Brayden Schenn gave the Kings a bit of a scare this month when, while training with his junior team, he tweaked the knee that he injured near the end of last season. Schenn missed last week’s rookie camp, but was able to fully participate in drills Saturday afternoon.
“When I first had the MRI, there were some rumors floating around that I might be out for a while, but those were only rumors,” Schenn said. “The MRI came back good, and after that it was day by day, and I felt like I was getting stronger every day, my knee was. I feel good now. I just want to continue to stay healthy and have my knee get better.”
Bad rumors on the Internet? Schenn must be mistaken… Regardless, the fact that he was able to return for the start of camp provided a boost to his chances of making the Kings’ roster out of training camp as a center.
Schenn, 19, was the Kings’ first-round pick in 2009 (No. 5 overall), and Kings management has left open the possibility that Schenn might make the NHL roster. If he doesn’t, he will have to return to junior hockey because of his age. Schenn said he hasn’t yet received a lot of feedback from coaches and management in terms of what he needs to do in order to make the roster.
“Not a lot, just to keep trying to get better day by day,” Schenn said. “That’s what I’m trying to do. I’m feeling pretty good so far, but I just came off the ice. They haven’t seen me a lot. They didn’t get to see my play at (rookie) camp. So for this organization, I haven’t skated here since last training camp. It’s up to me to go out there and try to show what I’ve got.”
Schenn impressed in last year’s training camp, and was one of the final cuts. The ability to remain in an NHL camp for so long, appear in preseason games and generally spend time with veterans is something that might have eased Schenn’s nerves this time, at the start of his second camp.
“I don’t think it’s easier, but you obviously know a little bit more,” Schenn said. “The one thing I like to do is watch the older guys and pick up on things they do. Those are the guys who have been around for many training camps and lots of NHL seasons, so if you watch those guys, you definitely learn something. I’m not only out there to compete and play hard. I like to watch older players and pick up on what they do.”
Schenn skated Saturday on a line with wingers Oscar Moller and Kyle Clifford.
“We’re trying to build chemistry out there. That’s our main thing for now,” Schenn said. “I’m kind of getting familiar with (Clifford). I feel like we have some pretty good chemistry, and joining us is Oscar. I feel really good with the linemates. Clifford is a big guy, a big body in front of the net. You know he tries to get to the net, and I enjoy playing with him.”
I LOVE that line. Clifford- Schenn- Moller…
Theres something about it…
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8ball Reply:
September 19th, 2010 at 3:22 pm
@brandyn, i am no genius but the SCHENN thing does make me wonder. the avs threw matt duschene
in there and he made a splash.he is half-a year
older but that difference is made up now.so…
let’s have a look.bye.
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I just got to say again; thanks for all this information Rich. You really are a treasure for all we fans and I don’t believe any other team (well, American I guess. Canadians are nutty about hockey) has a treasure like you.
Thank you.
As for Schenn, I’m rootin’ for him!
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Milk Stillman Reply:
September 18th, 2010 at 9:09 pm
@KingNewfie,
Ahhh…. Well skip-to-my-loo ol’ chum!!! I agree, oh yes!!…. I agree. We might be very far away from seeing treasures in paradise, but simply not in the paradigm. It’s time to shleck the decks (banter) for the ol’ scoring scaldron!
Go Schenn, and have a bloody ol’ time without it!
Cheers mate!
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Pulling for Brayden to make the team, I believe he can be a difference maker.
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All 3 are making strong pushes for roster spot. Oscar Moller is probably tired of getting sent back down. Kyle Clifford is looking to claim one of open LW spots. And of course Brayden Schenn will look to push the competition for the 2nd line spot or at least the win the open 4th line center. Skate hard boys and show em what you got!
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Who fuels these Internet rumors? I submit it’s a blogger who is trolling for hits on his new endeavor. Name rhymes with prancing ploy. Bcgb. Wannabe Hollywood mover and shaker?
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I honestly think Schenn willbe back in Brandon for another year of Junior, that is if he doesnt make top 6 forward. Why would you waste a year of his contract for him to see limited ice. When he can come back to brandon and tear it up and be the captain of the World Junior team… Makes sense for him to play his nine games and then send him back.
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luc20rules Reply:
September 20th, 2010 at 9:54 pm
@WheatiesFan, I asked about the 4th line at the GM Breakfast this year emphisis on scoring or grit? The simple answer was the Kings are going to play an Enforcer ( Only Westgarth has the size at this momment), and a gritty hard to play against line. In answering another question he said no rookie would be handed a top 9 forward position they must earn it the way Brown & Simmonds did from the 4th line.
My hope is Clifford-Schenn-Westgarth start the season for 9 games and then an evaluation is made from how well they play, but my fear is we will be lucky to see one start the season with the Kings.
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luc20rules Reply:
September 20th, 2010 at 9:58 pm
@luc20rules, Remember Richardson is slated as the 4th line guy that can move up in LW or center. I really wouldn’t want to sit him for 10 games so that would likely mean Richarson-Schenn-Westgarth. If you think the 2nd line LW is open I believe Parse is starting there.
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So happy to know Schenn isn’t out for a long time like first thought and I’d love to see him make the roster this season and not wait ANOTHER year. The line of Oscar/ Schenn/ Clifford excites me for sure. I know what the coaches want to do with Westgarth but I’d prefer we focus our forwards more on scoring than enforcing, let the dmen do the enforcing and use the forwards to put pucks in the net!!Sorry Westgarth but you might be able to fight but scoring will never be your forte.
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