And he's also dealt with injury - I mean let's be honest.. He probably hits 40 points as a 4th liner last year if he doesn't break his foot and miss time.
He was on pace for 41 points last year and that was while being under-utilized and poorly deployed - averaging less than 12 mins of ice time per game. That's actually pretty insane/impressive.
And now he should finally get that opportunity we've all been hoping for with significantly better linemates and more minutes..... This could be an absolutely incredible year for him.
Sure, there's some defensive concerns - Especially if he does end up playing with Fiala and Dubois. But as others have pointed out, this team also has Danault and Kopitar - Which means the Dubois line really should typically get fairly easy matchups.
I also like the idea of swapping Arty and Arvidsson if Arty's defense really is a problem - I think Moore and Danault could also be great linemates for Kaliyev as their both strong 200ft players. Those two guys can do the dirty work and Kaliyev can be the one to capitalize on it.
This is a guy who could legitimately put up 60+ points IMO. All he does is score.
He only recently turned 22 and he's already played 137 NHL games. Yes, there's been some frustrating times - But he now has an excellent opportunity.
He's put in his time on the 4th line. He's dealt with the healthy scratches after making some defensive mistakes. And he's also dealt with injury - I mean let's be honest.. He probably hits 40 points as a 4th liner last year if he doesn't break his foot and miss time.
He was on pace for 41 points last year and that was while being under-utilized and poorly deployed - averaging less than 12 mins of ice time per game. That's actually pretty insane/impressive.
And now he should finally get that opportunity we've all been hoping for with significantly better linemates and more minutes..... This could be an absolutely incredible year for him.
Sure, there's some defensive concerns - Especially if he does end up playing with Fiala and Dubois. But as others have pointed out, this team also has Danault and Kopitar - Which means the Dubois line really should typically get fairly easy matchups.
I also like the idea of swapping Arty and Arvidsson if Arty's defense really is a problem - I think Moore and Danault could also be great linemates for Kaliyev as their both strong 200ft players. Those two guys can do the dirty work and Kaliyev can be the one to capitalize on it.
This is a guy who could legitimately put up 60+ points IMO. All he does is score.
bland
Registered User
- Jul 1, 2004
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It will be the opposite, nobody matches up with Kopitar since he is going to be up against all the oppositions best. Coaches will have to decide whether they want their best defensive units against Dubois or Danault, and that should be a very easy choice. I expect Danault's line to have the team's easiest matchups all year.
He was playing mostly third-line in early December of last year. He had that great November, and then he moved up and started getting more time, even taking shifts with the top line for a few games. He had a streak where he had over 14 minutes in 6 of 7 games, even hitting 17 minutes in one. The result was one point (assist) in those 7 games. If you are going to be getting good time like that and you are a scorer you have to do something of substance.
Around Christmas his ice time got reduced and bam - 2 points in 3 games. It's almost uncanny, his production had an inverse relationship with his ice time for most of last season. So if it isn't chemistry, maybe it's conditioning? Or maybe he's like Forbort and only plays really well with certain linemates.
Personally, I do think it’s going to be interesting to see the (lack-of) difference in deployment based off home & away games.
I’m sure that Todd will bungle that last change opportunity, right into the hands of opposing coaches, out of sheer belligerence.
All it takes is trusting the Danault line against the opponents best, and it throws all the other matchups into LA’s favor, but the goon simply will not f***ing do it.
I’m sure that Todd will bungle that last change opportunity, right into the hands of opposing coaches, out of sheer belligerence.
All it takes is trusting the Danault line against the opponents best, and it throws all the other matchups into LA’s favor, but the goon simply will not f***ing do it.
If Kings think Turcotte can make the team - then Lizotte is trade fodder. There is no where else he can slot in this season.
Turc doesn't play like Grundstrom (and it makes the Kings even softer if they take Grundstrom out) and it sounds like Lewis is going to have a key role with the team so the only position is center, which Lizotte has.
Only way Turcotte makes the team is if the entire 4th line is torn apart and they add an enforcer type like Doty to the RW. They could then have Turcotte-Lizotte-Doty.
Turc doesn't play like Grundstrom (and it makes the Kings even softer if they take Grundstrom out) and it sounds like Lewis is going to have a key role with the team so the only position is center, which Lizotte has.
Only way Turcotte makes the team is if the entire 4th line is torn apart and they add an enforcer type like Doty to the RW. They could then have Turcotte-Lizotte-Doty.
KingsHockey24
Registered User
- Aug 1, 2013
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It's really just too bad Blake Lizotte isn't 6'4.
Let's get the season started already. Goodness the offseason is looooong. Cannot wait for another up and down first round exit season baby!!! Let's do this. All kidding aside, do we even make the playoffs? This goaltending tandem yike.
KingsHockey24
Registered User
- Aug 1, 2013
- 14,213
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40 year old Cam Talbot >>> Jonathan Quick / Cal Petersen
The Alaskan guy is just fine too. I think our forward group and back end will carry big time this season.
Sol
Smile
- Jun 30, 2017
- 23,361
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If I remember correctly, he was 220-225 before getting sick then returned at 200-205.. 215 was two seasons ago..
Byfield, Turcotte and Clarke all look bigger
kilowatt
the vibes are not immaculate
- Jan 1, 2009
- 18,497
- 21,262
I wouldn’t hate Kaliyev on the fourth line and power play again this year.
Byfield - Kopitar - Kempe
Turcotte - PLD - Fiala
Moore - Danault - Arvidsson
Lewis - Lizotte - Kaliyev
Anderson - Doughty
Gavrikov - Clarke
Bjornfot - Roy
I’d love to see this lineup.
Byfield - Kopitar - Kempe
Turcotte - PLD - Fiala
Moore - Danault - Arvidsson
Lewis - Lizotte - Kaliyev
Anderson - Doughty
Gavrikov - Clarke
Bjornfot - Roy
I’d love to see this lineup.
KingsFan7824
Registered User
Don't worry about management having traded their own middle six reliable vet boy in Iafallo, in the trade for a guy that's one whole year older than Vilardi, and are now giving a recently turned 22 year old a chance to play with the two big offensive acquisitions from the last two years.
Raccoon Jesus
Todd McLellan is an inside agent
2022 offseason: "We need Kaliyev in our top six"
I'll believe it when the season starts that way. Until then, they've shown us who they are.
I'll bet you a beer we see Fiala-PLD-Lewis/Lizotte/vet over Kaliyev.
Our esteemed bench boss HATES kaliyev. He objectively screwed him at every oppurtunity to the point last season where i thought arty would be better off traded. At least somewhere else he would get a fair shot.
I continue to hope for the best but with that runt behind the bench i aint getting my hopes up.
I continue to hope for the best but with that runt behind the bench i aint getting my hopes up.
Arty had a bit of a sophomore slump last season. It happens often to second year players coming off of a solid rookie year when expectations grow. On top of that he does have limited tools outside of shooting.
His injury and usage didnt do him any favors. He was gripping his stick a little too tight and was a bit in his own head. Plus his line with Lemieux had chemistry and it was dismantled.
I am expecting a big season from him this year and am excited to see that line with him Fiala and PLD.
Kaliyev just does not have a 4th line game, it only hurts his development to try and force it, in addition to causing the effectiveness of the 4th line to wane.
Square peg. Round hole.
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