It’s rarely productive to look at a 21-year-old prospect and attempt to predict how his future might turn out. At that age, particularly for a player with no NHL experience, it’s all about potential. Player A and Player B might have near-identical backgrounds and skill sets, but one could develop into an NHL player while the other falls off. Some players, though, seem to project a clearer picture of their future, and Andy Andreoff is one of those. It’s doubtful that Andreoff will become a top-line winger and a 30-goal scorer in the NHL, but it’s much easier to see how he could develop into a valuable third-line winger, one who brings a ton of energy, a willingness to play with a physical edge, and also brings a bit of a scoring touch.
Andreoff isn’t the biggest player — he’s listed at 6-foot-1, 201 pounds — but he’s well-regarded for his aggressiveness, and he did have 58 points in 57 games last season for Oshawa of the junior-level OHL. After his season ended in Oshawa, Andreoff also got a brief taste of pro hockey with the Manchester Monarchs, and it’s likely he will start next season in the AHL. Here’s what Andreoff had to say about his experience at development camp and about his game going forward…
Question: You’ve been through a couple of these camps now. Does the comfort level just get higher each time?
ANDREOFF: “It was my first year of NHL camp last year, so I got a little bit of experience there, and I was pretty comfortable seeing the guys again. I played with some of them on the Monarchs, so I felt pretty comfortable out there throughout the week.’’
Question: In terms of your game, and the way you play, do you see a specific type of role that you think you might be able to fill, long-term?
ANDREOFF: “Doing all this development stuff, it helps a lot with your skill and your range and foot speed, working with Daryl (Evans) out there. You get better, after all the times you do it. I look at myself as like a third-line guy, a hard-working forechecking guy who can battle in the corners, maybe get in the odd fight and get the odd goal. I’m an all-around kind of player, I think.’’
Question: If you end up on that Monarchs team, they might be lacking some size this season. You’re not the biggest guy out there, but you probably play bigger than your size. Is that a good way of putting it?
ANDREOFF: “Yeah, I play with a little bit of an edge. I finish every check and I love battling in the corners. I think that’s the type of player I have become, so I’m just going to improve on that and get stronger and bigger for when I become a pro.’’
Question: Having that experience with Manchester last season, will that help going into next season?
ANDREOFF: “Absolutely. I got a couple games in and I got my first goal, so I won’t be nervous next year, with getting that first one out of the way. I got a little confidence after that and a little bit of experience, so I’ll be a little bit more comfortable for the start of the year next year.’’
Question: It’s so competitive now, in this organization, for roster spots. For you guys, does that make things a little tougher but also maybe a little more exciting?
ANDREOFF: “This is a great organization. There are a lot of skilled guys out here, so you’ve got to battle for your spot, every shift and every practice. You’ve just got to keep working at it and doing better, and doing these development camps help a lot.’’
I have liked this kids game since, I first saw him at development camp 2 years ago. Just a bull to the net, a battler.
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puck73 Reply:
July 10th, 2012 at 5:59 pm
@luc20rules, He reminds me of the way Simmonds and Clifford got noticed in the exhibition games. I definately think he will be in the NHL sooner rather then later.
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penguin76 Reply:
July 11th, 2012 at 6:37 am
@puck73,
hey puck! he’s definitely of that same mold, but with a skill set in between that of Simmonds and Clifford. i think he’s got a hell of a wrist shot! the puck just flies off his stick when he snaps it. i also think he’ll see NHL ice sometime soon.
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KingsRule Reply:
July 11th, 2012 at 7:37 am
@puck73, Hey Puck, Mike isn’t it? OMG. what a saeason saw you at the sharks and Kings at SJ last year had my seats in 115 row 18 for playoffs dont have your te l#. Wovld have liked to seen you and the Mrs. Hope all is well for you have you talked with Jeff Morrison? How is CM I am missing Newport Beach. Give me a shout when you get the chance.
Jonathan Albert
650-716-3318
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GUYS went to 4 of 5 days of development camp and you have to watch out for this prospect. Great combination of grit and skill. Plays with a good amount of swag. Out of all the forwards in this bunch, i’m betting that he’ll be the next to see NHL ice.
Great pick DL
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luc20rules Reply:
July 10th, 2012 at 6:32 pm
@losingsand, Thanks for your input. Wasn’t able to make it to Development Camp this year. Had to make time for this Stanley Cup Finals thing in June don’t remember having to go out to Staples Center that late before. There was that Forum thing a couple of decades ago, but that didn’t end well. Anyway it left me way behind at work wasn’t able to do those 60 hour weeks I normally put in. I just piled the work up in the shape of Lord Stanley’s Cup its just been so fun hoisting work files lately.
Go Kings Go!
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losingsand Reply:
July 10th, 2012 at 8:23 pm
–Andreoff had a really nice goal this afternoon which started him skating backwards in his own zone and dangerously dangling the puck in front of the defender, once he saw the defender go for the puck, he made a quick burst forward and beat just about everyone on D and wristed a beautiful short side top shelf shot. When i saw him make this play it first thing i said was “wow that was swag”. Guy is playing with a lot of confidence right now.
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This one looks real good.
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Stuart Reply:
July 11th, 2012 at 7:34 am
@jess, the force is strong with this one?
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Daryl Evans coaches? Now that’s news to me.
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regulate Reply:
July 10th, 2012 at 7:30 pm
@Donald_S,
The regular NHL coaching staff cannot be on the ice because there are NCAA players in development camp.
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Duncanz Reply:
July 10th, 2012 at 8:51 pm
@Donald_S,
Daryl does plentyof coaching at the developmental level.
He was coaching when the taxi squad was here at the beginning of the playoffs.
Dark horse for the future?
You betcha!
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neil Reply:
July 10th, 2012 at 10:05 pm
@Duncanz, I agree!!! LOL!!!!!
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Duncanz Reply:
July 10th, 2012 at 10:09 pm
@neil, I knew I could count on you!
So … do you know something the rest of the world doesn’t know?
Ha ha, you don’t have to answer that!
You either @penguin76!
penguin76 Reply:
July 10th, 2012 at 11:46 pm
@Duncanz,
it was great meeting you guys tonight @Duncanz & @Neil! very good conversation with a special guest to boot!
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Duncanz Reply:
July 11th, 2012 at 2:00 am
@penguin76,
Pleasure was all mine, sir.
The ‘Nice Day on Nash’, I’m going to coin it!
?A usted le gusta?
variable Reply:
July 11th, 2012 at 4:12 am
@Duncanz,@Nei;/
i’m going by yr first-hand observations and be able to project if they can be effective at the nhl-level..PAUl…posted some vids from varous development sessions….
practice is perfect.
yes, i can [rove it….
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Duncanz Reply:
July 11th, 2012 at 4:39 am
@variable,
4:12am?
You’re Wired!
variable Reply:
July 11th, 2012 at 4:48 am
@Duncanz,
i’m totally wire…
can’t you see…?
http://www.hhof.com/htmlSTCjournal/exSCJ12_09.shtml
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FKA PakiFro Reply:
July 11th, 2012 at 10:27 am
@petemagoop,
Where’s Lokti in the Russian pics?
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4.5 for Purcell. Wow!
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luc20rules Reply:
July 10th, 2012 at 7:29 pm
@Who Knows?, A good price per year comparied to the same figure for Rick DiPietro through the 2020-21 season. Really overpaid, wish Purcell the good luck, but he is not a 3+ mil/yr type of player.
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regulate Reply:
July 10th, 2012 at 8:02 pm
@luc20rules,
I guess you guys missed missed the 24 goals and 41 assists he racked up last year, improving on pretty decent numbers from the year before. Yeah, he plays with Stamkos, but you don’t put up number like that (15% shooting percentage) without being a pretty good NHL talent. He has earned the raise. That’s more goals, assists, and points than any Kings player except Kopitar.
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jess Reply:
July 10th, 2012 at 8:06 pm
@regulate,
I wonder if he would score that many goals in the WCF.
jess Reply:
July 10th, 2012 at 8:07 pm
@regulate,
*Western Conference.
Duncanz Reply:
July 10th, 2012 at 8:57 pm
@jess,
Point being though that wherever he’s doing it he’s worth paying for.
jess Reply:
July 10th, 2012 at 9:09 pm
@Duncanz,
Nothing against purcell, my congrats to him.
Actual point being: @regulate was comparing purcell’s goal scoring prowess to anyone on the kings with the exception of kopitar. But we all know, EC teams give up way more goals on average. Not a realistic comparison IMO.
Duncanz Reply:
July 10th, 2012 at 9:53 pm
@jess,
I guess it is when the agency and management sit down to sup over champers and cav, in a VIP booth at the Ritz Carlton!
Kenny44 Reply:
July 10th, 2012 at 9:57 pm
@Jess
Ah yes, the Ponikarovsky principle.
Busy talking to Duncanz(in from Nevada)but Toffy (my nickname for Toffolli?) didnt stand out…anyone else see him during the last few days and thoughts???
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Duncanz Reply:
July 10th, 2012 at 11:38 pm
@neil,
If you believe the … Kings and Queens of the blog, “Tyler” (not Tallarico) is not one of the … rats in the cellar. He is really … sick as a dog!
(a King’s corgi – not a desert dingo)
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Belexes Reply:
July 11th, 2012 at 1:27 am
@Duncanz,
He was very possibly the last child off the ice as well…
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Duncanz Reply:
July 11th, 2012 at 1:42 am
@Belexes,
Belexes in the saddle, baby!!
Shakes Reply:
July 11th, 2012 at 5:55 am
@Duncanz, I have no idea what all these words mean
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vplaza Reply:
July 11th, 2012 at 9:18 am
@Shakes, So glad I’m not the only one.
DesertKing Reply:
July 11th, 2012 at 9:48 am
@Duncanz,
yes sir, no sir, it all the same , kinda like love in an elevator.
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vplaza Reply:
July 11th, 2012 at 9:54 am
@DesertKing,
It’s almost like Ocean’s 12, where Matt Damon’s character gets flummoxed in the meeting with Matsui. Lost in translation?
DesertKing Reply:
July 11th, 2012 at 10:06 am
@vplaza
Aerosmith
Duncanz Reply:
July 11th, 2012 at 10:28 am
@DesertKing,
Sometimes that’s why you see me crying.
I wanna know why some of these girs of summer have rocks in their heads.
Maybe I’m jaded.
Think I need a permanent vacation!
So… Luc Robitaille retirement ceremony’s on NHL Network right now. Random, but awesome.
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Duncanz Reply:
July 11th, 2012 at 12:07 am
@FiG17,
Love how he promises to keep it short ‘cos the players are ready to play, and then goes on interminably paying tributes to his attending, teammates, family, owners, management, trainers, equipment people, The HHoF, Berlitz, crane companies, penant printers, snowmobiles, etc, etc, etc …..
Highly enjoyable, though!
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FiG17 Reply:
July 11th, 2012 at 12:23 am
@Duncanz,
I know! It’s hilarious. I was at that game and I just remember by the end of it all I could think was, “I love you, Luc, but seriously…” The sentiments are amazing though, and watching it without all the impatience, it’s much easier to appreciate it. I’m so glad he finally got to see the Kings win the Cup.
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Duncanz Reply:
July 11th, 2012 at 1:41 am
@FiG17,
I can practically guarantee JQ will deliver a more modest effort when he has his Cup Day cake party!
(length-wise not lingo-wise, that is!)
jess Reply:
July 11th, 2012 at 7:30 am
@Duncanz,
Hey, -you done bolting those handlebars to that cupcake yet?
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Duncanz Reply:
July 11th, 2012 at 12:05 pm
@jesst,
Sounds like a good idea for some inutile furniture design only an inutile furniture designer could come up with!
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jess Reply:
July 11th, 2012 at 6:20 pm
@Duncanz,
Haven’t heard that word in a while..
However, all my furniture is completely functional.
Go Kings Go!
Champs
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Any CBA updates? That is the only thing worrying me…….
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Michael J. Reply:
July 11th, 2012 at 10:20 am
@DesertKing,
Two things that worry me:
1) Alex Semin is still unsigned. Although the chances are slim, DL could step on a rake and wack himself on the head, rendering him senseless. Semin’s agent could take advantage of the opportunity and convince DL to sign him. RH, please do not leave DL’s side at any time.
2) Jamie Kompon has not been hired elsewhere. Look, if TM can be fired and still work for the Kings how much easier would it be JK to continue to hide in the shadows around TSC?
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Stuart Reply:
July 11th, 2012 at 10:26 am
@Michael J., if you JK was such a video guru, why can’t he go back to cueing up the VHS for the coaches and players to watch?? side note- funny that his initials also serve as the “just kidding” for the texting generation…
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Stuart Reply:
July 11th, 2012 at 10:27 am
@MJ, not if you, just “if”.
DesertKing Reply:
July 11th, 2012 at 10:41 am
@Michael J.,
What do Semin have in common other than being unemployed? They both suck. Now i feel better
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DesertKing Reply:
July 11th, 2012 at 10:42 am
@DesertKing,
“”Semin and Kompon”
Duncanz Reply:
July 11th, 2012 at 10:39 am
@DesertKing,
Dream on.
DL aint … crazy.
Won’t let you down.
No more livin’ on the edge for him …
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Here’s some morning viewing of Day 4 at Development Camp. I attempted to identify as many players as I could but it wasn’t easy. There are 8 videos in 1 playlist on this post. Enjoy! It was great watching the camp! http://kingsnewsdaily.com/scrimmage-time/
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Kyle Clifford and Jordon Nolan…Andy A is your future competition for 3rd/4th line winger. Nice to have a bunch of young wingers competing for roster spots, no job is safe.
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