The Kings will officially announce cuts today, but Oscar Moller, Johan Fransson, Alec Martinez and Andrew Campbell are not on the ice this morning, so those are the four.
Scott Parse (sore toe) is also not skating, and Brad Richardson is once again taking his place on the second line.
Sorry to see Moller go.
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I’m sorry to see both Moller and Fransson go.
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Well, I was wrong about Elkins, and Deslauriers but I said Fransson needed work in his own zone ..I just wonder if he will go to Manchester or Sweeden ?
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jet Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 11:00 am
@puck73, You were not wrong about Deslauriers, he is going to be a good player.
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Moller looked so good when he came up a couple of seasons ago. I hope the Kings don’t think he’s maxxed out his potential?
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jet Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 10:40 am
@Paul From Oxnard, Agree 100%. I think at this point TM needs to see as much of Schenn and Clifford as possible as you do not want to make a mistake there. As hard as our top 6 wingers play, there is bound to be an injury during the season. OM should get his shot.
Also, sorry to see Martinez go, but it good to see Muzzin stick.
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mrbrett7 Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 10:51 am
@jet, The Martinez I saw here in Denver last week…he was TERRIBLE.
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jet Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 10:56 am
@mrbrett7, I heard MD blew by him, but other than that he was good. Are you talking about the whole performance?
I respect your opinion, so thank you for the input.
Bill M. Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 10:41 am
@Paul From Oxnard, That actually seems likely. He will probably sit in manchester for the year. Possibly he will get a call up and have one last chance to shine, but if he doesn’t break out by the trade deadline, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him as the prospect in a trade deadline package.
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Seems like Loktionov has surpassed Moller in that versatile center/wing scoring role.
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I also just saw on tsn.ca that the Cliche was just placed on waivers
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mrbrett7 Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 10:52 am
@Brian, This shocks me, but at the same time, just goes to show how much depth this organization has at this point in time.
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deelo Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 10:57 am
@Brian,
Link?
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Brian Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 11:08 am
@deelo, http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=335424
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sad to see moller get cut but i trust the kings management…. GO KINGS
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Wow, im surprised to see Moller and Fransson cut so early.
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Quisp Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
@Sebastian,
Early? Season starts in a week and a half.
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Looks like the 7 defensemen are set then? Hickey makes the team with Muzzin filling in for Greene? Harrold becomes the 23rd player in the box?
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Sebastian Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 10:51 am
@CanadianKing, NO, im pretty sure Hickey will be Greene’s filler and Drewiske is his partner…when greene comes back its between Hickey and Drewiske to fight for the spot…and Drewiske will win.
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zubini Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 10:51 am
@CanadianKing, Where is Drewiske then?
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Surprised to see Muzzin kept over Fransson.
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Moondoggie Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
@deelo, Me too….most interesting!
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David Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 2:10 pm
@deelo, I was at the game on Thursday and this does not surprise me one bit. Muzzin really impressed me.
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I am so glad quisp and all of you aren’t running the team. Great move by the organization. Moller doesn’t fit right now and would be a waste if we screatched him. It’s better he goes down to Manchester and plays on the 1st line so that his stock stays high. So when we need to make a trade, we get good value for him… Players like Moller are not a 3 or 4th line guy and our top 2 lines are already set..
Great Move by the Kings….
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DLB Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 11:29 am
@Kylecliffordfan, would you like it if I said I’m glad you’re not running the team? Be cool, man.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Moller get called up some time during the season, either.
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quisp Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 11:49 am
@Kylecliffordfan,
Pay attention. I have (in my own assessment) moller and loktionov in Manchester for another year.
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txkingsfan Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
@quisp, I’m curious to hear what you think Moller needs to do to make this team. get bigger? play bigger?
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Moondoggie Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
@txkingsfan, Get bigger I’d say….Lokti came into camp huge this year…Oscar still has some filling out to do….
Quisp Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 2:31 pm
@txkingsfan,
Short answer: nothing.
Longer answer: Moller is 21. He is in his THIRD pro season. He was a child when he got here and nobody thought he would make the team season before last. Now he appears to be about 50% grown into his adult body. Great. I can hardly wait for him to arrive. When that will be, is anyone’s guess. I wouldn’t even start worrying about it till he’s 23.
I said a few months ago that I thought both Moller and Loktionov probably should spend this season dominating the AHL and cementing their chemistry. Put Kozun on the other wing.
The top six forward prospects in the Kings system are: Moller, Loktionov, Schenn, Kozun, Toffoli, Weal…and from there it’s a pretty steep drop to Azevedo and so forth. Holloway?
Kozun, Toffoli and Weal aren’t going to be ready for three-to-five years (which is what I said about Moller when we drafted him). Moller, Loktionov and Schenn will be ready soon, next year probably. They can play this year, but they still need time to grow, really.
The reason Moller got sent down is not because he’s a disappointment or whatever other negative thing; it’s because Justin Williams, Jarret Stoll, Ryan Smyth and Alexei Ponikarovsky are on the team. Williams and Poni are UFA next year. Smyth and Stoll the following year. I expect none of those guys will be on the Kings in 2013.
At that point, Moller and Loktionov will be in their primes. And they’ll get a season or two to wind up to that, just like Datsyuk and Franzen did, or anyone else you would care to compare them to.
If I were Hextall, I would make Moller the Monarchs’ captain.
But I’m not impartial.
I know that Barry is not 100% source but he twitted recently:
Drewiskie odd man out – Islanders or New Jersey?
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Dan H. Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 11:19 am
@slovenian fan,
Funny thing is when my friend forwarded that Barry tweet I replied that it was a lock that DD2 would be on the starting day roster. Looks like I was right.
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Mike L Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 11:39 am
@Dan H.,
Nothing’s set in stone yet
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David Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
@Dan H.,
Looks like you COULD be right.
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jet Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 12:51 pm
@slovenian fan, I heard the rumor yesterday that it was Sal for DD2 + a 3, but it was a rumor and it was from an Isles fan. Not that Isles’ fans have dimished capacity, only that the source is at least one generation away due to distance.
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http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=335424
MaC is on there to bad.
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Pumpernicholl Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 11:21 am
@jake, Yep. Cliche waived, he has officially lost out to Trevor Lewis it appears.
Scanning the waiver list, Phoenix waived Al Montoya also. The Blackhawks also waived Hugh Jessiman if you remember him.
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Gary Livingston Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
@Pumpernicholl,
Waived Montoya? Why? He always looked like a real solid goalie. Looked solid on Thursday night against us.
They have better goalies in their farm?
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8ball Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 11:19 pm
pumpernicholl
might be wrong but seems they called the guy
huge specimen at the draft.that doesn’t always
work.smaller guys often slither through.
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i think that keeping trevor lewis was the right move…kid has a lot of potential just needs a shot and i really think he’ll have a great year.. will play his role very well!!! keep it up lewie!!
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Remember all, MaC being placed on waivers doesn’t mean he’s done in LA. I’m thinking he was placed there because he is the most likely candidate to CLEAR waivers and go to Manch.(He is injured also) Because of our depth, we could easily lose a guy in waivers if we’re not careful.
Bummed about Moller, but I do agree with the assessment he could do wonders in Manchester and keep his value high. (Disagree wih the running the team quote. I’d have no problem subsituting Quisp for Jeff Solomon in a pinch). I think Martinez will become trade fodder. He just can’t seen to clear that last hurdle to stay up.
Fransson should play in Manch if he’s ever going to play in the NHL. Needs to get used to the North American game.
If Lotki or Schenn fail, Moller is ready and waiting. Not a bad deal. Just gotta be a little frustrating for Oscar. Hope he hangs in there.
I believe Cliche clears waivers and is on the 3rd-4th line in Manch again this season. We may need him if we can’t resign Handzus next season (Which I think we will….but)
Getting interesting. Now I’m wondering if both Clifford & Clune stay up with the team. THAT would be cool.
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Tim Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
@Cynic, Cluniac and Cliffiac??
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Mickey Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
@Cynic, I remember reading about this last year.. but waivers has to do with age, games played, etc… it is in place so that guys that could have NHL careers do not get buried in the minors by teams that have great depth. So MAC is 23 and OM is 21. And I think 23 is the minimum age where you must go through waivers.. and/or something like 100 games played in the NHL.
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quisp Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 2:42 pm
@Mickey,
Cliche is not waiver-exempt because x number of years have passed since he signed his first ELC. x = 3 or 4 years, depending on his age when he first signed. Anyway, times up. There is a games played limit too, but Cliche exceeded the year limit first. Moller still has about 100 games left of exemption.
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Moller has had 3 years to crack the lineup as a regular. He didn’t do it. Its a business. You have to let him go. I dont know why you all feel sad for the guy. This is probably the best thing that could happen for both sides. Same with Fransson and others. Why do you guys seem so upset and bummed out? We need the best players possible and these guys aren’t it. Move on.
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McSorleyfan Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
@Trey A, problem with your post is that the only one in danger of being “let go” is Cliche, and that’s if he doesn’t clear waivers. Moller was a lot stronger on the puck than I have ever seen him vs Phoenix. Hits that would have knocked him off the puck in years past resulted in the hitter on his rear more often than not. Give the kid another year and we’ll see. This is Fransson’s first look at NHL hockey, as we just brought him in from the Swedish league. It’s by no means time to give up on him either. So, we’re bummed out because we’ve watched Moeller grow and develop for a couple of years here. Hoping this is his year. He plays with such heart you want to see the kid make it. So, in light of the fact that they’ll both be a call-up away, letting them go is only the idea at this point of kylecliffordfan, who had the bad sense and poor taste to criticize Quisp, a respected writer who has saved me from extensive typing on many occasions. So do you and cliffordfan know each other?
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Quisp Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 2:39 pm
@Trey A,
Moller “has had three years to crack the line-up as a regular?” The normal course of player development would have him just starting his second AHL season (after four of junior) THIS year. He would not even be expected to challenge for a spot until next year or the year after. Follow bouncing ball:
The. Clock. Has. Not. Even. Started. Ticking. Yet.
“This is…the best thing to happen for both sides.”
??
I don’t know what you think just happened. It’s not a divorce. Maybe it would be better if you just turned on the TV when there’s a game and leave it at that.
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So as of now the Kings have 29 players in camp (I believe this is correct):
Forwards (18):
Dustin Brown, Michal Handzus, Anze Kopitar, Scott Parse, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Brad Richardson, Wayne Simmonds, Jarret Stoll, Ryan Smyth, Kevin Westgarth, Justin Williams, Kyle Clifford, Rich Clune, Ray Kaunisto, Trevor Lewis, Andrei Loktionov, Brayden Schenn, John Zeiler.
Defensemen (8):
Davis Drewiske, Drew Doughty, Peter Harrold, Thomas Hickey, Jack Johnson, Willie Mitchell, Jake Muzzin, Rob Scuderi.
Goalies (3):
Jonathan Bernier, Erik Ersberg, Jonathan Quick.
Still need to cut 6. One of them will be a goalie, so that leaves 5 more. Here are the players still fighting for a spot:
Kyle Clifford, Rich Clune, Ray Kaunisto, Trevor Lewis, Andrei Loktionov, Brayden Schenn, John Zeiler, Thomas Hickey, Jake Muzzin.
For this analysis, I’m assuming that Westgarth, Drewiske, and Harrold will all make the team, and Zeiler and Kaunisto will not. In that case, there are still 3 players to cut. It appears that the competitions are Clifford vs. Clune, Lewis vs. Loktionov vs. Schenn, and Hickey vs. Muzzin.
So the Kings would play:
Smyth-Kopotar-Brown
Parse-Stoll-Williams
Poni-Handzus-Simmonds
Westgarth-Richardson-Clune/Clifford
Extra forwards would be: 2 of Lewis, Loktionov, and Schenn
Defense would be:
Doughty-Mitchell
Johnson-Scuderi
Drewiske/Harrold/Hickey/Muzzin
This is what it will come down to in my opinion: Since Clifford still has a year of junior eligibility, I believe he’ll be sent back to junior (1 cut). If the Kings decide to keep both Hickey and Muzzin, they could keep only one of Lewis, Loktionov, and Schenn (2 cuts). It seems that Hickey is playing well and getting ice time with Drewiske. If thats the 3rd pairing, Harrold is the 7th dman and Muzzin goes to Manchester to play and not sit in the press box here. So if Muzzin is sent down, the Kings could keep 2 of Lewis, Loktionov, and Schenn. However, if Parse is injured and placed in IR then the Kings could keep all 3.
Hope this is correct!
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dude Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 12:01 pm
@Phil, Ray Kaunisto is gone,got injured days ago and will eventually be sent to manchester once off IR.
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Moondoggie Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 12:20 pm
@Phil, Muzzin & Clifford both seem to be the wild cards here. I think Lokti makes the team, the same for Hicks. Schenn probably heads back to Brandon. The tough call is Clifford; he looks extremely good and could beat out Clune. The other tough call…Drewiske vs Muzzin. My guess, Drewiske will beat out Muzzin. If Drewiske falters, Muzzin will definitely get a call which I expect sometime during the season anyway. It looks like Muzzin is the 8th Dman for the moment but again, this can change pretty quickly…..
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Bummer about Moller. I love that kid and hope he gets back up and stays in LA. As someone astutely pointed out, this shows the depth of the org. Speaking of astute, I have to point out that there are so many astute fans on this blog. Clearly, along with the org it has evolved from Anthony and bitching to really legit hockey prognostication. Two years ago at this time, it was all about DL “make wrong”. Good going Kingsinsiders and thanks Rich.
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Everyone relax Moller will be back up when JW gets hurt.
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jamesonafterawin Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 2:48 pm
@Dan SanDonkey, LOL
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I’m surprised about Moller & Fransson not making the team right now. Fransson probably does need some experience in the North American game and hopefully he goes to Manchester for an early call up when he’s ready. I think he’s a great offensive defenseman but he does need some work in the D end.
With Oscar, it just seems to be all about size and definitely not his heart. Moller puts it all out there ever single night. He has great leadership skills as well. He just needs to bulk up, the same for Kozun. I was just blown away at seeing Lokti. I don’t know what he did this summer but he looks completely different, he really bulked up and at the same time he didn’t loose any of his speed.
I’m hopeful Oscar puts on a show at Manchester and eventually with the Kings. If he can fill out his uniform the way Lokti did this year, he’ll be a great King for years to come.
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Bossy22 Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
@Moondoggie,
Thank you for giving props to the Swedish kids, they are both fully capable for NHL duty right now, there is a log jam of talent in front of them, and I agree with your feelings with this situation.
BUT…..I think it’s time to Drop the Oscar needs to bulk up melarkey!!!
Oscar Moller would be starting on at least half the teams out there, we just have a higher rung to climb for him to get there. Some teams would give him 4th line duty, some 2nd, but it is not his fault we have older players also showing their promise now. On a team with only 1 legitimate 30 goal scorer, we don’t have many in the system that can be projected as that, or they would still be in camp, and someone would have been traded. We are loaded with play maker types, character types, and assist leaders. Manchester needs good character leaders right now, and to be on the ready when injuries do and WILL happen.
If Hickey makes the team, Oscar will be the favorite to Capt. the Monarchs.
Look at every NHL roster and you will find guys succeeding that are Oscar’s size or smaller!!!
Most of them are older than Oscar and most of them are not worth swapping, for the potential Oscar will bring, it’s his time to shine completely in the AHL.
Franssen, I’m still scratching my head, especially after watching practice yesterday.
He worked the puck out of trouble along the boards and through practice very nicely, yet it was Muzzin that skated it into trouble and brought practice to a stop, so he could be Educated more than once, Muzzin is close but there seems no rhyme or reason. Maybe a trade could be in the works, and somebody is going to get showcased?
Enough….. Good luck Swedes, be ready for the call!!!!
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Moondoggie Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 1:35 pm
@Bossy22, Yea…I was a little surprised about the Fransson call as well but I do think he’ll be back, the same for Oscar.
Don’t get me wrong and yes I agree, Oscar could easily be starting on a number of NHL clubs this year. True, we do have a real logjam right now with our youth. Oscar is a great player but have you noticed how easily he gets thrown around out there??? He’s got great speed, a very good passer and an excellent shot. But he lacks size and bulk; one hit and he goes flying. He’s going to need some weight and strength, bulk if I may say so to be successful in the NHL. Actually, he’s already had success, I’d just like him to stay up with the Kings the next time he gets the call….
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Another blast from the past released today.. “Oilers release Jared Aulin”
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off topic … Drew Doughty sporting the Purple tie for Vanity Fair
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off topic … Drew Doughty sporting the Purple tie for Vanity Fair
http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2010/09/nhl-slide-show-201009#slide=5
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DLB Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
@txkingsfan, Thanks for the link. Lookin’ fly, Drew!
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Count RockuLA Reply:
September 27th, 2010 at 3:30 pm
@DLB, Cammi looks so much “money, baby” it’s comical.
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Many of you may not have followed Manchesters playoff run last year, but Zeiler had a great playoff, and was surprisingly contributing on the offensive side. I was watching practice yesterday, and Johnnie Z can play hockey, and he’s built like a mini-tank. As great a shape as Clune and Clifford are, if I was out there playing against all 3, I’d grow eye’s in the back of my head so I could scan for Johnnie Z. Ask Muzzin….Zeiler was working min over.
My personal observation, keeping the 2 juniors ( Schenn & Clifford is a low risk move, they still have time to pick up and shore up, then there’s the 10 game limit to evaluate, and if they are not ahead of the guy’s who have paid their dues…..then Junior hockey it is, and international competition again for both.
Loki has looked the best out of all….they had to choose who would start the ball rolling in Manch and who came to camp to win a spot. Oscar and Richie are the top 6 back ups.
I still feel Harry has value via a package deal, but guy’s like Lewis & Richie can handle the 4th line.
The big question again is for that 11th forward spot, the supreme grinder of all grinders. Best conditioned ( Clune ) Experienced and nasty ( Zeiler ) or the kid with the Death Stare ( Clifford )
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I don’t think that this time OM is being sent down because he still needs to bulk up. I think he has done that. I think what it really come downs to is he is projected to be a top six forward and those spots are filled. He will go down a be a top six player and if a spot opens later he gets a shot. If not he moves on hopefully with value. I really like Moller but think this is the best move at this point for both the Kings and Moller.
I also think Schenn starts the season with the team since he has a few games. We have many options and if one doesn’t work the potential fix is just a flight from Manc away. It’s great to be a Kings fan, Finally!!!
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Man we have got to keep Clune, Clifford, Zeiler and Westgarth. Wow, now that would be a fun team to watch.
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