The Kings have assigned forward Oscar Moller to Manchester of the AHL. Officially, the move took place last night, before the NHL’s eight-day holiday roster freeze went into effect at midnight. During his latest stint with the Kings, Moller had one goal and two assists in three games. The Kings, it seems, are preparing for the impending return of Marco Sturm. We’ll find out, at practice today, if that return will take place tomorrow or Thursday.
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Is Sturm still considered to be on IR? If so does the roster freeze effect the Kings ability to activate him?
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Rich Hammond Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 10:34 am
Yes, and no.
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wavesinair Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 11:08 am
@AZ King, The “Freeze” is with respect to waivers, trades and loans. None of these apply to Sturm simply being on IR. So as Rich said, no to the second question.
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AZ King Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 11:28 am
@wavesinair,
Cool, thanks you guys.
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Too bad. One of my favorite young player in the organization. Did the job while he was here for the few games. Hope he tears it up for Manchester.
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DLB Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 10:40 am
@Oz, Seconded!
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VanKingsFan Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 10:54 am
@DLB, thirdeded
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wavesinair Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 10:56 am
Quatroaded
kingsxstevenxkings Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
@DLB,
Quinareded
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King John Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 2:16 pm
@kingsxstevenxkings,
Sexteded
bbb7 Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
@Oz, Much as I like Oscar and give him his due, I dont see him ever making it in the NHL. The smallish players who have made it were/are either very gritty or supremely talented, neither of which describes Moller. He would be great in a European league with bigger ice, for sure.
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Moondoggie Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 1:47 pm
@Oz, Couldn’t agree more. Oscar always provides spark & enthusiasm when he’s up with the Kings. He’s good too. I really hope he can make the club in the future and stick. He brings a lot to the Kings in term of leadership and ability.
Hurry back Oscar!
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I thought he did a great job while he was here. The Kings should’ve played him last night instead of Richardson.
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Ersberg Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 10:56 am
@Katy Perry, I 100% agree. In addition, I think he was one of our best players in the games he played. He should be here to stay; this cut makes us weaker on offense.
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Moondoggie Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 1:48 pm
@Ersberg, Agreed. I’m honestly surprised that he got send back but with Sturm coming in, they didn’t have anywhere to put him. It’s really too bad for Oscar but ultimately it becomes a numbers game. He’ll be back for sure….
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Mols has to be happy with his performance while he was here. I’m sure the organ-eye-zation was as well. This move allows him to play more games during the roster freeze and help out Manch as well.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 11:07 am
@Cynic, plus we can bring him up if anyone else get Injuryed i say next year he will be up with the pro for sure
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Moondoggie Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
@Cynic, I kinda figured he’d get more playing time at Manchester with this move…..good for Oscar!
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If that was the case, Moller should have played yesterday on the 2nd line, and Richardson should have been a scratch… Flying from LA to Chi, having a short practice, putting him in the line up where he did not produce much… Moller played well on the 2nd line. He should have played yesterday… 3 points in 3 games… Maybe The Kings might trade him?
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 11:14 am
I dotn think Moller Will leave i dont think any team want him if they do they most believe in him and htats good bad for the Kings but good for him..Got to realize he hasnt played in NHL that long at games he played they could think that he just got lucky he needs to play for a full year thats when it comes down being a threat..or a last place team that are rebuilding will want him
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Yeah, I thought he did well. Manchester is doing some excellent work with player development. Kudos to DL, I like what I’m seeing. Like most I find it painful to have to wait these next couple of years when all this talent finally rises to the surface ready for the NHL. We’re like someone dieing of thirst and the watering hole is in sight, but just not quite there yet.
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I simply do not understand Murray. In 3 games Moeller accounts for 3 points. A lineup works and then is changed the next night. What the hell is this guy doing?
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Sam Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 10:45 am
@THEROCKNROLL80S, He’s making sure guys don’t lose their job to injury. I very good policy in my opinion. Not that I love the game Richie is bringing but with Sturm the Kings have one too many top-6 if Moller stays. He’s got time, he’s 21. He’ll find his way up to the big club soon enough.
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Harry Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 11:03 am
@Sam, Yes, on another Squad… AKA = Not with this organization!
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Quisp Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 12:41 pm
@Harry,
Hmm. Well, Sturm, Handzus, Williams, Stoll, Smyth and Ponikarovsky are all UFA in 2011 or 2012. At most three of those guys will re-sign. Clifford, Simmonds, Moller, Loktionov and Schenn will likely take five of the top nine spots by then. (And, if Moller or Loktionov decide to coast, there’s Kozun, Toffoli, Weal, Vey and Kitsyn bringing up the rear).
I don’t really understand your exclamation point. It kind of bugs me.
Original Crown/Silver & Black & Purple. Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 11:04 am
@Sam, get oscar to hit the weights…then he’ll stick with the big club.
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Katy Perry Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 11:17 am
@Sam,
I actually am not in favor of Murray’s policy. If a player is hot, let him stay in. The goal is to win, not to appease players who get injured or try to not hurt their feelings. I think Murray blew it on this one.
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KC23 Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 12:05 pm
@Katy Perry, Good luck trying to find a single NHL coach that would agree with you. Injured players not losing their job to injury is pretty much standard procedure throughout the NHL.
kinginsaltlake Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 12:12 pm
could i get your job if you get injured
Quisp Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
@Katy Perry, KC23
“not losing your job to injury” is one of those things coaches say but conveniently the policy disappears when it’s inconvenient. For example, Moller lost his job to injury two years ago, when he was hurt in the WJCs. Richardson basically lost his job to injury whenever it was that he had that freak leg thing. That was it for him for the season, even though he was healthy after a few months. Who else…
wavesinair Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
@Quisp…the example of the year last season…Drewiske.
King John Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 2:23 pm
@THEROCKNROLL80S,
I agree with you that we should’ve kept Moller in. He was doing well on the top six. Once Sturm gets going, then we could decide on Oscar. He might even be okay on the 4th line.
But NOT playing him in Chicago actually may have cost us the game. We’ll never know, but the top two lines were putting up more points the last few games with Moller in for the first time since Parse was playing.
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I hope we see him back this season. I agree that he is too small and that he doesn’t play a physical game on one hand but the other hand says Gretzky was not a physical player either he just had the knack of backing off the opposing teams defence with his speed and passing ability alot like our young Moller it just seems like he is another threat that the other teams have to consider.
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Sam Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 10:47 am
@hockeyfan B4 Gretzky, Gretz played in a different era. If Moller is going to be an NHL wing he’s going to have to do his share of mucking. Look at Cammalleri, he had to learn to position himself in a way that offset his size disadvantage. Oscar is learning and has learned to do the same. He’ll need to continue to get better at it.
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Happy to have Oscar back here. As much as I wish I could see the Kings more it is so much fun watching the kids mature before they get to west.
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Nice job with the big club Oscar. Work on your game so next time they can’t send you down. You did good! Thank you!
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Huh?
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Kingsfanone Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 10:51 am
@Kingsfanone,
This was to Rich’s yes & no answer above.
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Sebastian Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 11:02 am
@Kingsfanone, there were 2 questions asked and 2 answers given.
1st question – yes
2nd question – no.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 4:27 pm
@Sebastian,
Yeah, thanks, I missed it, but I got it now. Sturm’s on IR yes, but no he won’t be affected by the freeze.
It isn’t often that we fans are excited about player coming back up immediately after that player was sent down. Keep your head very high Oscar. You will find a home eventually. I just hope it’s with the Kings…
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Moondoggie Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 1:54 pm
@wavesinair, Yep, it’s like we want him to endure the holiday roster freeze then return…immediately!
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I think roster decions aren’t just TM problem, DL has to be responsible. Have you seen 24/7 where Pens GM talks to coach about hockey player from their farm team to be put playing their next game.
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VanKingsFan Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 10:56 am
@Agame, Yup saw it, thought it was great that they include that in the show.
It is Deans AND Murreys decision and I don’t think he has ever hid from that fact.
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Crown Royal Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 11:02 am
@VanKingsFan,
DL drafted him but TM doesn’t seem to want him, Hickey, or Voinov in his lineup. TM only plays Harold when there are injuries. I wonder what happens with Kozun when he’s ready? Tm wants big, or at least expierienced players.
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It’s becoming more difficult to believe that Moller is in the Kings plans for the future. It appears TM only wants bigger players and or players that have considerable NHL expierience. With all the trouble the Kings have had scoring, especially on the power play, they send down a guy who can skate, shoot, and handle the puck. It seems likely Moller will end up elsewhere in his hockey life.
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Original Crown/Silver & Black & Purple. Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 11:05 am
@Crown Royal, and BITE US IN THE ASS at each and every opportunity.
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Doc. Mark 1968 Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 11:31 am
@Crown Royal,
Yes, it’s not just the type of player but its the type of system too. Oscar is too small to bump and grind; he need to be on a smaller speed line, the type of which the Kings will never put together with this regime.
The game with Edmonton on thursday will be very interesting. Look at how Hall, Eberle, and even a guy like Omark all play. These are great young players but they would probably not even get a sniff in this organization.
I have said before (long ago) that the Kings, with their current philosophy, would have never even let Kane and Towes come up at 18 the way the ‘Hawks did. They were trying to go the opposite direction than the Kings are now, from systems hockey to open ice hockey because systems hockey was getting them nowhere. It finally took JQ to find the proper balance between systems and open ice.
But, getting back to the young Oilers, if the Kings had just one line who played like their youngsters play then they wouldn’t necessarily have to get away from systems hockey but there would then be a place for guys like Oscar and Lokti. I can’t see any small, skill dudes ever fitting in here.
I hate to say this, but it kind of reminds me of Barry Melrose when he was the coach of Tampa saying “Steven Stamkos does not belong in the NHL. He is too small and can’t handle the bigger men in the corners…” This seems to be the philosophy of the Kings as well.
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Crown Royal Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 12:13 pm
@Doc. Mark 1968,
You raise some interesting points. In order for the Kings to take the next step Loktionov is going to have be the second line center. How is TM going to stand that? Lokti is the best prospect in the system. Schenn could prove to be the better player but Loktionov is gifted; the kind of player who can become a star. He’ll need to be with players who can make plays and finish. I don’t know TM will reconcile that problem.
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MR King Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 12:41 pm
@Doc. Mark 1968, I have a question though – why would DL draft these kind of small/high-skilled players if he and TM are going to stick strictly to the system that calls for big grinders? Trade reasons?
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Doc. Mark 1968 Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
@MR King,
Its a great question, I am not sure. I sometimes wonder if they are sure.
I remember seeing Brayden Schenn’s top draft class being interviewed on “Coache’s Corner” the year they all got drafted. I am pretty sure all of those guys are full time in the league. Some of them are in a starring role like Matt Duchense (who we will see tomorrow), Magnus Piarvi, and Evander Kane. The only one who is not up there is Schenn.
It makes me wonder, if Matt Duchense had been drafted by the Kings, would he be struggling right now? While I can see DL’s strategy with the team, I have trouble seeing his strategy with the draft.
crashin' da net Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 12:54 pm
@Doc. Mark 1968, so true unfortunately. Finesse trumps grind everytime. note: Detroit
Oh when will we ever move in that dorection just a little??!
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King John Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 2:28 pm
@Doc. Mark 1968,
It almost seems like the Kings want a team of virtually all grinders and no one with pure razzle-dazzle scoring talent. Bye-bye Marcel Dionne…
I like Brown, Simmonds, Clifford, but we also need some skaters and snipers and fancy play-makers mixed in.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 4:37 pm
@King John,
Is that the reason we have tons of players like that in Manchester but not any, or many, snipers?
Moller has the potential to become a player like Martin St Louis. He still needs to work on his own zone but he is improving well as a two way hockey player. He made a impression while he was with big boys and that cirtainly is a big step forward. See you soon, Oscar.
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crashin' da net Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
@goldielocks, I was thinking Gionta but SL works too!
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i love the little guy and i want to see him succeed in the nhl, but…
i think that he also could have been worth a look on the 2nd power play, but i dont know who i would pull off.
i felt like he needed to learn the game a little more. oscar has an outstanding shot and the quickness to find holes. he didn’t seem to find the open areas of the ice to use that shot.
it looked like he was being defensively responsible as the f3 and had a hard time reading when to activate offensively.
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Dumb move by the kings. He was really coming on…
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mistake, he had 3 points in 3 games, when he played here Kings score 15 goals in 3 games. Maybe it was not just his contribution but results were evident. He was out and we score just two against CHI.
Lie his play very much. And he is still only 21. Parse as talent is, what? 26!!
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Man, I just hate this. They should have brought Moller up two games into their slide. He’s a great spark plug, energy player.
I do agree players should not lose their jobs from injury. However, I don’t see Richardson a star, 30+ goal forward in the NHL. Moller, I think, is this kind of player. But, last year he just did not get the consistent ice time and is line switched constantly. I do agree he gets muscled off the puck and is out of position on occasion but the pluses far outweigh the minuses and I think he could be a power play maven given the opportunity. Someone last week commented that if Moller had not gone to the World Tourney, things would be different. I think that’s very true and that Moller will be a star. HOPEFULLY for the Kings! Speaking of stars, has anyone been watching Boyle with Rangers? He’s got 12 goals for Rangers and is really gaining in confidence. He was beaten down by Kings too (perhaps rightfully so) and I hope same is not the case for Oscar Moller.! Fro is a stiff. What an embarrassment. Hang in there Oscar!
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Great job Oscar while you were here! In your 1st game you seem a bit lost but in the last three you played as well as anyone and you gave us some things that this club lacks, SPEED, SKILL, and scoring.(3pts in last 2gms) I would love to see Moller stick with the big club but knowing that TM likes bigger dump and chase players, which I think we have too many of! Moller brought a lot of things that this team lacks. I thought that Moller was a big reason why we killed Nashville, his speed gave them trouble and it also opened the ice for others as well. He would have helped against the Hawks who are a quicker team than us. Anyways thanks Oscar and keep working hard, you have NHL talent unfortunately it might be with another club as long as TM is our coach.
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although i think TM is a good coach, i’m not sure playing with Moller like this will help him get any better or play any harder for the Kings organization… i understand the reasoning from managements point of view, but from a players point of view, it really doesnt make much sense… If they are still unhappy with his play after having him in the system this long, they should trade him. Personally i like him, and I think he is NHL ready. I’m not sure what exactly is motivating about calling him up for 3 games every so often, i just don’t see this being a very productive move.
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49puckstothenuts Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 12:30 pm
@mike, was an injury call up
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TM strikes again. After success in Nashville, he shuffles the lines for Chicago, benches Moller and the Kings lose agian. Yes, it’s true, you can,t win them all, but Mighty Mouse was looking darn good. Why doesn;t TM like him? Didn’t TM learn, last year, that line shuffling proved ineffectivve?
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Wow…just love the armchair quarterbacks.
Sturm is coming off of IR, anyone with half a brain can see with that happening, a roster move needs to be made.
So, who do you send down?
You have four choices of players who can be sent down really.
1. Moller – Can be sent down and doesn’t need to clear waivers.
2. Martinez – Has been a regular in the lineup since being called up, and with both Willie and Greene out, not going to happen.
3. Westgarth – Not only would he need to clear waivers I believe (might, but not sure he would), you don’t clear roster space for a top 6 forward by sending down a 4th line enforcer.
4. Drewiske – With the injuries on defense, see Martinez.
Thus, the ONLY choice IS Moller. I really do not see why this is so difficult for people to see. If and when Moller sticks, it will ONLY be in a top 6 role, period. As of this point in time, there is NO open top 6 role for him to play.
Done, end of discussion.
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Crown Royal Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 2:10 pm
@mrbrett7,
Not so fast mrbrett 7, The Sturm trade was in the works before Moller was called up. If the Kings were serious about Moller why wasn’t he given a shot at the big club when the Kings were already struggling scoring goals?
I do see your point and it makes sense. However, what’s troubling some people here is that Moller played pretty well…now it seems it’s back to business as usual. More grind-no goals. An injury damaged Sturm was seen as a better option than Moller. Maybe Sturm is the better option but how much REAL value does a player like Harold have? He plays so infrequently and there are several ready defensemen at Manchester, (Muzin-Hickey-Voinov) perhaps using Moller in certain situations would help out the goal scoring more than Richardson or Westgarth. Maybe Harold should have been moved instead. Oscar is an offensive player who now takes his offense back to the minors.
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holly Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
@Crown Royal, I’m sure Moller was aware that he was being called up in an injury situation. He came up, did his job, and likely put himself onto the short list for future call ups. One thing the Kings have been pretty clear with, since TM came, is their expectations of players and situations. We don’t necessarily like to see a guy who was producing go down, but I’ll bet that when Moller was informed he was going back to Manchester he was also told things to work on to further impress the club.
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Crown Royal Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 3:43 pm
@holly,
True enough. I’m just starting to get a little concerned about when and where the Kings plan to integrate some of the skill players (forwards) in the organization. Much has been made in the past about TM’s and DL’s penchant for admiring Flyer players. When was the the last time the Flyers won the cup?
I believe DL has done a good job. As time goes by I’m starting to question TM as the coach. I don’t think it’s at all time to consider replacing him but I wonder where this is all going. TM doesn’t like smaller players. He’s a grind it out coach. I’m not sure this bodes well for Lokti, Moller, Kozun, Hickey and Voinov to name a few. Guys in the next wave might include Weal, Tofolli, Czarnik, and Vey. Just starting to get a little concerned…
holly Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 5:52 pm
Understandable, but at the same time, those guys weren’t deemed NHL ready and having watched them, other than Moller, Lokti, and Voynov I don’t know that any of them will be ready for significant NHL minutes at any point this year.
Kozun would be the next, after those three, from what I’ve seen. Hickey has been hit or miss this season.
Other than Kozun, none of those guys are actually as small as a lot of Kings fans like to claim. Loktionov is slight, but has definitely put weight on this summer. Voynov is a solid 5’11 and fairly broad. He could afford to put some more muscle mass on, but not much. Even though there isn’t a significant weight difference between Voynov and Hickey, Voynov still appears much larger than Hickey. And Moller, well, I say this so many times I feel like a broken record, but the guy is built like a tree trunk. He may not have huge height (although he’s definitely a solid 5’10, approaching 5’11) but he has a lot of strength.
Really, and this is where I appreciate your differentiation between skill sets/styles of play and actual size, the question is more how big they can play. Moller and Voynov both play larger than they are. Loktionov borders on it, something he’s absolutely improved on (and has said was one of the instructions from the organization). Hickey hasn’t stood out either way this season.
And Kozun, well, Kozun is tiny. I really question his size, Justin Azevedo (5’7) seems larger than Kozun does. Part of that is definitely weight, Azzy has almost 20 lbs on Kozun. Some of that, when they’re in motion, is that Kozun skates almost like you see speed skaters in a straight away. He’s fast and compact, with significant bend at the knee and bent at the hip. However, Kozun really reminds me of Nathan Gerbe in his style of play. He just needs a little bit of polishing. Despite his size, the desire for grinding play shouldn’t be an issue for Kozun.
i too belive yhat a player should not lose his job due to injury. Yet I agree that Richardson did little last night. Both players are good players both deserves to be on the team. Oscar is hopefully here for the long run. He’s got great upside and has blazin speed. How long is Richardson signed for?—-
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why does TM hate scoring so much?
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crashin' da net Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 1:00 pm
@Doughty99, doesn’t fit his “system”
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Kingsfanone Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 4:49 pm
@crashin’ da net,
Oooohhhhhh, so THAT’S why we have trouble scoring goals. Is that a good or bad thing then?
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totally against this move…Moller deserves to be up with the big boys
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sorry to say but moller isnt cutting it, he never carries the puck up and gets rid of it way to fast. moller needs to really step his game up if he wants to make this team
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Mollerfan Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
@kenny, just to let you know when Moller had gotten a point in a game the Kings had won…
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One of the things I see happening with Moller, is sort of the result of DL taking D-men first in the drafts. A lot of our forward prospects were taken after D-men, and were subsequently still there in the draft because other teams passed on them due to their size. These were deemed talented kids, but just weren’t viewed as having NHL size. DL apparently seemed to think they were worth taking a chance on. So, we have Aszevedo, Moller, Kozun, Weal, Loktionov, to name a few, who definitely have some skill, but are probably too small to make it to the next level. People on here can argue this and that’s fine, it’s just that outside of the Doughty pick, I would’ve preferred to go after some first round forward talent besides just Schenn, with some of our earlier picks. Someone with some Skill AND size. Most elite teams that compete for the cup year in and year out, have built their teams around offensive talent. D-men usually take longer to develope anyway, and can be managed to be picked up along the way from other teams. I’m not all together hating on DL, because I respect the overall health of the system that he’s built here, and the culture of building through the draft and actually developing a core, just not quite on board with some of the pieces or methods he’s used and where we’re at just yet.
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Mike Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
@LW Anybody?,
Last I checked last years Chicago Blackhawks( Stanley Cup Winners) were led on offence by Pat Kane, a fantastically skilled player who also happens to be small. I agree with the notion that TM seems to be an old school coach who wants big players who can cycle in the offensive zone which leaves very little room for offensive creativity. The system the Kings play does not create any sort of open ice at all, and is extremely structured. I do not accept the idea that a players size 100% dictates the chance that player has on become an NHL player. If a player can play, he can play, and the players that succeed who are undersized are able to continue to produce while playing against bigger and stronger players. Players like Loktionov and Kozun will be NHL players, whether or not it is with the Kings waits to be seen. I always tend to look at comparing guys to others in their age group to see what their future looks like at the next level, and without a doubt both of those guys are at the very top of the 1990 birth year. Both played in the World Juniors on extremely competitive countries ( Russia and Canada) and both played big roles in the tournament. It will be a shame if another organization reaps the rewards while we developed both of these guys in our own system.
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Oldthunder Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 2:50 pm
@Mike, I agree, the players size should not be what TM rates them on, but That is his choice and not ours. Id like to see Moller stay up, he has heart and that is what wins in the playoffs. In the meantime lets see what Sturm can do.
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Michael J. Reply:
December 20th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
@LW Anybody?, So, “D-men usually take longer to develope anyway and can be managed to be picked up along the way from other teams”??? Really? I’ve seen comments very much like this ine on this blog before.
What makes it so easy to pick up quality D-men? Are wingers harder to “pick up along the way”?Or are you referring (picking up a D-man along the way) to the likes of Randy Jones?
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