There might be a bit of both happening. I don't think Blake will be pushing to make playoff bids this season unless it's sure we'll make it. Might see some swapping happening to set us up better long term.

I feel LA needs that glue type of veteran, like Iginla was in 2017. I do not know who would be a good option but I feel there is a voice missing in that locker room and maybe moving a guy like Clifford out of the lineup can be a good addition by subtraction to this team. I do not feel we should do anything with Pearson only due to the fact that he only makes 3.75 million and has the ability to score 20+ goals. Rob Blake needs to do something and I do not feel like we should be playing guys like Clifford who we know won't help the problem.

Kings aren't able to take on more long term cap. They have lots of cap tied up in players with NTCs. To me they appear to just a middling teams for the next few years, unless some of their cheap ELCs turn into good NHLers very soon. This year or next, just don't think any practical moves are possible.

They are an awful team with an All-World goalie, top 10 centre and an annual Norris contender, three pieces that every good team really needs. This team lacks character and speed. Maybe they make things interesting and start winning some games, but I think they are looking up at the playoff standings by the time the trade deadline rolls around. Not sure a rebuild is really necessary, but certainly a solid retooling.

Forbort and Lewis need to go and they need a better backup. Not someone who plays great one game then the next 10 games are L's then he gets a shut out.

It seems to me that the only players who have significant value and are semi-expendable are Carter, Toffoli, Martinez and Muzzin. For what it's worth (if anyone thinks of this), Muzzin and Toffoli don't have to be protected in the expansion draft, and I don't think Blake would trade Carter, so the only "big" deal likely would involve Martinez. Then there's Clifford and Forbort, who might bring minor draft picks or a prospect of some sort. I don't think Blake will be bringing anyone in except by draft.

I currently do not see Carter as expendable he is one of the veteran leaders that this team still has left from the cup runs.

Then we agree about Carter. By "semi-expendable" I meant those one would even consider trading (as opposed to Kopitar, Doughty and Quick), and I don't think Carter, Muzzin and Toffoli fall into that category when push comes to shove.