Trade Deadline

I've read some pronostication about what the LAKings will do at the trade deadline. One wild rumor involved Stastny for Jack Johnson & Bernier. Clearly unrealistic as they just signed Johnson to a long term deal and he is arguably their most consistent young defenseman. Some of the conversation turns to bashing Lombardi for being "conservative". I would argue that having a wealth of homegrown talent is rare, so when a GM doesn't sell parts away for a quick fix it is seen as conservative? I don't second guess Lombardi. I've seen what he can do with team building in San Jose. He has rebuilt LA to respectability.

I'm not a patient Kings fan. Toward the end of the Dave Taylor Era, I would annually stop following the Kings after the New Year. But to anyone that argues the team needs a big trade right now, just remember those times. How many young players did the organization give away, to bolster the team to mediocrity?

Is it Lombardi's fault that the team has more ups and downs than a rollercoaster? I think it's part of the maturation process. Or possibly coaching. But this team, in it's current form, has played with the best in the league. Was a big trade necessary earlier in the season, when the Kings jumped out to first place?

It would be a big step backward if the Kings missed the playoffs this year. I think it is that fear, along with a very tight playoff race, that is creating this atmosphere of "make the big trade now!" It is especially difficult to watch the team struggle at a crucial junction of the season. But the way I see it, either they can do it with who they have or they can't. It sends a negative message to the team, when you second guess the roster.

On the flip side, all of Murray's current line juggling seems to be a fool's errand to get scoring out of any way possible. Is this a not so subtle, cry for help?

If any move is made, it better be a shrewd one. In Lombardi we trust.