You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!
If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact contact us.
Go to Page...
Thank you for crosschecking our sponsors!
About This Page: This is a discussion on LA Kings Talk within the LetsGoKings.com forums, at Los Angeles Kings Hockey Fan Forum. Something to keep in mind: the numbers of the majority of NHL'ers drop significantly after the age of 31.
Something to keep in mind: the numbers of the majority of NHL'ers drop significantly after the age of 31.
In two years, when Jokinen turns 31, Anze Kopitar will be 22 playing in his 4th NHL season and fully ready to take over the mantle of number 1 Center on a playoff team.
Right now Anze is overworked and should not be carrying the weight of the only offensively capable Center on a NHL team, which he is.
Olli Jokinen is exactly what this team needs to take that first step into becoming a contender. He's affordable. He's a veteran. He's a leader. He plays with a Western Conference style and he's working on his 4th 35+ goal season.
Sometimes I truly wonder if most people on this board watch any games outside of the Pacific Division. Jokinen is arguably one of the Top 10 Centers in entire NHL.
I think Jokinen is the type of player you look to add when you're ready to make a Cup run. I just don't see the Kings looking to trade away reserves and picks to upgrade the offense at this time.
I'd say Jokinen is good for at least the #2 center spot an virtually any roster in the NHL. Probably the #1 spot on most. Imagine what having a dominant player like him would do for Frolov, or whoever plays on his wing? Also, imagine what sorts of matchups Kopitar would be the beneficiary of.. Anyone know if the guy can take a faceoff?
Negative, Blue Leader. Olli's one of the worst regular face-off men in the league at 44%. At least he's consistent, he won 44.3% of his faceoffs all of last season.
Last edited by FroFan; February 7th, 2008 at 02:03 PM.
In two years, when Jokinen turns 31, Anze Kopitar will be 22 playing in his 4th NHL season and fully ready to take over the mantle of number 1 Center on a playoff team.
Right now Anze is overworked and should not be carrying the weight of the only offensively capable Center on a NHL team, which he is.
Olli Jokinen is exactly what this team needs to take that first step into becoming a contender. He's affordable. He's a veteran. He's a leader. He plays with a Western Conference style and he's working on his 4th 35+ goal season.
Sometimes I truly wonder if most people on this board watch any games outside of the Pacific Division. Jokinen is arguably one of the Top 10 Centers in entire NHL.
Thanks for bringing this up. I honestly think that Kopitar's numbers and especially defensive play would become even better with another offensive center to ease the load...
Because the fact is: If you're practically the only true top 6 offensive center on the team, you will spend much less of your energy for defensive play....
I think Jokinen is the type of player you look to add when you're ready to make a Cup run. I just don't see the Kings looking to trade away reserves and picks to upgrade the offense at this time.
I could be wrong.
So what do we do?
Lets suppose we get the 1st pick and get Stamkos, lets all remember he turns 18 today (Happy Birthday Steve!!!!!!!!!!!)
So even if he makes it to the NHL next year we have our 1 and 2 centers at age 21 and 18
So next year isn't a cup run??
The year after, Cammy is a UFA, he may hit the road, Anze, JMFJ and a couple of the others are RFA, so you need to spend to keep them
So the 09/10 season is going to be our big year?
What about trading some assets right now, getting people in place, we can then address D in the draft, as right now we have 3 signed Dmen through next year
At some point we need to trade assets for players, especially as it looks like we are not the first choice for a UFA to come here, especially if we finish last overall this year
Lets suppose we get the 1st pick and get Stamkos, lets all remember he turns 18 today (Happy Birthday Steve!!!!!!!!!!!)
So even if he makes it to the NHL next year we have our 1 and 2 centers at age 21 and 18
So next year isn't a cup run??
The year after, Cammy is a UFA, he may hit the road, Anze, JMFJ and a couple of the others are RFA, so you need to spend to keep them
So the 09/10 season is going to be our big year?
What about trading some assets right now, getting people in place, we can then address D in the draft, as right now we have 3 signed Dmen through next year
At some point we need to trade assets for players, especially as it looks like we are not the first choice for a UFA to come here, especially if we finish last overall this year
That's exactly opposite of what the plan is.
First of all, we aren't taking stamkos with the numbetr one pick (DL has said as much).
Next year would not be a Cup run even with him (or Jokinen for that matter).
The plan was to builld up the reserves (which thsi coming draft is a huge part of) and rebuild the team starting with goaltending and then defense. As the team matures and gels, you then try to add established star power free agents to supplement your core. The idea being that when the young team starts producing and showing signs of being a contender, the free agents will actually be attracted.
Jokinen would be a great addition, but I doubt they would go in that direction unless we're talking about a deal where Florida gets absolutely raped (meaning we don't give up any prime prospects or core players).
I don't see the Kings moving their top pick in this draft for him but I could see a deal based around Squid because DL feels Centers are more important, he is a big strong talented center, he gives the kings an immediate boost upfront. I would think, though that the deal would not include any of the top prospects. It would be a Cam, a Vet, and a middle prospect, and a pick other than our first.
It wouldn't be a terrible move as Oj is the kind of player you can always use. He is top line talent for at least the next 2-4 years and good offensive depth after that.
Honestly, though, I think DL would sooner move for a dman than another center. Kopitar looks good, Zus is starting to come around a bit, Boyle looks like he might become something, and there is some depth guys that can fill out the rest.
Defgarden
