An NHL analyst has recently characterized a Western Conference contender as a "subtraction by addition" team, a label that highlights concerns about the team's offseason moves and their potential impact on performance. This phrase, typically used sarcastically, suggests that the changes made, intended to improve the team, may have inadvertently weakened it. The team in question is the Los Angeles Kings.
The Athletic suggests that the Kings have the worst net difference in the NHL from last season to this one. They calculated that the Kings have a -18 on their list of teams that improved the most or the least.
The criticism centers around specific player transactions and their perceived negative impact on the team's overall composition. The Athletic writes that the Kings turned Vladislav Gavrikov, a top-pairing defenseman, into Cody Ceci and Brian Dumoulin, who are viewed as low-end, third-pairing defensemen. They also parted ways with Jordan Spence. The analyst suggests that the Kings spent $8.5 million to downgrade their blue line, betting on their system to elevate aging newcomers.
These moves have sparked debate among fans and observers alike, with many questioning the logic behind the decisions. Some argue that the team may have overvalued certain players or underestimated the contributions of those they let go. Others suggest that the changes were driven by factors beyond pure hockey considerations, such as salary cap constraints or a desire to shake up the team's chemistry.
The "subtraction by addition" label implies a decline in specific areas, potentially affecting the team's competitiveness in a tough Western Conference. The Pacific Division, in particular, is expected to be highly competitive, with teams like the Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers also striving for contention. The Kings' moves are in contrast to the Golden Knights, who received a net positive grade thanks to the addition of Mitch Marner. The Oilers were given a -8, the Vancouver Canucks a -2, and the Calgary Flames a net zero grade.
The Kings' new GM, Ken Holland, was feeling the pressure to make changes after the Kings were ousted by the Oilers in the playoffs. Analysts have criticized Holland's first moves.
Of course, only time will tell whether the analyst's assessment proves accurate. The NHL season is long and unpredictable, and many factors can influence a team's success, including injuries, coaching decisions, and the performance of key players. It remains to be seen whether the Kings' new acquisitions will gel with the existing roster and contribute to a winning formula or whether the departures will create a void that the team struggles to fill.
