A little less than 48 hours ago, I wrote at length about why I think Dean Lombardi NEEDS to go all-in for Rick Nash. Since then, it looks as if Lombardi lacks the balls to go big. There’s a lot yet to be resolved but when you’re being outbid by teams who have a lot less of what Columbus’ primary need is, it looks like ol’ Deano is trying to get by on lowballing. Lest I mention, it’s never worked before in Dean’s case? While that could all change (and I hope it does), it might be prudent to look at what other help is potentially available in the next 10 days.

James Van Riemsdyk – LW, Philadelphia

 

Van Riemsdyk is a big bodied LW with decent speed and good hands. So far he’s yet to top 21 goals, but he’s only 22 years old with a lot of upside. The biggest concerns about him are twofold: He’s yet to find consistency in his game, and he’s returning from a concussion in the coming days. Based on what we’ve seen in LA of players having difficulty returning to form after concussions (think Randy Jones in 09-10, Drew Doughty in 2010-11 and Mike Richards this season.), this could be a risky move. The chatter is that the Kings and Flyers have discussed a Van Riemsdyk for Jack Johnson deal. Considering that Johnson, at two years older, is closer to his development peak than Van Riemsdyk is, this may seem like an overpayment. One Flyers’ fan I spoke with about the potential deal thought Philadelphia would have to include a pick in the deal. If healthy, Van Riemsdyk would be a good fit for the Kings, given their obvious connection and history with Philadelphia and the fact the two teams play a very similar system. Still, if we’re talking trading Johnson, I’d rather it be part of a package for an elite scorer. But, I’ve already beaten that horse enough…

 

 

 

Michael Grabner – RW, New York Islanders

 

This one may be a bit of a pipe dream, as Grabner is locked up for four more years after this season, but the Austrian Winger is, next to Nash, the best fit for the Kings’ needs. Grabner is one of the fastest guys in the entire league, decidedly faster than anybody on the Kings’ roster. He’s also got great hands – scored 34 goals last season and should get close to 30 this season. His presence in the Kings’ top 6 would add an element the Kings are severely lacking, and Grabner’s blazing speed no doubt would open up more ice for guys like Kopitar and Brown. While the Islanders might not be actively looking to deal Grabner, they’re are a team in a constant state of rebuild. Dangling a first round pick and a decent prospect would get their attention at the very least. The other option to consider when talking about the Islanders: Rick DiPietro is perpetually on Injured Reserve, Evgeni Nabokov is a UFA and all but certainly gone come next season, and Al Montoya is a fringe NHL goalie at best. While they have guys in their system with potential, they’re at least two seasons away from mop up duty. Offering Jonathan Bernier for Grabner would be a good deal for both clubs. The Isles get a can’t miss young goalie to build around, and the Kings get a speedy sniper-caliber winger. This is one that I think Lombardi needs to at least take a stab at. If he’s speaking to Islanders’ GM Garth Snow, it’s probably not about P.A. Parenteau.

 

 

Chris Stewart – RW, St. Louis

 

Rugged St. Louis Blues winger Chris Stewart is an interesting case. He’s been a consistent scorer – 28 goals in each of the last two seasons, and isn’t afraid to get into the hard areas and go to the net to score. His toolkit might be comparable to Kings’ Captain Dustin Brown, but Stewart has more speed and better agility and is bigger (that’s no knock on Brown, but we all know his balance mechanics are suspect at times). Stewart and Kevin Shattenkirk came to the Blues last season in a blockbuster deal and finished up on a tear under then Blues coach Davis Payne. When the Blues stumbled out of the blocks this season and Payne was replaced by Ken Hitchcock, Stewart found himself in the doghouse quickly. Hitchcock has the talented Stewart pulling 4th line duty in St. Louis, making his value extremely low at the present time. He would provide a great fit for the Kings and the escape from St. Louis could see him return to last season’s form. Stewart is a top 6 worthy forward who could be had for non-roster assets at this point – since the Kings have only a first round pick in 2012, think prospects. Even if the Kings do get a guy like Grabner or Van Riemsdyk, I’d like to see them add Stewart anyway, simply for depth. He’d look great as the Kings’ second line RW alongside Mike Richards.

 

Nikolai Kulemin – LW, Toronto

 

After hitting the 30 goal mark last season, Kulemin has had a dreadfully disappointing 2011-12. With only 5 goals and 23 points, the Leafs’ winger hasn’t exactly been productive. However, Kulemin does possess speed and tremendous skill and has been a plus player the last two seasons on a non-playoff team. Reading what fans and critics have to say about Kulemin reminds me a lot of former king Alexander Frolov, a guy with tons of offensive potential who wound up being enigmatic at best, but whose play away from the puck was an integral part of the Kings’ checking line. Kulemin, if he could be had at the right price, could be a good depth add with potential for a lot more if he returns to last season’s scoring form. Biggest issue here is that Leafs’ GM Brian Burke has his team in the thick of the East playoff race, and is said to still be high on Kulemin. The Leafs need some help on defense and in goal, so the potential for a deal to be made is there, just so long as the Kings’ don’t give up too much for him.

 

 

Jeff Carter – C/RW, Columbus

Considered by many to the be consolation prize in the Rick Nash sweepstakes, it’s believed that the Kings and Blue Jackets may have been discussing a deal for the allegedly disgruntled Cater before Nash’s availability became public knowledge. Carter was supposed to be the prize acquisition for the Blue Jackets this past offseason, but he’s been oft-injured during his tenure there and Columbus GM Scott Howson is rumored to have been shopping him for some time. The positives? Carter and Kings Center Mike Richards are best friends and there are those who think reuniting the two be a huge positive in Los Angeles. Carter has been a prolific goal scorer at the NHL level, scoring as many as 46 goals and consistently hitting the 30 goal plateau. He can play both Center and Wing, a plus since the Kings’ cupboard is stocked with centers currently. He’s got decent speed and would no doubt add another serious scoring threat to the Kings’ lineup. But at what cost? Carter’s character has been in question the past couple years of his career, and with the value Lombardi puts on that aspect, it’s almost hard to believe he’d consider adding him to the locker room. But, apparently that’s the case. Carter’s cap hit is somewhat reasonable for a guy with a 30-40 goal scorer pedigree, but he’s signed for the next 10 seasons. If a deal were to happen, this would be Carter’s second trade after signing that deal. It’s enough to make you wonder at the very least. Rumored deal discussed prior to Jaret Stoll’s hip injury was Bernier and Stoll for Carter and Columbus backup goalie Curtis Sanford. The deal would get Columbus their goalie of the present and future, and the Kings would shed Stoll’s expiring contract and acquire Carter and a serviceable backup for Quick. While I think the deal could potentially yield dividends if Carter and Richards rekindle some of their scoring magic from Philadelphia, it could also be a potential nightmare for the Kings if Carter implodes in party-hungry LA.

 

Ryan Malone – LW, Tampa Bay

 

Before last season began, it’s been suggested that Malone could have been a King for a mere 2nd round pick. Lombardi reportedly sat on the deal too long, the Lightning had a banner season and Malone was off the table. Fast forward to 2012 – The Kings need a winger who can score and Malone just might fit the bill. The guy they call “Bugsy” in Tampa is a fearless competitor, and while his numbers aren’t gaudy, he does a lot of the heavy lifting on teammates’ goals, the type of intangible that doesn’t show up on the scoresheet. He could provide a net presence the Kings have lacked in stretches where they haven’t scored much, which has been often this season. The Lightning want a young goaltender who can start and stick around for years to come, and Jonathan Bernier is the ideal candidate for that role. While Bernier for Malone straight up seems like a bit of an overpayment, especially while Tampa is in selling mode, there is a factor to consider: Malone has a No-Movement Clause in his contract and gets to decide where he goes in any potential trade. An irresistible offer such as Bernier might persuade Lighning GM Steve Yzerman to lobby Malone to waive his no-trade clause to head to the West Coast. Malone’s playoff experience, even at a relatively steep price, could also help bolster the Kings’ chances at a long playoff run.

 

Again, Id like to see Dean grow some balls and make the big deal to get Nash, especially since it’s rumored a hated rival is gunning hard for him (even if the deal doesn’t make sense for either team, they’re driving up the price). However, since we know Lombardi doesn’t normally conjure up the needed fortitude to make a blockbuster move, it’s at least somewhat reassuring that there are other guys out there who could potentially provide the Kings with some goal scoring help.

GO KINGS!

JS