Following up on the Trevor Lewis item from yesterday, Oscar Moller is another young player who is in the mix for a forward spot, and Moller looked strong in today’s scrimmage, with one goal and a couple other chances.
It’s been an up-and-down ride for Moller so far, even though he’s only 21. A big surprise in 2008, when he made the team out of training camp, Moller spent the majority of last season with Manchester because coaches felt he wasn’t consistent or competitive enough to stay at the NHL level.
It appears as though that might have changed now, as Moller looks a bit bulkier and stronger and hasn’t been shy about taking the puck to the net. Moller is in the mix for a fourth-line role, and should Scott Parse stumble in his quest to earn the second-line left-wing spot, Moller would be a natural to step into that role. Moller was drafted as a center, but the Kings believe his future is on the wing, and Moller can play either side. Here’s what Terry Murray said about Moller’s camp…
MURRAY: “Oscar was on the team two years ago, and he made the team. It wasn’t like he was given a position. He’s a very skilled guy. He’s a high-character player. He’s dependable and he’s very knowledgable. When I look at his play last year, we became a better hockey club and he just seemed to be off the pace a little at times. As a result of that, he was designated to play in Manchester. He has come back this year and he has put a great amount of work into his offseason. He looks stronger. He looks faster. He looks like he can handle that heavy going. I think he’s going to have a very exciting training camp and he’s going to make it hard on us. I’m looking forward to watching that.”
Last season, there was a perception that because of Moller’s size and skill set, he needed to play a top-six role in order to stick with the Kings. I asked Murray whether that was still the case, or whether he saw Moller being able to compete for a fourth-line role now.
MURRAY: “I still think that when he develops to full maturity, meaning getting older, and he gets into his mid-20s that a top-six player is what he should be. Could it be something else right now? Absolutely. If he continues and he does impress throughout the training camp, it’s a matter of putting the best players on the team and going forward that way. If he shows to be that, that’s the decision that we have to make.”
He was a man among boys at Dev camp. Hopefully, things go his way to break camp. With the style we play, I am sure there will be an injury call up or two if he does not make the squad straight on.
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i get it, but… i dont. Parse has a spot on the 2nd line, but if he has an average or so-so camp (and based upon reviews, thats were he’s at), he’s there? and Westy has a spot on the 4th line, as a certain role (and i certainly get that).
but all the other guys that are doing everything, from coming into camp with the most ridiculous stregth training scores to coming in and smokin the drills out of the water. to being a “world class young player” thats showing he’s ready to some dog just playing his way onto the team. “its a matter of putting the best players on the team and going forward that way.”
but Parse is handed the job from the outset. probably not the longest leash, but it still seems as tho it could have been handled in a more team building manner.
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
September 22nd, 2010 at 9:21 am
@jayhay,
I think they’ve been doing that with older prospects the last couple of years..Moulson, Purcell, and now Parse…kind of seems like a “here’s your last chance” scenario. Coincidentally (or intentionally?) the previous two were not back the following season.
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jet Reply:
September 22nd, 2010 at 9:33 am
@jayhay, TM is very loyal to his players to a fault. Look, he even gave Labarbara 20 games before pulling him. Once he selects you, you have to fail hard and continuously before he gives up on you.
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mauverick Reply:
September 22nd, 2010 at 11:10 am
@jet,
TM is loyal to a fault. Anyone remember Randy Jones?
That said, I like Parse and would be happy to see him shine. Moeller is a great back-up with darn good potential but he lacks maturity.
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
September 22nd, 2010 at 10:05 am
@jayhay,
I think Scott Parse has used up his ‘team-building’ time…
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rontheking Reply:
September 22nd, 2010 at 12:11 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
Not sure what you mean…look at the numbers Parse put up last season.
And if that doesn’t do it for you, look at how his numbers compare to other players in the league (not just rookies) and keep in mind he played less than 75% of the season.
The idea that he is comparable to either Moulson or Purcell in their (lack of) production is totally wrong-headed.
Parse had a solid year last year. Forget the rumors of coaches’ discontent and just look at the numbers, including +/-. The numbers are excellent for a first year guy.
He doesn’t have to prove he’s better than Moeller or any other bubble player. He already has.
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quisp Reply:
September 22nd, 2010 at 11:17 am
@jayhay,
I also have been struggling to find meaning in these various Murray tidbits. I have come to the following conclusion:
Nothing Murray says should be taken literally. Scott Parse is the guy on the LW on the Stoll line. What does that mean? It means if the line plays well, it will stay together, if not, not. If Moller outplays Parse in camp, is Parse still LW2? No. If Moller outplays Richardson, is Richardson still C4? No. Westgarth for some reason is a “lock” for RW4. Really? What if Clifford beats the **** out of him? What if Westgarth has a crappy camp? Quick is “our number one.” What does that mean? It means he’ll start on opening night unless he gets hurt. That’s it. If he plays poorly, he will sooner or later lose his job to Bernier.
None of it means anything. It’s just the stuff you say in the pre-season.
The idea that Richardson, Westgarth and Parse are somehow already on the opening night roster and Schenn, Clifford, Moller, Lewis, Loktionov and Clune basically are fighting over one remaining fourth line spot…that’s just nonsense.
Keep in mind, Murray said Labarbera was his number one guy the morning of the last game Labarbera ever played in a kings uniform. It doesn’t mean anything.
(however, it also doesn’t mean, as some are saying, that Parse is playing on borrowed time; it’s his second season. He played great last year. he led the team in goals/60. he is not in the same boat as Purcell, Boyle, Moulson, etc.. )
Rich, re Moller:
“because coaches felt he wasn’t consistent or competitive enough”
This is the first I have ever heard anyone say Moller wasn’t competitive enough. Am I missing something?
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2hitnik Reply:
September 22nd, 2010 at 12:55 pm
@quisp, commenting on this thread as it seems most appropriate. I think all of us fans realize that this team will go as far as the 2nd line can help it go. And you have 3 question marks on the line. JW – can he stay healthy? JS – can he realize his potential (and can he get his “great” shot on net)? SP – is he ready? Only time will tell and we should all be pulling for them, but as I see it JW & JS have shown over the last few seasons what they are and we have too many eggs in their baskets. SP can still shine, but how can you soar like an eagle when you’re skating with turkeys?
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tuan jim Reply:
September 22nd, 2010 at 3:28 pm
@2hitnik,
Jarret Stoll is not a turkey. His NHL numbers show that he’s consistently productive, he’s our best face-off man, and he can play the PK.
I don’t expect Parse to soar like an eagle. But if he gives us what Stoll has given us so far, I’ll be plenty satisfied.
Quisp Reply:
September 22nd, 2010 at 8:39 pm
@2hitnik,
I agree that the second unit is important, and I think I also have to agree with you to the extent that if the second line is great, the Kings will be in great shape, and if not, not.
I also agree that there are question marks on the second line. There are question marks on the first line too. The fourth line would have question marks if we knew who was on it.
I get what you’re saying about Stoll, but I have to partially echo what tuanjim said. It’s not that Stoll is a turkey. It’s also not true that he’s “constantly productive.” he’s a great face off man with a super hard shot and a great work ethic. He scored 20+ goals once, five years ago (22 goals) and since then has four consecutive 10+ seasons. You could look at him as what brown is to 30 goal scorers, stoll is to 20 goal scorers. He did it once, but is that the exception or the rule? Williams, injuries, kind of a better version of Stoll, except he’s always in the shop.
Parse is the sniper on that line. Remember it was Parse who jumpstarted Stoll last year.
I actually have pretty high hopes for this line. Williams is due for a redemption year. Parse can finish. Nobody scored more goals 5on5 per 60 minutes of icetime (on the Kings, I mean).
if the 4th line choice is between Moller and Lewis,
Moller likely has the most upside, however, Murray’s remark that Oscar may not mature enough for a top six role until his mid 20′s .. sounds like he may be leaning toward Lewis….so the Q is: who will be most effective on the grinding, defensive 4th line….of course we hope they can score too, but that’s almost a bonus..
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quisp Reply:
September 22nd, 2010 at 11:18 am
@Real 7,
Clifford/Schenn/Moller
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I think Moller is out in front of Lewis skill wise, by a large margin. But Moller needs to be much stronger on the puck than he has been in the past to get a spot over Lewis.
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Watched the entire playoffs for the Monarchs and Lewis does not impress. Gets knocked off the puck easy and loses his balance alot. Very responsible 2 way player however. I figure Moller replaces JW next year.
Parse will get 10+ games to prove himself.
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Harry Reply:
September 22nd, 2010 at 9:54 am
@src, JW Plays RW. Moller plays LW…but is a natural Center.
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John Reply:
September 22nd, 2010 at 11:03 am
@Harry,
Moller can play all forward positions.
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Moller was one of the better guys in his group by far in my opinion. (i went on day 3)
bigger, faster(?), and a great shot. i couldn’t figure out if it was his release that was surprising the goalies or the velocity of his shot. either way, i was impressed by both. when he missed or was stopped it wasn’t by much (read: the anti stoll)
if this isn’t his year, i can’t wait to see him when it is.
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launch Reply:
September 22nd, 2010 at 9:42 am
@Jack Handy,
thanks for the “Deep Thoughts”
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Jack Handy Reply:
September 22nd, 2010 at 10:00 am
@launch,
“You know what would make a good story? Something about a clown who make people happy, but inside he’s real sad. Also, he has severe diarrhea.”
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I think Moller will need a few years to add the bulk he’s going to need to compete night-in, night-out in the NHL.
I’d prefer that if he’s not ready for a top-6 role in the NHL, that Moller play on the top line in Manchester, and get used to playing against the other teams’ top defense pair.
I love the kid’s attitude and shot, but I think he isn’t fast enough to make up for his current lack of size. I haven’t seen him yet this year, so hopefully he proves me wrong.
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John Reply:
September 22nd, 2010 at 11:12 am
@FroFan,
Guys like Alfredsson, Koivu, Savard and Drury aren’t super fast but are of the same stature as Moller. Hopefully he has the same game & hockey sense – as you mentioned, he has the same attitude & desire. He could be devoloping along those lines…hopefully!
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that top 6 thing is overrated imo.If your team is talented then having talented players on the 3rd and 4th line is a big plus….That is why I think the Kings will be better this year…a strong 4th line!!!!
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John Reply:
September 22nd, 2010 at 11:14 am
@neil,
Yep! As mentioned many times before, that’s where the likes of Zetterberg, Datsyuk & Franzon started.
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losingsand Reply:
September 22nd, 2010 at 12:42 pm
@John, I completely agree, I think the kings overall have enough size/toughness.. to say that the 4th line HAS to be a line full of tough guys, grinders, and agitators, i think, are a thing of the past. I think it is more important to keep those low minutes to the young guys for them to ease into the NHL.
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Love OM – has stones and goes hard to net with nice touch – just give him minutes and watch the points add up -
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I would love to see him get his revenge on Bobby Ryan.
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Here is a link to the video I took of Oscars breakaway goal at camp on Tuesday.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psUrGBpk-jw
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4 guys that have impressed me so far offensively this camp are..Oscar Moller, Dustin Brown, Brandon Kozun, and Scott Parse.
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I would love to see Moller be a permanent addition to the roster. It sounds like he has been working hard during the off-season to get to where he needs to be. If it’s fourth line…so be it. As my buddy Dan H calls him…the “little viking” has the heart and speed…a little more bulk and tenacity could be just the ticket.
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