Young players should naturally improve, in a physical sense, from year to year early in their careers, but it’s safe to say that no Kings prospect made a bigger jump than Andrei Loktionov. Now 20 years old, Loktionov came to camp two years ago as a teenager with decent height (he’s listed at 5-foot-10) but with a desperate need to put on some bulk.
At this camp, Loktionov looks like a different player. He’s stronger and more aggressive at both ends of the ice, and he was the one prospect whose game really impressed me last night at Staples Center. He only had one shot on goal in 15 minutes, and took a poorly-timed penalty, but he worked tremendously hard at both ends, was strong on the puck and made good passes.
Loktionov is still probably a longshot to make the team this year. He probably could play wing, but his talents seem more suited to center, and it’s not a stretch to think he could fill a second-line role in the long term. For now, Loktionov is still in contention for a spot, and he impressed coach Terry Murray with his play last night. Here’s what Murray had to say…
MURRAY: “Loktionov has really improved on the physical side of the game. He’s becoming a man out there. He’s very strong. He has put a great deal of time in, in the last two years, to the offseason program. You can see that he’s such a focused guy. It is so narrow when he’s out there, his total concentration. He’s on the puck, and that’s why he is such a great puck-handler, because he really does work at it. … He is a playmaker and he sees the ice. He’s got great awareness on the ice, to make those kinds of plays, and as we see him move forward career in his career, he’s only going to get better at that part of his game.”
I agree, he was impressive last night. He looked and played bigger than I would have expected coming into the game.
What an outstanding late draft pick he was. Kudos to the Kings org and the scouts in particular for snagging him.
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harglebargle Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 11:21 am
@Pumpernicholl, it was Lombardi in particular. He flew all the way to the middle of nowhere in Russia to meet Loki and his family. 20 hours. Coach. That’s right, Dean flies coach.
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Deke'r Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 2:34 pm
@harglebargle, It may not have been his decision to fly coach, there are no “classes” in communist countries.
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RagBone Reply:
September 25th, 2010 at 4:12 pm
@Deke’r, Really? Then Why did Aeroflot charge me significantlt more when I flew business class to Russia?
Love this kid! Was the best prospect out there!! Highly unlikely, But i hope he makes it out of camp. He has some of the nicest hands Ive seen in a long time.
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luc20rules Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 7:54 pm
@Michael_DD8, Better than Schenn? I was at the game and yes Loki did impress, but Schenn played with that same attitude and played bigger than his frame as well. The difference being Schenn is 20 lb bigger than Loki. Schenn also found the front of the net on a regular basis. I think like Handzus and Smyth he will have a great career in front of the opponents crease.
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Michael_DD8 Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 11:42 pm
@luc20rules,
Im a fan of Schenn, hes a great player. But last night he did not impress me at all. He missed a wide open net ..(yes, sh*t happens), but he also missed getting the pucks first in the corners. His positioning was questionable at times also. As of Loki, he was just stellar. Just like TM pointed out, always in the right position, great heads up plays, and was involved in many scoring chances because of great head up passes. (IE: King, Doughty etc). He looked like he belonged on that PP line 1. Seemed like Schenn was having a ruff night though, and hold nothing against his talent. Im glad he did score.
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I agree he will be on this team in a year or two. Hope he has the patience to stick it out and not bolt to his homeland. It will seem longer for him because he was in the AHL playing professionally at 18 instead of juniors.
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Cutty Sarkn3ss Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 11:48 am
@regulate Your confused. That was Voinov who was playing in the AHL at 18. Lokti was playing for the Windsor Spitfires when they won the memorial cup in 08-09.
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regulate Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 11:57 am
@Cutty Sarkn3ss,
You are correct sir, he was in the AHL last year at 19. I stand corrected.
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Cutty Sarkn3ss Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 12:02 pm
@regulate,
It happens, those Russian names all rhyme with each other . . .
You know what?
Manchester this year is going to be GOOD.
Whomever the Kings don’t keep will be with the Monarchs (with only a few potential exceptions…), and a lot of those players are NHL ready, or very close to being so. Campbell, Muzzin, Loki, Hickey, Schenn, Zatkoff and a few others, will either make the team or be sent down.
Holly in Manchester should be very happy this year!
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Carey Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 11:54 am
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, Schenn can’t play in Manchester this season (or at least until his junior team is eliminated).
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
@Carey,
One of the exceptions…
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holly Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
Campbell always puts on a decent show early on, but fades by the holidays. Maybe this year will be different and most of my rage can be directed at a more worthy individual…
Like Zeiler. We’ll probably have him again seeing as Cluner can do the same job only better (and intentionally).
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BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 12:49 pm
@holly,
Think Campbell’s fade is a product of poor conditioning, or lack of long-term interest?
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holly Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
Hard to say. He doesn’t look tired, per se, but more along the lines of confused. It may be more of a mental issue, which sometimes are more difficult to overcome than the physical.
Take Josh Kidd, for example, he was a young guy that was fairly impressive (imo) as a potential stay at home. He was smart enough, big, and typically didn’t put the team in jeopardy. He was never going to be a top minutes earner, but he was safe. Physically and skill wise, he probably could’ve had a decent career, never a superstar but always earning a paycheck. He kind of reminded me a bit of Aaron Ward. Except that Ward clearly has a never ending passion for hockey and everything that goes with it. Kidd didn’t necessarily seem to have that. Now Kidd is off the grid (as far as I can tell) in the hockey world. Maybe off at art school or something, because he was a brilliant artist.
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
A person’s gotta do what they really want to do to succeed.
Thanks for the story about Josh Kidd…
Rich, what did you think of Moller’s game last night?
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Kingsfan11236417 Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 11:44 am
@Aaron,
He had two huge defensive zone break downs, where Yotes went flying past him. That’s been problem with Moller, he defensive play lacks for a center position (and Size). You have be able to play on both sides of the Puck in the NHL and Moller has had problems in his own zone. We heard Terry murray talk about it before and watching Last night looked the same. He got burned 2 times in the 1st period and coughed up the puck just outside the Kings blueline in the 2nd. Moller needs to change this if he wants to stay with the Club. He may make the team and just not dress, but I think he needs another year in Manchester. Plus the organization was trying to trade him in the offseason (for Kaberle in TOR and the Leafs didn’t want him) and I still think if they can use him they would.
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Quisp Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 12:18 pm
@Kingsfan11236417,
Ha ha ha.
First of all, please show me where Terry Murray ever said anything about Moller’s defensive play. Moller has always been reliable defensively. His first year (as an 18-19 yr old) it was frequently noticed that Moller was the first one back on the backcheck (and was used as a counter-example re Frolov, O’Sullivan, Moulson, Lewis, Purcell, etc.). His defensive numbers only suffered in his second year when he was saddled with Ivanans, which was unavoidable.
I missed the turn-overs you’re talking about (I was cooking dinner), but since there isn’t anyone on the Kings who has a higher hockey IQ than Moller, and there likely isn’t anyone who works harder, I seriously doubt Oscar has developed in one period of one preseason game some fatal flaw that he “must change if he wants to stay with the club.”
Also, re Kaberle for Moller, we all hear the same rumors you do. Try developing a b.s. detector.
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PRMan Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
@Quisp, With all due respect I would give the hockey IQ award to Simmonds hands-down.
But your other points remain. Still, Moller isn’t really close to playing for the Kings, but he would make the Islanders 2nd line in a heartbeat.
quisp Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
@Quisp,
I am not diminishing Simmonds. But Moller is gifted and, frankly, I don’t agree that he isn’t really close; he’s already been playing in the NHL for parts of two seasons (when he still had junior eligibility until now). I guess you’re saying, he will spend some time in Manchester this year. That’s certainly true.
holly Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 12:49 pm
@Quisp,
Seriously, Moller has a brilliant hockey mind.
Also guys, as I’ve said time and again, Moller isn’t that small. He’s a solid 5’11 in height (and really, probably equally close to 6′ as he is to 5’11) and built like a wall. The guy was perhaps one of the strongest Monarchs to be iced last year, Bagnall and Westgarth aside. He in no way, shape, or form has a small physique. He’s very broad in the upper body.
quisp Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 12:54 pm
@prman
Also, keep in mind that (for example) Parise hadn’t even played an NHL game yet when he was Moller’s age. He scored 14 in his rookie season, when he was 21-22. Cammalleri had 5 NHL goals by the time he was Moller’s age. Managed 14 over his first two seasons with the Kings. Oscar has 11 so far. And he was three years younger. And taller.
sstephen17 Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
@Quisp, I was at the game and I can’t recall two huge defensive breakdowns by Moller. I do recall him backchecking very well and being pretty good position wise. He also had a nice play on the PK, crossing the blue line, looking up to see two defenders back, and dumping it in instead of trying to take it alone.
Not sure if Moller has the highest hockey IQ (after all it’s all in their heads right?) but when Doughty is out there, on several occasions you can actually hear him yelling directions to teammates. He does a lot of pointing and gesturing too, which is probably a mix of leadership and hockey IQ.
I’ve said it before, I’d like to see Moller play with some more gifted wingers and see what kind of numbers he can produce.
dan Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
@PRMan
wow, simmonds? really? he works hard and plays tough but he has one of the worst hockey IQ’s ive ever seen. he never makes the right play with the puck going into the offensive zone, his bad descisions dont cost goals to often, but they take away from his line mates scoring. he has no concept of when to pass and to who. simmonds? really? i cant be alone on this on here, and i know im not. (and as far as the few ex-kings ive talked to about this matter, they agree). hes frustrating to watch in the other teams zone. im guessing you never played hockey PRMan.
number 6 Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 4:34 pm
@dan
You say:…..re: Simmonds.. he has one of the worst hockey IQ’s ive ever seen. he never makes the right play with the puck going into the offensive zone, his bad descisions dont cost goals to often, but they take away from his line mates scoring. he has no concept of when to pass and to who. simmonds? really? i cant be alone on this on here
He does??? One of the worst hocky IQ’s you’ve ever seen. I have no idea who you’re watching then. He’s the African American guy on our team. Are you sure you’re watching the right guy. His hockey IQ certainly doesn’t challenge Crosby or Parise, but REALLY, one of the worst hockey IQ’s you’ve ever seen. Geez. You of course have every right to your opinion.
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dan Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 4:59 pm
@number 6, haha yeah i know hes the black one. imo he would be a tremendous 3rd liner due to his work ethic and speed, but he doesnt have the creativity to create time and space for his line and makes the wrong play too often. in the neutral zone and defensive zone hes a huge asset, stripping pucks and making some great hits. but when hes taking the puck into the offensive zone, unless he dumps it, nothing really ever ends up happening, they either hit him, he gets his passes intercepted, or he passes it to someone thats not open- but i think those mostly have to do with he has his head down too much when hes got pocession. he is still young, but im not sure thats something you can learn. ok, maybe i was harsh to say worst ive ever seen, but it was only in response to a claim that he has the best hockey IQ on the team, i guess that rubbed me the wrong way because all i see are mental mistakes. and speaking of young and a phenomenal IQ, its doughty. that kid is already the best Dman in the show, with nowhere to go but up. its so rare to find a sound Dman thats also entertaining to watch. and while im rolling with the defense- i dont see any other team with such a solid blueline. thank god we got rid of o’donnell and jones, who knows how far we could of went in the playoffs without them losing games all on their own. DL is building a dynasty- this is going to be a remarkable kings season.
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number 6 Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 5:34 pm
@dan,
Thanks Dan. That’s much more appropriate is all. If you think back to the goal that Simmonds scored vs. Vanc in the playoffs, I felt that was a result not only of hustle but good ‘hockey sense’ …. knowing how to follow up the play etc.
Also, I live in ny so I don’t see loads of him, but I do remember thinking on several occasions when he was in the ‘o’ zone that he made the ‘right’ play. Even though it may not be max creativity it’s still significant. Yeah, not sure what his ceiling is. Some people say Iginla. I don’t see That, but at least he’s got ‘something’ happening.
As for Doughty, when you (me) start tittering when watching him make certain plays, it’s an indication you’re watching like a Picasso on skates. So it’s not really fair to compare most anyone in the NHL to him except a very few other players.
That’s really all. Anyway, I think we meet in the middle
dan Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 6:05 pm
@number 6
yeah i dont see him putting up any 50 goal seasons like iginla, (who would look MUCH better in a kings jersey i think) but i can see simmonds having some good 20-25 goal seasons if hes with the right players and if he beefs up and gets stronger on his feet. and calling doughty picasso on skates seems very accurate. when he gets the puck you think ‘here we go, whats he gonna do now?’ and youre right, theres maybe a hand full of players in the NHL that rival him. but none are Dmen.
Too small…
If you are that small, you better have some Marcel Dionne type game to bring to the table.
Otherwise, you are always pushing uphill.
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Rich, a HUGE favor to ask:
is it possible, on the right hand side of the site where you have all the links to the various blogs of the 29 other teams, to put each teams beat writer’s/persons of your stature’s twitter address (i know not everyone has an account)?
not a big tweeter myself (0 tweets), but during the week(s) of Kovalchuk in early July, i set myself up with an account. as a news source, its a great tool and if i have diff teams writers as someone i’m following, i could get what they have to say (like when adater called Nolan bush league the other day) as opposed to searching it out.
i know you are an extremely busy man and this request comes solely from my laziness;) but would be greatly appreciated whenever you may find the time.
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jayhay Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 12:06 pm
@jayhay,
ps–when i do go to the other teams blogs and they have the same feature in regards to blogsites for the dirrent teams, they ALWAYS direct the “kings” to the daily news blogsite. all your colleagues are not doing their readers justice!
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Loktionov did not look out of place offensively and on the power play handled the puck well. As with many young players learning the defensive side takes time and he would still be a liability for a while yet….he did look much bigger and stronger than last year and made a couple nice passes that could have ended in goals….The Coyotes looked quicker and smoother than the Kings last night but I felt the Kings appeared much bigger and stronger…we’re not going to be a fun team to play against this year…
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If Loktionov keeps looking good, then the pressure is on Stoll to stay ahead of him. Once the Kings decide Loktionov is better than Stoll, they will try to move Stoll. Keep an eye out for Stoll trade rumours — there are already some out there.
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DougS Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
@Purple Ghost,
Yes, I suspect that there will be multiple sources of pressure on Stoll this year. It looks like Schenn, Moller, Parse and now Lokti are all gunning for spots on the second line. If two of those four are too good to sit or send down, then Stoll is probably the odd man out. I would not be completely surprised if he is traded before the deadline.
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tuan jim Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 4:05 pm
@DougS,
Then who replaces Stoll as a face-off man?
He also plays well on the PK. And his points may not be dramatic, but they’re steady from year to year.
What player could we get in trade who’s as versatile?
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Treat him like Bernier. Send him down to Manchester with the instructions to dominate lesser competion and then let he and Schenn duke it out for the second-line center spot next year.
That’s what great about being a Kings fan these days. They’re a good team now but will only get better in the next couple years as core players reach their prime and prospects become NHLers.
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Please everyone no more Stoll trade rumors until one these kids shows us faceoff ability.I mean at crunch time he is very good in our zone as well.He might need to lighten his shot but thats it.Shots that hard are very hard to control.When i played D i had to let up just a little.6,2 230 then.
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DougS Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 1:56 pm
@rumpa#19,
Speaking for myself: What I meant is that Stoll will become expendable if — and *only* if — one or more of the young guys I mentioned prove to TM and DL that they can do what Stoll can do. I wouldn’t be surprised if that happens this season, but it’s not a lock.
Until then, Stoll will be indispensable for the reason you say. And it would be foolish for the Kings to trade a veteran like him unless they were pretty certain that they could replace him adequately with a younger guy with a higher long-term upside.
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Nothing at all against Brown, but I believe when DD gets focused on physical conditioning he will be the captain of the Kings. Brown’s done a great job, but I think DD gets 6 minutes more of ice time a game and just maybe more effective leading on ice. At the same time Brown is the definately the right guy for the job right now.
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