The problem is: How do you tell 20 players, who are essentially auditioning for next year, as well as a coaching staff whose career might possibly hang in the balance with every victory or defeat, that you want to tank the year? Much easier said than done.
In the case of the Kings, who haven’t been in the playoffs the past four seasons, you could make a strong case they already have a solid base of quality youth that could benefit greatly from the experience of playing in this year’s NHL post-season.
The Kings have done a very nice job cultivating young players who will serve the organization well moving forward; the likes of Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown, Patrick O’Sullivan and Jack Johnson among them.
Still, you’d have to think the notion of adding a Stamkos to the mix would be very delectable, especially when you look at organizations like Chicago and Edmonton that are moving forward with young guns like Patrick Kane/Jonathan Toews and Andrew Cogliano /Sam Gagner, respectively.
Double OT: Toronto, L.A. must face facts (THN) 
