Swap Iafallo for Kempe in that trade and I'm interested.

If the Kings get Chychrun they likely won't be in the running for Forsberg. It's possible they go for both, but it takes away potential cap space to sign Moore next season.

The Kings likely have little interest in a top pick for active top-6 player. Iafallo likely not going anywhere, especially now that he is showing up in the playoffs.

Why do the Kings need another top pick (when their prospect pool is packed) for their current leading goal scorer?

I don't think there's a fit between NJ and LA surrounding that pick. If the Devils decide to trade it, it's for a legit top line winger.

Because it prevents them from making the mistake of signing Kempe to a long-term, big money contract. The return is less important to me than that.

It isn't just for the pick (which is nice) but also the cap flexibility and roster spot to bring in Forsberg. As far as Iafallo vs Kempe, I'm with you in that the Kings need more goal scoring. Both are great top-6/top-line players that bring different dimensions to their game.

I feel like the style Alex has better fits what New Jersey needs because they have guys like Holtz and others that can really put the puck in the net. I just think Alex would fit better.

And from the Kings perspective, Trevor Moore, Alex Turcotte and Grundstrom can all provide a similar game to Iafallo. So I'd keep Kempe, even with the understanding that it's a risk signing him to a contract because the only thing he's been consistent at prior to this year was being inconsistent.

Yeah Agreed here. I think if they're moving the pick to LA, it's for someone they really don't want to give up. Byfield is low-key exactly what Tom is looking for, but I imagine he's functionally untouchable.

Granted, Iafallo isn't a Forsberg or Fiala. But he's been making the Kings top line effective for years and consistently going against the opposing teams best players. I think he'd fit real well on New Jersey.

But fair enough. Thanks for your thoughts!

Lol with Jack Hughes and Hischier, why is Byfield what you guys are looking for? That doesn't make sense to me.

And correct. There is no scenario that gets Byfield out of LA.

Because he's big and skilled, and, im quite sure, capable of playing the wing, as nearly all centers are lol

I know Kempe can be inconsistent, but let's say Kempe averages at about 25 goals, $5.25M would not be an awful contract, especially considering his age and speed.

How about Faber instead of Iaffalo?

There's no point to the trade for the Kings then. The mutually beneficial part of the trade for LA comes in the form of the cap relief and roster spot in the top-6.

Also, until Faber states he won't sign with LA, he and Brandt Clarke are the two untouchable D prospects.

Forsberg signs that in Nashville, On the open market it's closer to $10,000,000 x 7 years to $10,500,000 x 7 years.

I dont get the narrative of "He signs that in Nashville". They've traded away his friends. They're clearly not close to competing.
And they don't have a ton of high-profile prospects coming in the near future.

Maybe he just wants out?

And we'll see about the value. You might be right. However, I have trouble seeing a team pay that for a guy with no individual awards, no Cup rings, etc. He's a star, but I think teams hesitate on 8 figures, especially in a world where the cap will not be going up very quickly. Guess we'll find out!

Yeah it's definitely sounding like he wants out, I definitely think he will go to the highest bidder.

It'll be probably the most interesting story of the offseason in terms of UFA. Does he go for just straight money? Does he go for cheaper to a contending team? Does he meet somewhere in the middle? I think LA is a good fit for that last category of a team that's not quite contending, can't offer him 10mil, but can come close to 9mil with a chance to contend in a year or two.

Iafallo is a solid player but the Devils are looking for a real difference maker in exchange for their 5th pick. A guy who can make a significant impact like Fiala, Chychurn, Demko, etc. I don't see anyone on the Kings that would realistic be of interest to the Devils excluding Byfield and the other untouchables

Totally agree, LA makes far too much sense for Filip Forsberg, They're an up and coming team and $9,000,000 x 7 years should come close to landing him there. Just depends on if he wants the money or a chance to contend in a year or two.

That's a fair take. The middle-ground I was hoping would be interesting to NJ would be they would still be staying in the 1st round while also getting Iafallo. Those other players, NJ will likely be giving up the 1st and not getting back another pick with the player.

I would be fine just giving up the pick entirely if that meant we get the better player. In this draft it seems like the talent drops off a little after the first 8 or so pick

Mason Marchment could be a UFA target. Cheaper than Forsberg and can be a decent point guy for LA. Did well with FLA

We haven't even seen his floor yet. But I agree there are several UFAs to choose from who will be ok with $4-6M and put up a floor of 20 goals.

Very hesitant to give extended money to anyone from Florida. There's bound to be significant regression from the best scoring team in the NHL in decades. Not to mention the scoring tax that seems to happen to any player that comes to LA lol.

Would love Forsberg though. But yeah not sure LA can get both the D man and the high priced UFA. Who knows? Can’t wait to see what LA does