The Kings have been linked as a legitimate suitor for Jets center Pierre-Luc Dubois as the middleman has made it known that he’d like to be moved this summer. Eric Stephens of The Athletic examines (subscription link) what the pros and cons would be if Los Angeles was to land the 24-year-old. He’d certainly give them a big boost down the middle alongside Anze Kopitar and Phillip Danault but fitting his reported asking price (suggested as being in the $9MM range on a long-term deal) would require them moving a roster player or two at a minimum plus other young players or prospects to facilitate a swap. Making that move would also limit what they’re able to do between the pipes to find a playing partner for Pheonix Copley. In the end, Stephens feels that the Kings would be better off not making the move, we’ll see if GM Rob Blake feels the same way in the coming weeks.
More from the Pacific:
- The Golden Knights and winger Ivan Barbashev discussed an extension prior to the playoffs but the two sides were too far apart, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports in the latest 32 Thoughts podcast (audio link). Now, on the heels of a strong playoff performance, that gap has likely only widened. Friedman speculates that the 27-year-old could land a max-term contract on the open market (seven years if he doesn’t re-sign) which could push his price tag to more than double the $2.25MM AAV he has played on the last two seasons.
- Postmedia’s Jim Matheson opines that an offer sheet for Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard could really put the team in a bind this summer. The 23-year-old broke out following the trade of Tyson Barrie at the trade deadline and found another gear in the playoffs, leading all blueliners in scoring despite the fact that Edmonton was eliminated in the second round. Edmonton currently only has around $5MM in cap room per CapFriendly with multiple players to sign with that money. They’ll need to get creative to afford a bridge deal let alone a longer-term one which leaves them potentially vulnerable for the time being.
Who gets a bigger deal, Barbashev or Zucker?
I could see the Pens going after the cheaper of the two. We have nothing at LW behind Jake.
They are both going to get too much for too long because of the weak free agent class but I’d rather take my chances on Barbashev. Also depending on the price tag I wouldn’t mind them giving Miles Wood a chance if the opportunity came up. He can score, hit and would create some skating room for Geno.
Byfield, Arvidson, and Lias Anderson for PLD
If he can be signed at $8.5 x 8 (sign and trade) they woold have around $4M for a goalie.
Now that I think about it, it would be cheaper to offer a package for Helly instead of PLD, and a position of GREAT need.
Instead give up Turcotte, Arvidson, Matt Villita for Helly
Speaking of putting a team in a bind . . . .I think it would be hilarious if a team offer-sheeted Tanner Jeannot out of Tampa, (something like 4 million x 2) The lightning would have a tough decision to make because they’ve got Colton and Killorn who need contracts (if staying), and the idea of letting Jeannot go—despite his poor season—would be painful for Tampa considering the bounty they surrendered to acquire him!
Of course, it would be risky for any team who presented the offer sheet, but he is still just one season away from looking like the NHL’s next great power forward . . . second in the league in hits, first in fights, and leading the league in rookie goal scoring. Even if he doesn’t return to form, it would only be 4 million for a couple of seasons. Several teams could stomach that, I’m sure, and might be worth taking a flyer on the guy. (?)
Dubois wanting $9 million is absolutely insane. This is a second line centre who gets itchy feet in every city he’s landed in. He can play first line if needed, but he has not demonstrated himself to be a true star.
I’m thinking more like $5M AAV on a long-term signing, and a bit more on a short term deal. Maybe up to $6.5M. But 9? That’s like the dude on my local Marketplace selling a used PS5 for $900.
I’m ok w/the Kings making a move on PLD… Spend the $$$, take the risk, and go for it.. Vegas just proved you can win without ‘elite’ goaltending, as Aiden Hill was rarely, if ever tested in rounds 2-4.
No more waiting, there’s plenty of pieces to throw around to make this feasible for both teams. Make it happen, Blakey!
#GoKings
Hard pass on PLD!
I like Barbashev, but any team that offers 7 years for him is insane. But many teams in this league are insane, so maybe it happens.