After today’s roster cuts, this is the list of remaining players in Kings training camp. (A list of the players, with bios, can be found by clicking here)
Forwards (19):
Dustin Brown, Kyle Clifford, Rich Clune, Michal Handzus, Ray Kaunisto, Anze Kopitar, Trevor Lewis, Andrei Loktionov, Oscar Moller, Scott Parse, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Brad Richardson, Brayden Schenn, Wayne Simmonds, Jarret Stoll, Ryan Smyth, Kevin Westgarth, Justin Williams, John Zeiler.
Defensemen (11):
Andrew Campbell, Davis Drewiske, Drew Doughty, Johan Fransson, Peter Harrold, Thomas Hickey, Jack Johnson, Alec Martinez, Willie Mitchell, Jake Muzzin, Rob Scuderi.
Goalies (3):
Jonathan Bernier, Erik Ersberg, Jonathan Quick.
Injured (4):
Marc-Andre Cliche, F; Matt Greene, D; Colten Teubert, D; Viatcheslav Voynov, D.
Here’s some roster analysis as well…
I’m told that the Kings will alter their schedule going forward, and go to one practice group, starting at 10 a.m. That will make for some busy ice. Do the math, and you’ll see that the Kings need to make 10 more cuts to get to 23 (presuming that none of the four injured players will be ready to go on Oct. 9).
Break it down further, and presume that 11 forwards (I’m including Westgarth) have secured roster spots. Presume that Kaunisto probably isn’t going to make it. That leaves, in my opinion, one spot for either Clune or Zeiler (I think one will make it, but not both…probably Clune) and two spots up for competition from among a group of five: Clifford, Lewis, Loktionov, Moller, Schenn. At this point, that’s anybody’s guess.
On defense, presume that five defensemen — including Drewiske but not including the injured Greene — have secured spots. That leaves two spots up for competition from among a group of six: Campbell, Fransson, Harrold, Hickey, Martinez and Muzzin. The wild card in all of this could be Harrold. Since he can play forward, it leaves open the possibility that the Kings could carry one spare forward and two spare defensemen (including the hybrid Harrold). That doesn’t seem likely to me, though.
In goal, the math is clear. Either Bernier or Ersberg is sticking around, but not both (barring injury). Again, with the possible exception of Corey Elkins, this is playing out pretty much as we expected so far. Manchester Monarchs camp is scheduled to open Tuesday at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, N.H.
Rich,
Thanks for the breakdown. I am a big Harry fan, and was wondering if his contract would make him clear waivers (not likely) if he was assigned.
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Here is how I see it.
Smyth – Kopitar – Brown
xxx – Stoll – Williams
Ponikarovsky – Handzus – Simmonds
Richardson – xxx – Westgarth
With the following battling it out for two spots:
Parse, Clifford, Clune, Kaunisto, Lewis, Loktionov, Moller, Schenn, and Zeiler
Note that I think the fourth line will include Clune and Westgarth rotating as the scratches. I think that Lewis will take the fourth line center role. I think Parse will take second line left wing, with Loktionov or Moller being the first call up if Parse can’t handle it.
For defense we have:
Doughty-Mitchell
Johnson-Scuderi
xxx-xxx
With the following battling it out for two spots:
Campbell, Drewiske, Fransson, Harrold, Hickey, Martinez, Muzzin
I think that the bottom pairing will be Drewiske-Hickey with Harrold as the scratch, then once Greene comes back it will be Hickey-Greene with Drewiske sitting and Harrold being shipped out.
The goalie situation seems simple, Quick and Bernier. Sorry Ersberg, maybe someone will take him for a low pick. Manchester is already full.
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Reality Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 5:11 pm
@markisonfire, /agree with this assessment as well
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BluLiner Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 5:17 pm
@markisonfire,
I agree except for two things -
With 23 roster spots that leaves one more spot
- Schenn (before Lokti or Moller); No place else for Schenn to go for such big talent.
When Green comes back, Harrold will stay and Hickey will be out.
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zubini Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 6:22 pm
@markisonfire, For LW of the second line murray has said that its going to be Parse.
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markisonfire Reply:
September 25th, 2010 at 2:41 am
@zubini, I know that Murray has said Parse is the second line left wing, and I fully believe that Parse takes it to start the year. This lineup is definitely more of our full-season holes that the Kings have
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Wow!
Loktionov had a +/- of +28 last year playing for the Windsor Spitfires in the OHL.
In the playoffs for the same he had a +/- of +18 in just 20 games.
I hope the Kings give him a fair chance this year to play in the big show…if for no other reason than to give him the experience…but…who knows?
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KC23 Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 6:23 pm
@rontheking,
He is my pick for the surprise player to make the team (Loktionov).
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dmh012 Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 8:40 pm
@rontheking,
that was 2 years ago. Loktionov played in Manchester last year, before getting hurt in his Kings debut
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rontheking Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 9:09 pm
@dmh012,
Thanks for correcting me (the Kings didn’t have last year’s totals in their bio, other than the one game he played in L.A.).
So last year he was only able to play in 24 games for the Monarchs, but he did total 29 points in those to go along with a +8 rating.
Not too shabby.
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Michael_DD8 Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 11:32 pm
@rontheking,
Any player to be a star on WINDSOR is truly hard, and thats what Lokti was. Windsor just keeps spitting out great players from the dub show (WHL) and we are lucky to have him. really pushing for him to make it.
-J Reply:
September 25th, 2010 at 8:33 am
@Michael_DD8
um… Windsor is in the OHL, bro.
Michael_DD8 Reply:
September 25th, 2010 at 10:05 am
@rontheking,
Damn fail , Meant the O Show!! (ohl)! Sorry was playing nhl 11 all night with whl teams haha .
HOPEFUL DOES NOT MAKE A TEAMFUL
THE KINGS HAVE ENOUGH TALENT TO KEEP THEM IN THE GAME BUT NOT ENOUGH TO GET THEM PAST THE FIRST ROUND…SECOND ROUND MAX, BUT THAT IS UNLIKELY.
THE END RESULT…SWIMMING, OR SHOULD I SAY SKATING IN PLACE.
AT THE YOUNG GUYS GET A BIT OLDER AND GAIN EXPERIENCE, THE OLDER GUYS GET A OLDER AND LOOSE A STEP.
IN THAT SENSE THE KINGS ARE SKATING IN PLACE.
PUT TOGETHER A PACKAGE THAT INCLUDES A YOUNG UP AND COMER WITH AN OLDER PLAYER THAT HAS A FEW GOOD YEARS LEFT AND GET THAT 50+ GOAL SCORING 1ST LINER NOW.
THIS IS NOT TO SUGGEST A TRADER GEORGE TYPE OF DESPERATION DEAL OR SHORT SIGHTED MENTALITY, BUT A CREDIBLE OFFER THAT BENEFITS ALL PARTICIPATING TEAMS.
OTHERWISE IT WILL BE ANOTHER YEAR OR LONGER OF SKATING IN PLACE.
NOT EASY AND PERHAPS PAINFUL TO DO, BUT NECESSARY.
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Deke'r Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 6:46 pm
@STEVE L., Yeah…….perhaps next year….
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Hat Trick Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 7:26 pm
@STEVE L.,
Your STATEMENT seems to be selling our team short, especially the younger players. Is it “hopeful” to think our younger players might improve, even if slightly. If players are now reaching their peak at 22 or so, then I guess we will be “skating in place”, and so would many of the other teams. How many other teams have older players thet will lose a step. How many teams in the Western Conference added a 50 goal scorer? A 40 goal scorer? FYI, Chicago won the cup with 1 30 goal scorer.
We have a lot of time before the trading deadline to evaluate our team, and see what might be available to improve the team. In a few months, you will be changing your view of this team.
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rontheking Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 8:00 pm
@STEVE L.,
Dude!
Two points to make here:
First of all, who on the Kings’ roster is old enough to have lost a step? The core of this team hasn’t even reached its prime….
Secondly, do you have to YELL?
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OneTimer Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 10:39 pm
@rontheking,
The core (or as Steve L would say … THE CORE) of this team is actually 4-6 years away from reaching their “true prime” (based on typical/traditional age in the NHL.)
And THAT’s what is so wonderfully scary (SCARY) about the talent we’ve now put together. We really are just seeing the tip of the iceberg. Question will remain: how many of them we can keep together, and for how long …
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rontheking Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 11:05 pm
@OneTimer,
Exactly.
And it is scary, in a very cool way which is worth YELLING about…but I think we should just speak softly and enjoy the ride.
I’ve been around long enough to see where this is headed….
It just blows my mind that there are still kings’ fans out there who don’t realize or appreciate the genius of Lombardi and what he’s doing….
ike Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 11:06 pm
@STEVE L., Interesting thoughts. Now which 50+ goal scorer do you propose the kings could get for a young and old player package?
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rontheking Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 11:30 pm
@ike,
Yeah, and who would the old player be? Do we have any?
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jet Reply:
September 25th, 2010 at 4:32 am
@STEVE L., It is too bad you did not have an opportunity to see any games last year. This is not your father’s Kings team. The reality is that we will have 8 or 9 guys who could play on the Kings, but will not have a slot available to them.
It is sick to go over 100 points and to have to play the number 5 team in the NHL in the first round. If Lu does not rob Symth from 10 feet out, we may have gone on.
Try to catch a game or two this season, it is going to be fun.
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OneTimer Reply:
September 25th, 2010 at 10:32 am
@jet,
@rontheking,
Applause, sirs!
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I hope Kopitar makes the final cut; he’s my favorite player!
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I hope so too, bit of a longshot though.
Lol
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fourtunato Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 8:44 pm
@K,
In case you guys don’t know, Kopitar is signed to a multi year contract and is a lock to make the team.
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BringBackTheShieldJersey Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 8:49 pm
@fourtunato,
DUH!
You just failed the “Does respondant have a sense of humor?” part of the test.
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David Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 10:01 pm
@BringBackTheShieldJersey,
Or the “Does respondant recognize sarcasm part”
Moondoggie Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 10:41 pm
@BringBackTheShieldJersey, *LMAO*!!!!!
OneTimer Reply:
September 25th, 2010 at 10:37 am
@fourtunato,
lol. Actually, I sense a double-cross:
I think you all may have failed your own test by thinking fourtunato was serious?!
(At least I HOPE so, otherwise … WOW.)
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fourtunato Reply:
September 25th, 2010 at 11:56 pm
@OneTimer,
We have all moved on from this thread I suppose but I just could not help myself with that post.
I hope that kid Doughty makes the final cut he looks like he’ll do ok in the NHL
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fourtunato Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 8:46 pm
@Dan SanDonkey,
When did we draft him? did we get him in a trade? I’ve not hear of him.
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I almost feel bad for Erberg and I do wish him future luck. He did everything that was asked of him and did it with a good attitude. Esberg was a true King
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Got a nickname for Westgarth.
THE KRAKEN
RELEASE THE KRAKEN!!!
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dan Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 7:18 pm
@KC23,
sounds good as long as he keeps breaking jaws!
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KC23 Reply:
September 25th, 2010 at 8:21 am
@dan,
Kevin “The Kraken” Westgarth. I just think it has a nice ring to it.
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MR King Reply:
September 25th, 2010 at 10:16 am
@KC23,
Might as well just call him Kraken Westgarth
rontheking Reply:
September 25th, 2010 at 11:55 am
@KC23,
Indeed it does…and there is nothing sweeter than a big jawbreaker!
Hey thanks for the update Rich, cant wait for hockey season… I have a question though about Schenn, if anyone or rich can answer it.
From what ive heard, there are 2 choices for Schenn this year…. NHL or back to juniors. I belive putting him back in the juniors is a bad idea, since he is obviously better then juniors. IMO id like to see him play a year in manchester, but i know he cant. Why can’t Schenn play a season in AHL, what is it bout him that makes him uneligible for an Manchester roster spot???
Thanks.
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GoKings09 Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 8:38 pm
@LAfan13,
In order to go to play professionally a player must be turn 20 by the end of the year or else go back to juniors. Foreign players like Lokti are exempt from this rule and can go to juniors(like Lokti did his first year over in North America) or to the AHL(like he did last year). The other way to go to AHL is if player has 4 years of junior already. College players are also exempt from this rule. So Schenn and Clifford as well have to go to juniors or make the Kings, which sucks because both would probably ideally play in Manchester to start the year if it weren’t for the rule.
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LAfan13 Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 9:04 pm
@GoKings09,
Ahhh ok ok, figured Age would be the issue. Well i hope Schenn doesnt go back to juniors. It would be a waist in my opinion. last season he was
GP)59 G)34 A)65 Pts)99
Think hes bout ready for a step up in competition. But there are also some other guys who are ready for the club now IMO. Should be interesting how it all pans out.
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DougS Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 10:13 pm
@LAfan13,
Most definitely, Schenn doesn’t have anything left to prove at the juniors level. I think that the odds are pretty good that he makes the team out of camp (partly for that reason). But right now, I suspect DL and the coaches want to create a dogfight mentality among the young guys competing for the remaining spots, to see who will work the hardest and show that they want it the most.
Marc Reply:
September 25th, 2010 at 3:55 am
@GoKings09,
I’ve always thought that rule was B.S. It’s only purpose is to give preferential treatment to Canadian Junior leagues. Why? American colleges don’t get that kind of preference. I don’t see why a player should be forced to make it to the NHL or go back to juniors. If the best move is to send him to the AHL or ECHL the team should be free to make that choice.
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So if I read this right, tomorrow’s practice is now one group and starts at 10am instead of 9:30?
I’m heading to check it out in the morning and just want to make sure.
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i’d rather see the Kings keep Lewis, Harrold or Clifford over Clune & Zeiler. With Clifford the Kings are solid in the fight game.
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DougS Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
@vicarious,
I’m actually kind of surprised that Zeiler is still around. He actually predates all of those guys in terms of service with the organization, IIRC. I guess his ELC hasn’t expired yet?
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Insider#2 Reply:
September 24th, 2010 at 11:24 pm
@DougS, I’m not Surprized that Z is Still here at all; he’s in the last year of a one way contract and the coaches want to see if he can bring something to the Kings. I actually think he has a better chance of making the team than Clune based on he’s making NHl money and is a better defensive player.
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PRMan Reply:
September 25th, 2010 at 10:01 am
@vicarious, Actually, Clune and Zeiler have been the ones that played well so far. Or does that matter when choosing who should stay?
Clifford’s obvious instigator penalty killed the Kings in the preseason game. We can’t have that sort of thing when it actually counts.
Westgarth and Clune should be a fine pair for fighting, along with JJ and Wayne.
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I wouldn’t want to be DL this year for anything…
Up front, I’ll take Lotki & Clifford. Lotki has bulked up, he’s a good skater and has a wicked shot, decent passer/set up man too. With Clifford, you get a Westie who can shoot, skate & score. The bruddah has grit, no question. However, it could easily go to either Moller (damn, I love Oscar, his intensity and what he brings to the team in terms of leadership & skill) or Schenn. Based upon what I’ve seen, I don’t think Lewis makes the team, the other candidates have passed him. I think Oscar goes back to Manchester for some more bulking up; he still looks very small out there while Lotki looks twice the size he was when the Kings signed him. True, there is nothing left for Schenn to prove at Brandon, it’s a tough call either way.
Defense, this one is a little easier. I think Hickey makes the team this year with Fransson. I’d like to see Muzzin and in another year I’m certain we will. Fransson seems to be a little better with the puck, a cleaner breakout and more experienced.
Again, based upon the amount of talent that Manchester has, this is a real tough call too but not as difficult as which forwards DL will keep.
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As Loki could stay another year in Manchester, and there really is no rush, i still feel like he has what i takes to be on this team full time. He looked great last night on the 1st PP line, and he set up NUMEROUS scoring chances that unfortunately others blew. His size looks great, and his speed is right on cue with the NHL. I reallly want this kid on our team.
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number 6 Reply:
September 25th, 2010 at 7:46 am
@Michael_DD8,
He sounds great!! Brings two elements we desperately need…… more creativity and speed.
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Moondoggie Reply:
September 25th, 2010 at 12:24 pm
@number 6, Yea, that was the word I was looking for, creativity. Oscar is the same way, great speed but he doesn’t have the size that Lokti has. Schenn makes this decision even that more difficult; throw in Clifford who can skate, pass, shoot, score and brings the physical presence too, kind of a Dale Hunter type. This kid has talent written all over him and will be a very good player in this league.
Ultimately I’d go with Lokti but it is a great situation to be in.
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How many other teams can say they just don’t have enough room on the roster for top prospects?
I hope the kids all play great and make this an incredibly difficult job for DL/TM.
I think this is the year Schenn gets an opportunity..but again, plenty of other top prospects have the chance to beat him out.
On defense..I would think Harrold would make it as the 7th D’man. Even when Greene comes back, I would rather have him as a 7th than a guy like Hickey sitting in the press box.
Same as with our forwards, we’re talking about top prospects battling it out for only a couple of spots.
This season and the long term future of this team..the sky’s the limit!
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Moondoggie Reply:
September 25th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
@nykingfan, Hey Ny…How ya doin? Been wondering what you were up to….
Good argument for keeping Harrold; he did save the Kings butts more than once last year. He’s the guy you want to step in if someone gets injured. Greener is going to be back, probably sooner than later; his absence will definitely be missed short term. I hear what you’re saying about Hicks but shoot, he has amazing on ice vision and he just doesn’t make mistakes. Plus he’s great breakout guy, someone who will set the table for the forwards which we need desperately. Unfortunately JMFJ & Dewey can’t do it all by themselves.
One thing you’ve gotta admit, DL has assembled one hellevua team. I agree with most here, we don’t need to sign a 50 goal scorer. The pieces are now in place for the Kings to develop one of their own. They said we couldn’t do it in goal, now we’re over loaded. Until Blake came along, the Kings had never really developed a solid defenseman either.
The opportunity is there, the time is now….
LGK!!!
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I did not think that Kolomatis, Zeiler, and Kaunisto would survive the first cut. On the other hand, I didnt think Elkins, and Deslauriers would be sent back after the first cut.
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jayhay Reply:
September 25th, 2010 at 12:22 pm
@puck73,
Deslauriers has a bright future and the kings are pretty high on him. but he’s very young and has much work to do, from what i’ve heard Hex say. i think we can expect a big year from him in the Q and would hope he’s in line for a spot on the CAN U-20 team in late Dec.
Schenn was a last cut last year, and i think he genuinely almost made the squad. Deslauriers was nowhere near that achievement this camp.
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Good group. Really excited for that competition in the forward slot.
I know a lot of people like Hickey to get the nod for that last dman spot…but I DEFINITELY wouldn’t count out Andrew Campbell as a dark horse. He made it deep in the cuts last preseason also….seems like the org is pretty high on him. I expect him to play a few games with us this year.
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DLB Reply:
September 25th, 2010 at 11:21 am
@Jason, I don’t know much about him, can anyone add anything? He’s a big tough type, right?
We do need that kind of guy for a Green replacement, but it also would be so useful to have another puck-mover (a Randy Jones upgrade, hooray). Things are getting interesting.
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I think if Dallas keeps stinking it up, LA should go after Brad Richards; This is the final year of his contract, and he can solidify the #2 center position should the Kings be making a serious push. Package together Stoll, a grinder or prospect and a 2nd or 3rd Round pick.
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Anybody know what would happen to Schenn if he made the team initially and say after a month or so wasn’t making the grade? As he is too young to go to Manchester, does he then have to go back to his college team after playing in the NHL? That would Suck!
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