Yesterday was a big day for interviews, as I was able to sit down with both Ron Hextall and Dean Lombardi. Lombardi talked about a wide range of topics, while I asked Hextall specifically — given his role as GM of the Manchester Monarchs — about some of the AHL prospects. First, Hextall talks about four of the Monarchs’ centers, and gives his thoughts on how they played this season and how they can improve. Andrei Loktionov had nine goals and 15 assists in 29 games. Justin Azevedo had 14 goals and 13 assists in 46 games. Corey Elkins had 21 goals and 22 assists in 73 games. Marc-Andre Cliche had 11 goals and 14 assists in 66 games. Here are Hextall’s thoughts on each player…
HEXTALL: “I think Loktionov had a real good year overall. You ask a 19-year-old kid, especially a kid who’s not real big, to go to the American league and play, and I think he probably met our expectations. He’s a very skilled kid. I think that when the playoffs came, particularly in the third round there, the time and space was gone and his game fell off. It was a great lesson for him — because he’s got a very immature body — as to why you’ve got to get stronger, why you’ve got to spend three months in the weight room. He was a 19-year-old kid playing against men, and it really showed up in the end. His biggest deficiency is his lack of strength. But like I said, overall for a 19-year-old to come into the league and do what he did, obviously he spent three months on the injured list but he had a good year.
“Azevedo improved this year and, I think, right toward the end he started to take some pride in his defensive game. He’s kind of been an offensive player his whole life, so he took some pride in his defensive game and played pretty well. He can score goals. He can set up plays, but his all-around game has to become more well-rounded, and we started to see some of that at the end.
“Corey Elkins, he scored 20 goals and probably exceeded our offensive expectations. I think, on the other hand, his overall game needs a little bit of a brushing up. I think his consistency needs brushing up. He’s a big body and he’s got to use his size a little bit more. For his first year, he probably outdid our offensive expectations.
“Cliche, he had a good year, and his leadership skills kind of came to the forefront. I think, if you look at that team, you had Drew Bagnall and Marc-Andre as our two biggest leaders. So he took that to another level. We had a young team, and he really took it to heart and he really cares. He cares a lot and he plays the game the right way. He’s a good defensive player. That’s his m.o. Offensively, he’s never going to light it up, but in terms of killing penalties, getting into puck lanes, getting his stick on pucks and just taking pride in checking, he does a great job.”
Thats the last sign I need. Cliche will be our #4 centre/13th forward next year. I hope so anyways.
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Goring 19 Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 9:39 am
@VanKingsFan, hmmmmmm, a potential Selke award winner? LOL
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Marc Nathan Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 9:44 am
@Goring 19, more like a four goal scorer, and a guy who will always have a hard time finding a bigger role.
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variable Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 10:25 am
@Marc Nathan,
i agree…he’s a long-shot…
VanKingsFan Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 10:45 am
@Marc Nathan,
I remember hearing the same thing about Mr. Brad Richardson one year ago …
jet Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
@Marc Nathan, naa, the Richie bashing was worse.
variable Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 12:28 pm
@Marc Nathan,
i don’t think some of us are bashing…
Marc Nathan Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 2:03 pm
@Marc Nathan, I’m not bashing at all… and I also never bashed Brad Richardson, whose career within the Avs organization certainly indicated a bigger offensive upside than Cliche has.
Harry Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 10:57 am
@VanKingsFan,
Cliche is centering my 4th line in NHL 10… lol
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VanKingsFan Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 11:17 am
@Harry, haha Lewis is mine…Cliche is healthy scratch but first off the bench if there’s an injury.
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THis might be a good time to put down what Luc told me about some of the players:
Frolov: Likes Fro a lot but was not convinced he had fully performed in the playoffs.
Moller: Believes the only way he can crack the lineup is to be a top 6 because of his size. He can’t survive in a 3rd or 4th line role. Believes it will be up to him to crack the lineup, but who does he replace? Not a lot of room in those 6 spots.
Loktionov & Schenn: Should both have a decent shot at cracking the club this year.
Simmonds: Saw him 2 years ago at training camp and said “This guy is making the team. He wants it”. Was completely impressed with Wayne’s work ethic and attitude. Then Luc told me the story of when the coaches told him in training camp that they wanted him to be tougher, so he picked a fight and ‘Got the crap beat out of me’. Great story. Luc said he believes it was a big reason why he made the team because he simply did what the coach asked him to do with no hesitation because he wanted to play in the NHL. Awesome parallel and I’m sure Simmer would be honored to hear it.
Clifford: Luc LOVES this guy. Thought he had an outstanding year and had a fantastic playoffs in Manchester. He really believes in this kid (and I can’t blame him) and thinks he’ll have a legit shot at the team this year as well.
Westgarth: All depends on how Ivanans shakes out.
Lewis: Believes Trevor will get a legit shot this year at the team. I was a little surprised at that. He obviously knows something I don’t. I’ll defer to him.
That’s all I can think of for now. I’m in a rush to go, but I thought this was a good time to share. So much more.
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Howe 9 Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 9:44 am
@Cynic,
Thanks for the info. Will appreciate anything more you can remember.
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Marc Nathan Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 9:47 am
@Cynic, well I know Luc wasn’t actually IN Manchester watching those games and as spirited and exciting as Kyle Clifford was, there were times he was absolutely overmatched, inconsistent and downright horrible. If you wanted one of those bad blind passes into the slot, picked off by a Hershey (skill) guy, it was Clifford… Not all the time mind you, but to say “fantastic” playoffs is a stretch.
P.S. The kid is only gonna get better. J.P. Kelly! Think J.P. Kelly!
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Cynic Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
@Marc Nathan,
I’ll have to pass that on to Luc next time I see him, If I do. Remember, I’m the messenger here. He probably meant ‘Fantastic’ for him, considering he was just getting to the AHL.
You saw him, so I would take your word for it.
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JonG Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 7:15 pm
@Marc Nathan,
Ha ha, I actually was thinking of JP Kelly, just yesterday. I just loved the way that guy could hit.
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VanKingsFan Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 9:52 am
@Cynic, I believe in Lewis too. He is too good of a skater and has put up good offensive numbers in almost every league in North America it seems. USHL, OHL, World Juniors, AHL…
I think he has a shot at earning Frolov’s spot as third line LW with Handzus and Simmonds. They could use his speed and skating ability on that line, and we all know the best way to intro a young play is to put him next to Zeus.
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Marc Nathan Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 10:23 am
@VanKingsFan, Trevor Lewis was an absolute BEAST on the PK during the Hershey series. I was blown away by his tenacious D
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variable Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 10:24 am
@Cynic,
great stuff, CYNIC…:)
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quisp Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 11:21 am
@Cynic,
Damn, that’s great stuff.
I don’t think #20 is saying anything other than the company line on Moller or Lewis. Lewis (assuming he gets a contract this summer) will have a shot, no question. He also had a shot last year. Moller is a goal scorer. He’s obviously not your shut-down defender.
Clifford makes this team in the fall. (obviously nothing is certain; i’m just being emphatic.) Whoever said Luc wasn’t at those games should consider that Luc can look at all the tape he wants. Thanks to streaming video, so can we.
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Marc Nathan Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 2:05 pm
@quisp, I’m gonna go out on a limb and say NO WAY Clifford makes the team out of training camp… I just think he’s gonna require a little more polish before he’s NHL ready, and there’s certainly a logjam in front of him. They can’t ALL make it
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Josh M Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 3:46 pm
@Marc Nathan,
a logjam at left wing??…..it would seem to me that hes right up there at the front of the winger call up list….
quisp Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 10:47 pm
@Marc Nathan,
if so, it’s back to juniors for him. he’s not ahl eligible until his juniors season is over.
but i will be shocked if he doesn’t make it. if lombardi signs or trades for two forwards, the odds go down obviously, but otherwise, I think both he and schenn are going to make it.
“very immature body”
interesting phrase. sounds to me like he’s actually behind other 19 year olds in terms of physical development. goes to show yet again how insane doughty is.
I’m curious as to why Hex chose to mention those 4 in particular. The best of the centers?
I wonder about Gauthier and Moller as well as, of course, Mikus! They all played center and Gabe had a great playoffs.
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Marc Nathan Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 9:49 am
@wavesinair, I heard more than unsubstantiated rumours that Gabe Gauthier is leaving the Kings organization and will be relocating to Colorado to help run a hockey school. Unconfirmed but I heard it more than once.
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Quisp Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 11:13 am
@Marc Nathan,
I didn’t know anyone thought Gabe Gauthier was on the radar, so to speak.
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Marc Nathan Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 9:49 am
@wavesinair, P.S. by the time I rolled into Manchester, Mikus had fled the country (seriously.) He was gone…
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wavesinair Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 9:53 am
@Marc Nathan, Yeah, someone else also said he went back to Europe. I just wonder if he’s coming back!
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Simarosa Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 11:46 am
@wavesinair,
Mikus did leave the team to go back home to take the bar exam.
KingMe20 Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 9:56 am
@Marc Nathan,
Mikus didn’t flee the country. North America ran away from him. I can now see Tokyo from my house in Orange County.
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Newf Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 10:55 am
@KingMe20, a better way to put it was that, Mikus jumped, and the world revolved back around to get away from him.
I need to reset my watch.
nykingfan Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 11:18 am
@KingMe20,
that’s good!
VanKingsFan Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 10:06 am
@Marc Nathan, They called him in as a special operative.. someone has to stop the oil spill! I can’t think of anyone more capable.
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jet Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
@VanKingsFan, He stopped off in New York to fix Citi bank on his way to the gulf.
txkingsfan Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 10:10 am
@wavesinair, unfortunately for Gabe, his time may have come and gone. Timing and his inability to show something during his time up sealed his fate.
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Doughty.Norris Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 10:41 am
@txkingsfan,
That’s too bad about Gabe. I played with him on the Jr. Kings for a couple of years in Pee wee and Bantum AAA…. Lots of great memories like winning our tournament bracket in the infamous Pee Wee tournament in Quebec they have every year.
I was very excited when the Kings aquired him, being that we were both huge Kings fans growing up together. He’s a real good guy and has been a huge piece for Manchester these past years. I always thought that he would eventually crack the NHL, I guess he just never did get over the hump.
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quisp Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 11:23 am
@wavesinair,
I noted that phrase, too, and I’ve decided I will use it from now on. it’s a nice way to say what I’ve been saying for a couple of years about Moller and Loktionov, that they have yet to grown into their man bodies, or whatever.
I don’t think he’s saying Loktionov is somehow immature compared to other 19 year olds. But, yeah, Doughty is a freak of nature.
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holly Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 9:30 pm
@quisp,
Honestly, I think that Moller’s body has changed quite a bit since last season. The kid is essentially a tree trunk these days. Or you know, a tree stump since he isn’t the tallest of guys (nor the shortest).
But what may really get me on this is pairing him with Loktionov in the statement. Lokti, and I’m sure many of you remember me saying time and again, is tiny. Voynov is quite slender, but has incredibly broad shoulders. Kind of the same physique as Teddy Purcell early on. Quite lanky, but the shell for being a fairly substantial sized guy is there. Lokti is pretty much a bean pole at this point, almost straight up and down. People mature physically at different rates, and who knows, with work this off season he could bulk up quite a bit.
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quisp Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 10:54 pm
@holly,
i’m not saying they are similar body types, but that they get similar criticism and my response is similar (wait till they grow up; they’re kids). i don’t get the impression that AL has made any effort to thicken himself, whereas Oscar obviously has.
quisp Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 11:27 am
@wavesinair,
I think he mentioned them because those are the big four. Moller has converted to wing. Mikus is lying low, waiting for end times or something. kaunisto hasn’t played yet. Given that three of the four have played for the Kings, it’s interestin g to me that he mentioned azevedo at all.
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Been Checking out the Mock Drafts and many of them have Kiril Kabanov slipping out of the first round. I remember when he was supposed to go top 5! Did something happen I am not aware of? Is it simply the lack of a transfer agreement? Is it shitty play this year (AKA Angelo Esposito)? With the Fro situation, would anyone want to pick this guy at #22 or wherever we are drafting?
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quisp Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 11:29 am
@VanKingsFan,
He went back to Russia before his juniors season was over, so his “mindset” is in question. will he go back to russia for good? why waste a pick on him, etc… If Lombardi wants him, he will do what he did with loktionov and voynov: get assurances he’s coming over to stay.
all things being equal (which they’re not), he could be a top five pick overall.
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jet Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
@quisp, he quit the russian u18 team also, so there is also a character/maturity question. Too big if a risk at 19. Let’s stick with Watson if available, probably Etem.
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josh M Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 3:48 pm
@jet,
he didnt quit the team, he was kicked off…
There is a laundry list of problems this kid has had this past year, and it worries teams….
Im almost positive he doesnt go in the top 30
jet Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 5:25 pm
@josh, I understand that his dad told the coach to go ——, so that is as good as quiting. It also sounds like he will never play for a national team, a loss of great experience. I think the Bs will pull the trigger at 32
VanKingsFan Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
@quisp, So I have been reading…
Sounds like another Maxim Mayorov (jury is still out on him I think) Or Nikita Filato, Radulov, the list goes on and on…
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If you think about it, we really need to get better up the middle in our system.
Loktionov sounds like the only true prospect we have at C.
Cliche may be a nice defensive player and may very well develop into a role on the Kings, but he has no offensive game to speak of. If people here were bitching because Ivanans couldn’t score, what are they going to say about Cliche?
Not sure how old he is, but you would think by now he would show a glimmer of an offensive game.
For those comparing his game to Richardson…not close
Ritchie was known as a goal scorer in Juniors
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VanKingsFan Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 11:34 am
@nykingfan, Forgetting about Schenn??
Even Tie Domi lit it up in Juniors….Cliche was a point per game in juniors as well.
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josh M Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 3:50 pm
@VanKingsFan,
lol yeah we have no depth at center, except for the best center prospect in all of hockey….
Schenn is a pretty big one to miss
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Quisp Reply:
May 28th, 2010 at 10:59 pm
Schenn, Loktionov, Moller, Lewis was a center originally I think, Kaunisto is a center, Elkins, Nolan…it’s a pretty good group.
nykingfan Reply:
May 29th, 2010 at 8:49 am
@VanKingsFan,
I was talking about Manchester, since that’s the players Hextall was commenting on.
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nykingfan Reply:
May 29th, 2010 at 8:52 am
@nykingfan,
Also, Moller’s listed as a winger on the Kings depth chart. May not mean much now, but its hard to project him as a center. If he’s going to succeed in this league, I think it’ll be on the wing.
Since I’m on my iPhone I can’t reply like normal, Kirill Kabanov does have red flags, there was an incident at Moncton that isn’t very clear but he was told to not suit up and then as Moncton started the playoffs they let him leave for the U-18′s and was cut/blacklisted or whatever happened there and returned to Moncton where they said ‘no thank you.’ and he didn’t play again. He was also injured for much of the year and is often called a selfish player. As far as returning to Russia he has stated that he never will and has even thought about rescinding his citizenship. Kabanov and Russia are done. He has top 10 talent but his attitude and judgment is a huge question mark. What happened at the combine? Did he interview well and say he needs to be more of a team player? Who knows? Some team might take him in the 1st and I’d be surprised if he doesn’t go around our pick – high risk/high reward. There is a great thread at HF under the prospects forum all about all of this and more from NHL.com from Kimmelman-sp that interviewed him at the combine.
This should be a deep draft and I’d love for the Kings to get Bjudstead or even Kabanov as we don’t have a big power forward with that kind of skill coming up but in DL I will trust as he and his scouting staff know much more that I.
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