60 Comments

1. David says:

   September 25, 2010 at 12:16 pm

   How about kopi doughty Johnson???

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   GkingsG Reply:
   September 25th, 2010 at 4:39 pm

   @David, That’s who i wish were at the top.

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2. crashin' da net says:

   September 25, 2010 at 12:21 pm

   Lokti scoring alot of points with me. Go ahead……..prove me wrong JW. I dare ya!

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   Dominick Reply:
   September 25th, 2010 at 12:42 pm

   @crashin’ da net,
   I hope he does! Not only for the Kings sake, but selfishly because I want ot see you to eat crow.LOL

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   4ndr3y Reply:
   September 25th, 2010 at 1:19 pm

   @crashin’ da net,

   Loktionovs high score on tests such as this shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. Kid was a nutrition freak while playing for Windsor.
   Fact is that he was the 2nd scorer (2pts less than Taylor Hall) of the Spitfires 2 years ago in their memorial cup run.

   With some seasoning it wouldn’t surprise me if he could play on the 2nd or 3rd line for LA.

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3. VanKingsFan says:

   September 25, 2010 at 12:26 pm

   1. CLune and Clifford are fighting for the exact same spot on the team,it will be one of the two of them that makes it on the fourth line, doubtful both.

   2. Lokti… WOW! Schenn who

   3. Willie – Great to see, just please be careful

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   Kingofkings Reply:
   September 25th, 2010 at 12:36 pm

   @VanKingsFan, You are right on the mark!

   No sense on giving Schenn or Clifford spots unless they are “better” than their competition… and right now Lokti is playing with a purpose!

   Got to love the competition DL has brought here!

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   Moondoggie Reply:
   September 25th, 2010 at 12:52 pm

   @Kingofkings, Yea…..It is becoming increasingly difficult for the Kings to send Lokti back to Manchester. I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t make the club.

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   Moondoggie Reply:
   September 25th, 2010 at 12:44 pm

   @VanKingsFan, MAJOR WOW but it does speak volumes for their work ethic. Are there any surprises there? Probably not, well maybe one…..

   Honestly, I didn’t think Lokti would score that high but obviously he’s proving everyone wrong this season and he obviously wants to make the team this year, badly. I think he has a great shot; I’ve said it before, I love Oscar but Lokti seems to have passed them all going full speed, Schenn included.

   Willie, couldn’t agree with you more, just stay healthy dude. The Kings are such a great club when he’s in there, playing his game. Most great players who put everything out on the ice every night suffer injuries throughout their careers. Look at what the guy did last spring, coming back the way he did? The dude has more heart than most pro athletes but I am partial to hockey players. He truly gives it his all. I hope he sticks around and gives the Kings a great season.

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4. Chris McNab says:

   September 25, 2010 at 12:27 pm

   Great to see Justin Williams so high in the list

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   BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
   September 25th, 2010 at 1:42 pm

   @Chris McNab,

   No kidding!

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5. VanKingsFan says:

   September 25, 2010 at 12:28 pm

   In perfect world in two years when zeus and stolls contracts run out.. Lokti and Schenn step right in behind Kopi

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   Joel Reply:
   September 25th, 2010 at 12:36 pm

   @VanKingsFan, After this season, I think Handzus and Williams get phased out to make room for the young guys. After next season it will be Stoll and maybe Smyth.

   We’re starting to see the genius in the Lombardi/Solomon system. These guys will hit the ground running once they’re called up.

   I just have no idea who I would send down now if I were Lombardi. I’d like to see Loktionov get a shot sooner rather than later.

   I’m not surprised about Brown. He looks like he has so much more energy at the start of camp.

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   Moondoggie Reply:
   September 25th, 2010 at 12:50 pm

   @Joel, I like your comment about the genius in the Lombardi/Solomon system. It’s now set up as a club within a club, a system that can feed itself. The Kings ultimately won’t have to go after overpriced UFA’s as they can develop their own internally which is a far better way of building and maintaining a team. We’re just now beginning to see the fruits of DL’s labor.

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   Dominick Reply:
   September 25th, 2010 at 1:30 pm

   @Moondoggie,
   I love the way Detroit lost guys like Fedorov, Yzerman, and a whole host of others, and yet had guys in their sytsem that like Datsyuk, Zetterburg, Fillpua, Franzen and a whole host of others, who could step in.

   Detroit specifically targeted these guys for specific roles, and developed them to succeed. This was done without a lot of losing seasons, or high draft picks.

   I believe the Kings are headed in this direction, and that we’re only at the tip of the Iceburg now with the Kings. It’s only a matter of time before we see a total turn around in expectations, from the Kings organization, and it’s fans.

   

   Moondoggie Reply:
   September 25th, 2010 at 3:00 pm

   @Dominick, Detroit is a perfect example of what DL is doing, feeding and building the organization from within.

   

   Moondoggie Reply:
   September 25th, 2010 at 3:03 pm

   @Dominick, Also, I couldn’t agree more….We’re just now seeing what is the tip of the iceberg with the Kings successes, both present and the future.
6. jayhay says:

   September 25, 2010 at 12:29 pm

   i guess a 34 year old’s (Smyth) “best shape of his life” isnt quite what a 19/20 year old’s “camp shape” is. very pleasantly surprised to see Willy’s name in there. maybe, maybe we can see a season of 78+ games from him. imagine the possibilities if Kopitar and Doughty ever got their names on that list.

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   Agame Reply:
   September 25th, 2010 at 12:46 pm

   @jayhay, Those two are skilled players, who make circles around top 5 on that list!

   Kopi needs someone on his RWm who is not so selfish in O-zone. I’ve seen a youtube video from traning camp, where Brown selfishly shots and misses on goal and Kopi gestures something in Browns directon!

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   jofa6000 Reply:
   September 25th, 2010 at 7:11 pm

   @Agame, puting one on the net is not a problem but missing it is.

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   DougS Reply:
   September 25th, 2010 at 12:48 pm

   @jayhay,
   Yes, and I wonder if DL is a little disappointed that they aren’t in the top 5, given that he’s publicly said that Kopi and Doughty need to get in better shape.

   Mad props to JW, though. Gotta love the heart and the drive for redemption. Staying fit should help him stay healthy, too.

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   Christian T Reply:
   September 25th, 2010 at 1:08 pm

   @DougS, Remember just because they are not in the top five it doesn’t mean that they are not in shape. I bet there is very little difference between the 5 and 10 spots.

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7. Josh E. says:

   September 25, 2010 at 12:32 pm

   Gotta love Brown setting the example!

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   Moondoggie Reply:
   September 25th, 2010 at 12:46 pm

   @Josh E., So true, that’s why he gets to wear the “C”….Brownie epitomizes the word grit.

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8. Doc. Mark 1968 says:

   September 25, 2010 at 12:53 pm

   This is nothing.

   I can beat any of these guy’s time when it comes to getting off my couch, getting a fresh beer, making a sandwich, and sitting back down again.

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   Moondoggie Reply:
   September 25th, 2010 at 12:54 pm

   @Doc. Mark 1968, *LOL*! Can’t we all???

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   Dominick Reply:
   September 25th, 2010 at 1:01 pm

   @Moondoggie,
   I complain when I lose valuable time waiting for more than 3 minutes for my pizza in the microwave to cook.lol

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   Moondoggie Reply:
   September 25th, 2010 at 1:04 pm

   @Dominick, Ain’t that the truth??? *LOL*

   

   Belexes Reply:
   September 25th, 2010 at 2:48 pm

   @Doc. Mark 1968,

   You mean you don’t have somebody else get it like I do??

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   Moondoggie Reply:
   September 25th, 2010 at 3:05 pm

   @Belexes, Ouch! That was good….This would make a great action-TV show…”Battle of the Sloth’s” *LOL*

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   Doc. Mark 1968 Reply:
   September 25th, 2010 at 3:15 pm

   @Belexes,

   Sweet!!

   Laughing my ass off!!!…

   Maybe one day, I need to work on it.

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   Dominick Reply:
   September 25th, 2010 at 5:50 pm

   @Belexes,
   I’d tell my girlfriend, but she’ll just say “when I get a ring on my finger”. I’ll be forced to reply “I like your finger the way it is. I’ll get my own pizza”. Then she’ll start pouting, and I’ll feel bad for about a minute. Better to do it myself.

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9. Sydor25 says:

   September 25, 2010 at 12:56 pm

   I would be more interested in the bottom 5.

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   jayhay Reply:
   September 25th, 2010 at 1:26 pm

   @Sydor25,
   I would think that list of 5 are currently in Manchester or part of the list that was given their out right release.

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10. Pitty says:

    September 25, 2010 at 12:59 pm

    @jayhay,

    Yea I would have liked to see Kopi and Drew on that list and from his comments after last season so would Dean. To be honest there’s no reason in the world for them not to be in the top five.

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    Sydor25 Reply:
    September 25th, 2010 at 1:04 pm

    @Pitty,

    I don’t think that Doughty or Kopitar have the body type to be top five. Knowing who has improved the most year to year is more important. If Doughty went from number 30 to 15, that would be huge.

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    guuny Reply:
    September 25th, 2010 at 1:13 pm

    @Sydor25, im sure dean lombardi has graphs and charts showing the progress or regress of each player. also would have liked to have seen teubert. they all seem to be forwards so dunno if that means anything. maybe the tests are geared toward more skill then stamina?

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    jayhay Reply:
    September 25th, 2010 at 1:15 pm

    @Sydor25,
    True, the list is not all telling.

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    Skebo Reply:
    September 25th, 2010 at 1:11 pm

    @Pitty, Doughnuts definitely appears to be in better shape. He’s is by no means chiseled, but he’s lost a little of that baby fat in his face.

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    RoyalPain Reply:
    September 25th, 2010 at 6:08 pm

    @Skebo,

    Yeah, I also noticed that his face seemed leaner. Its scary to think that he will improve over the next few years as he gains experience and gets in top shape.

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11. stagger says:

    September 25, 2010 at 1:08 pm

    I would like to see the rest of the list. Maybe Kopi is sixth? If not I hope both he and DD at least improved from where they were last year.

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12. guuny says:

    September 25, 2010 at 1:09 pm

    i am curious as to what these tests are exactly. and how each person fared, but more importantly it is interesting to see what the kings brass deem important. are these kings specific tests? are they league wide? are the like the tests at the combine? anyone? anyone?

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13. Dominick says:

    September 25, 2010 at 1:09 pm

    Not surprised to see Kopi and DD not top out the list as best physical shape. However, I’d be interested to see the list for most improved. Any conditioning improvements from those 2 would be an iprovement on their overall game, which is already head of the class.

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14. 4ndr3y says:

    September 25, 2010 at 1:13 pm

    Tnx Rich, I thank you for this information/table.

    Funny how non of the bigger guys made the top5. I would asume that there were some tests that weren’t “big guy friendly”.

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15. Cynic says:

    September 25, 2010 at 1:18 pm

    Lotki?!?! WOW! That’s great to see! He looked much bigger than I remember him in the streamed game the other night. Last time I saw him, his numbers barely fit on his back! A testament to hard work. He may beat Schenn out for a job if he keeps it up.

    Keep it up Andrei. Nice work!

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    Moondoggie Reply:
    September 25th, 2010 at 3:14 pm

    @Cynic, Yep, I’ve been thinking the same thing but then again, that’s how DL drafts, not necessary for the present but for the future. Remember when he drafted Hickey? It wasn’t about picking Karl Alzner, it was about picking the player with the most upside. Then DL trades for JMJF and drafts Dewey.

    The idea of seeing these three patrol the Kings blueline for the next 15 years makes me drool….

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    USHA#17 Reply:
    September 25th, 2010 at 3:25 pm

    @Moondoggie,

    Best since the period when we should have had Galley, Sydor, Boucher, Blake and Duschene.

    I expect the offense to be “OK” this year but the defense, man, should be a pleasure to watch.

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    Moondoggie Reply:
    September 25th, 2010 at 3:17 pm

    @Cynic, And yes, I think Lotki just may beat out Schenn; he’s very good offensively, very good.

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16. Marc Nathan says:

    September 25, 2010 at 1:25 pm

    where there’s a top 5, there’s a bottom 5, and while you (Rich) may not have the ability to print it, it would be a very interesting list, and one would have to wonder how it affects the mentality of the Kings brass, and teammates.

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    Dominick Reply:
    September 25th, 2010 at 1:38 pm

    @Marc Nathan,
    I’m just guessing, but Bottom 5 were probably in the first cuts. Plus guys just coming off of longterm injuries probably won’t be in as good a shape as guys that have been training for the last couple of months or so.

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17. MIK3Ysfv says:

    September 25, 2010 at 1:27 pm

    @ Rich or anyone: I know Schenn can’t play in the AHL, but does the age rule apply to the ECHL as well? Thank you.

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    Suga Daddy Reply:
    September 25th, 2010 at 2:35 pm

    @MIK3Ysfv,

    Yes, ECHL is still Pro. hockey.

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18. ReadyToPuckOff says:

    September 25, 2010 at 2:35 pm

    Rich, did the kings publish the rest of the list in order for us to see as well?

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    Rich Hammond Reply:
    September 25th, 2010 at 2:51 pm

    No, just top five.

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    DLB Reply:
    September 25th, 2010 at 3:45 pm

    @ReadyToPuckOff, I wouldn’t want to hand the full list to our opponents, you know what I mean?

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19. KC23 says:

    September 25, 2010 at 3:58 pm

    I remember Gretzky used to come in dead last or close to it every year in those tests.

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    puck73 Reply:
    September 25th, 2010 at 5:58 pm

    @KC23, Yah, that Gretzky..he would have never made it in todays game. And that Marcel Dionne..he would have been schooled in todays game. And that Marty Mcsorely..he would have got his ass handed to him by Wesgarth.

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20. Michael_DD8 says:

    September 25, 2010 at 4:23 pm

    Loki is the man!! Ive been itching for this kid all along, and he will forsure be one of my favorite players on the ice! Watching him play for Windsor was a delight, and watching him in LA would be even bigger. This kid has so much potential, he could be a huge asset to this club!! He was better then schenn this camp, and that really sticks out.

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21. Renbe says:

    September 25, 2010 at 10:23 pm

    I think given the chance Kyle Clifford can be this years Wayne Simmonds. I would like to see this kid given the chance over Scott Parse or Richardson. Niether one of those guys are going to be long term top 6. Let give Clifford a shot and see what he can do, even if its only 20+ games. I think it would be a good move to put him on 3rd or 4th line.

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    JDM77 Reply:
    September 26th, 2010 at 7:56 am

    I haven’t seen too much of Clifford, but the little I see, I like. He’s fairly big and strong, espicially for a 20 year old. I have heard great things about him too. I’m not too sold on Clune after seeing him play last year. I wouldn’t mind seeing Clifford over Clune.

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