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The Mayor and DB discuss the trade no one saw coming -- PL Dubois for Darcy Kuemper and the ramifications from the shocking deal. LAK prospect Andre Lee returns for another appearance. 

KOTP Bullet Points: 

• The trade between the LA Kings and the Washington Capitals involving Pierre-Luc Dubois and Darcy Kuemper has significant implications for the Kings' roster.
• Quinton Byfield is expected to move back to center, which will likely impact Anze Kopitar's role as the team's top center.
• The Kings may need to make additional moves to address their defense, including potentially acquiring Jakob Chychrun.
• Managing risk is an important factor in player acquisitions, and the Kings need to make significant changes to improve their roster.
• An upcoming announcement will reveal a new look for the LA Kings.
• The guys have different opinions on who will win the Stanley Cup final.
• They discuss the play of certain players, particularly Connor McDavid, and the possibility of him winning the Conn Smythe Trophy.
• Upcoming episodes will feature guests discussing topics such as the NHL draft and the Kings' prospects.

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The #1 KOTP guest -- LAK Director of Amateur Scouting Mark Yannetti makes his return. 

In this episode, John and DB discuss various topics including their experiences attending sporting events, the upcoming NHL draft, recent additions to the LA Kings coaching staff, contract updates for players, and the excitement surrounding prospect Andre Lee. They also touch on the upcoming Stanley Cup Final and their travel plans. Mark Yannetti joins them in the second period to discuss the NHL draft and Kings prospects.

Takeaways

• The NHL draft is an exciting event that showcases the future of the league, but it's not as impactful for fans as the NFL draft due to the longer development timeline for hockey prospects.
• The LA Kings have added Newell Brown to their coaching staff, bringing experience and attention to detail.
• Contract negotiations are ongoing for players like Quinton Byfield and Alex Turcotte.
• Prospect Andre Lee has impressed with his size and physicality, making a strong case for a spot on the Kings' opening night roster.
• The upcoming Stanley Cup Final will be an exciting series, and DB will be covering the games for SiriusXM.
• Travel plans for media and teams can be challenging, especially with potential weather delays and long flights.
• Yannetti provides insights into the NHL draft and the Kings' prospects.

Sound Bites

• "The NHL draft, while it's a big deal to someone like me, it's not a big deal to the average hockey fan."
• "Andre Lee had a fantastic year in Ontario, despite missing time due to injury."
• "Akil Thomas is going to make the roster opening night without question."

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The guys discuss potential LAK changes after another first round elimination at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers. 

Show notes:

• The Kings' offseason plans, including potential trades and signings, will become clearer in the coming months.
• The goaltending situation for the LA Kings is evaluated.
• Possible roster changes for the Kings are speculated upon.
• The performance of the Ontario Reign in the AHL playoffs is analyzed
• The possibility of Marco Sturm joining the Kings coaching staff is considered.
• The LA Kings have had multiple coaching changes in recent years, with different coaches being hired for different purposes.
• Matt Roy and Viktor Arvidsson's contract situations are uncertain, and it is unlikely that both players will return to the Kings due to salary cap constraints.
• The World Championships and the Memorial Cup are ongoing, providing an opportunity for Kings players and prospects to showcase their skills.

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With the LA Kings on the brink of elimination, the guys discuss short and long term implications facing the organization and look ahead to Game 5 Kings-Oilers.  Also in the conversation:

• Kyle Clifford handshake line incident.
• A spin around the other Stanley Cup Playoffs including the Leafs drama and Jets quick elimination. 
• Ontario Reign update 

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DB in Edmonton, The Mayor home in LA....

They discuss the LA Kings' performance in game one of the playoffs against the Edmonton Oilers. They analyze the Kings' defensive struggles, lack of physicality, and the need for a change in the goaltending. 

They also touch on the upcoming AHL Calder Cup playoffs and the Ontario Reign's chances. The conversation includes a discussion on the Kings' overage amount for next year and the bonuses earned by Quinton Byfield. 

Also covered are various topics related to the Stanley Cup playoffs, including the performance, the surprises in the playoffs, and the potential return of Todd McClellan as the head coach of the San Jose Sharks. 

Sound bites:

• "Was the game closer than it may have appeared?"
• "If they killed off the penalty and got a goal, make it 4-3 in the third, they would have had a shot."
• "I would put Riddick in the net for game two."
• "Dubois has to more than show up. He's got to be an impact player."

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The last regular season game brings the last regular season episode of KOTP! 

The guys discuss:

• Eastern Conference SC Playoffs matchups
• The usage of Carl Grundstrom. Akil Thomas and Alex Turcotte for the post-season
• The annual LAK media awards 
• A farewell to Jeff Carter 

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As the final four games of the LAK regular season approaches, prospect Ryan Conmy joins the Mayor for a 1-on-1.

Some nights they're Kings, others Kongs. DB and The Mayor discuss LAK's inconsistent play down the stretch. 

Also:

• Speculation about the Arizona Coyotes potentially relocating to Utah, but the situation is still uncertain.
• Talk of a second NHL team in Toronto, but the details are unclear.
• Importance for the Kings to win games and build momentum heading into the playoffs.
• Concerns about the team's chemistry and the need for certain players to step up.
• The Royal Army, a group of dedicated Kings fans, is recognized for their support.

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Bullet points for Episode 186:

• The LA Kings have been inconsistent in their recent games, showing both strong performances and disappointing losses.
• The team has struggled to hold leads, which has cost them valuable points in close games.
• Improvement in five-on-five play is crucial for the team's success, as they cannot solely rely on their power play.
• Lineup changes may be necessary to address issues and improve performance.
• Updates on injured players, including Phil Danault, suggesting a potential return to the lineup.
• The team's playoff chances depend on finishing strong in the remaining games and taking advantage of their favorable schedule. Building momentum is crucial for the LA Kings as they approach the playoffs.
• The 1-3-1 has been a topic of debate, but it is not the sole determinant of a team's success.
• Martin Chromiak is still developing and it is uncertain if he will become an NHL player for the Kings.
• Leadership can come from various positions on the team, not just the goaltender.
• The next core group of players for the Kings will be unique and different from the previous core four.

Sound bites:

• "They saved their worst performance of the year for game 73."
• "Need more of a shooting mindset than just  from Viktor Arvidsson."
• "Gonna go five and three and they're just gonna make the playoffs by a couple of points."
• "You can't just win it on paper. It's there for the taking."
• "Stop scoreboard watching. Stop worrying about everybody else."
• "You want a more rested goaltender for the playoffs."

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In this Episode 185,  with DB in Canada the guys discuss the recent games of the LA Kings and the impressive performances of certain players. They talk about the physicality of the games and the importance of winning against tough opponents. The conversation touches on the potential re-signing of Trevor Lewis and the upcoming decisions the Kings will have to make regarding their roster and salary cap. 

Overall, the Kings have been playing better at home and are looking to continue their success on the road. They talk about the potential milestone of Trevor Lewis reaching 1000 games played in his career and also discuss the Kings' recent winning streak and their chances in the  playoffs. They analyze upcoming games against the Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, and Winnipeg Jets and also mention the three Kings prospects playing in the college hockey playoffs and the AHL player of the week, Akil Thomas. The conversation ends with a discussion about the NHL playoffs and the excitement of playoff season.

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In this episode, John and Dennis discuss various topics including the Team USA hockey players, the GM meetings, proposed changes to the game, and the Amazon behind-the-scenes series. 

They also analyze Victor Arvidsson's return, potential line combinations and provide a recap of the Kings' recent games. Also discussed -- the Washington Capitals' playoff chances and the possibility of expanding the Stanley Cup Playoffs, a preview of the upcoming homestand against Chicago, Minnesota, and Tampa Bay, the use of 11 forwards and 7 defensemen plus updates on college hockey prospects and European leagues.

DB has the Andreas Englund conversation and close with discusses the LA Kings' MVP and upcoming awards voting, and future plans.

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