Eklund: Source: Kings Still Prepping for Connor McDavid. Do they Know Something?

Does anybody seriously think LA is in a stronger position to contend for a Cup than Edmonton? If McDavid wants to contend for a Cup, somewhere other than Edmonton, there are multiple options that would rank far ahead of LA.

Trading for McDavid is just the prep work for the great "Double Homecoming" trade to follow.

I would love a reporter to ask McD the question that many people are thinking!! Is it even possible, for a team to pay one player $16mil, and fill out a roster strong enough to win? Florida, for example, is so strong because of a balanced roster, yes the tax thing helps, and players taking home town discounts! But they are strong up and down the lineup because of balance. Sure I’ve heard players say, hey that’s the teams problem not the players! And yeah you can say that, but you can’t say that AND expect to win.
As for living in LA, Malibu or wherever in that area, I couldn’t see fighting that traffic 24/7 as a carrot. But whatever, interesting story!

I would love a reporter to ask McD the question that many people are thinking!! Is it even possible, for a team to pay one player $16mil, and fill out a roster strong enough to win? Florida, for example, is so strong because of a balanced roster, yes the tax thing helps, and players taking home town discounts! But they are strong up and down the lineup because of balance. Sure I’ve heard players say, hey that’s the teams problem not the players! And yeah you can say that, but you can’t say that AND expect to win.
As for living in LA, Malibu or wherever in that area, I couldn’t see fighting that traffic 24/7 as a carrot. But whatever, interesting story!
- Bullot

We don't talk about that. shhhhh

This deal starts with Byfield and a lot of picks. I don't think 97 goes from one top heavy team to another one with questionable defensive depth. But maybe he misses Ceci.

I would love a reporter to ask McD the question that many people are thinking!! Is it even possible, for a team to pay one player $16mil, and fill out a roster strong enough to win? Florida, for example, is so strong because of a balanced roster, yes the tax thing helps, and players taking home town discounts! But they are strong up and down the lineup because of balance. Sure I’ve heard players say, hey that’s the teams problem not the players! And yeah you can say that, but you can’t say that AND expect to win.
As for living in LA, Malibu or wherever in that area, I couldn’t see fighting that traffic 24/7 as a carrot. But whatever, interesting story!
- Bullot

Not to mention the fact that Malibu recently burnt to the ground and LA itself is pretty much a poopshow.

LA would have to dump serious salary if they tried to sign CM, instead of trade for him

The new CBA funnels players to be traded rather than just walk. 8 years versus 6 is a serious difference on a contract.

If McDavid gets traded to the Kings as part of any deal the amount coming back would cripple LAs chances of winning a cup "most likely" for years. Ditto any team. Its not like the Oilers wouldn't be asking for quality back.

Who knows what any of this would look like. The Oilers have been the second best team in the league two years running. Short of him going to Florida there really isn't any team that his chances would "significantly" improve if got moved to. Especially in a trade scenario.

I'd argue the ducks could pull that trade off. Leo, Zelly, 2 first, + prospect (not Soliberg,Mcqueen). The Oilers would get soild 1/2 C. Help on D with an entry level contract. That wouldn't deplete the ducks in the slightest.

Canes are just about the only contending team that could handle his cap hit and ice a deep team.

They have winger depth to trade for sure. They also have 1st round picks and D to wheel and deal with.