Tyler Toffoli recalled

The Los Angeles Kings officially recalled top prospect Tyler Toffoli from the Manchester Monarchs on Sunday afternoon. Toffoli, 20, ranks second in the American Hockey League with 28 goals scored and second on the Monarchs with 48 points (28-20=48; +20). The 28 goals lead all rookie skaters.

Los Angeles’ second round draft pick in 2010, Toffoli broke out with a 107-point campaign as an 18-year old with the Ottawa 67’s in 2010-11, tying for the Ontario Hockey League scoring lead while leading the league in goals scored with 57. He followed that up with a 100-point season (52-48=100) in 2011-12, leading the league in goals for the second straight year with 52.

There is speculation that the Toffoli call-up could be related to the heavy hit weathered by Mike Richards in the second period of Saturday’s 6-2 win over the Calgary Flames. There is certainly merit towards that rationale, though keep in mind Toffoli had a strong – though abbreviated – training camp according to those in hockey operations, the team had an extra roster spot, and he’s a highly regarded prospect who has shown no hiccups in his first professional season. Such a transition does not come easily for 20-year-olds who make the leap from junior hockey to the American Hockey League.

Independent of any ill effects felt by Richards that could question his status this week – the center returned in the third period last night – this call-up was just as much precipitated by Toffoli’s own natural progression and development.

On Dean Lombardi’s conference call last month, the Kings’ general manager spoke of the varying levels of readiness when considering when to recall players from the AHL. “There are different stages of ‘ready’. Ready for a shot, ready to make an impact, ready to fit in,” Lombardi explained.

Toffoli is expected to arrive in Los Angeles tonight. We should learn more about his usage at tomorrow’s morning skate.

Toffoli had been playing on the Monarchs’ top line as a right wing opposite Tanner Pearson (currently out with an upper-body injury) on a line centered by Linden Vey. Despite several injuries to Manchester’s roster that had necessitated ECHL call-ups, the team was 6-0-1-0 in its past seven games entering Sunday’s affair with Scranton Wilkes-Barre, lifting the club into a tie for the eighth and final playoff spot.

226 Comments

  1. goldielocks says:

    No other roster move. No one is on IR at this point.

    [Reply]

    absoludicrous Reply:

    @goldielocks, Can’t they retroactively put people on the IR?

    [Reply]

    Save, Hrudey! Reply:

    @absoludicrous,

    They can. They might wait until tomorrow morning’s skate to “evaluate” whatever player might be hurt and make a decision.

    [Reply]

  2. Mars says:

    NEAT

    [Reply]

    Neil Reply:

    @Mars, awesome!!

    [Reply]

  3. Who?

    [Reply]

    Neil Reply:

    @kissmyblarneystones, LOL

    [Reply]

    562kevin Reply:

    @kissmyblarneystones, you obviously aren’t a kings fan if you don’t know this kid!

    [Reply]

    kissmyblarneystones Reply:

    @562kevin,

    And you’re obviously not an insider if you don’t know me!

    [Reply]

    Save, Hrudey! Reply:

    @kissmyblarneystones,

    I’m still trying to figure out who that Hrudey guy was.

    [Reply]

  4. xeropoint says:

    So let the *official speculation begin.

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @xeropoint,

    Put yer boots on -and head for high ground!!

    [Reply]

  5. Kyler Porterfield says:

    I saw this coming. With the way he has been tearing up the AHL this season i think it is well deserved. Im excited to see what he can bring to the table for the Kings! Good Luck Tofolli Help bring that cup back to Loa Angeles!

    [Reply]

  6. DBking says:

    Exciting!

    [Reply]

  7. Mars says:

    So… Johnathan is starting the next game?

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Mars, I hope not.
    The other guys much better!

    [Reply]

    letswinthecup2012 Reply:

    @Mars, ya probably

    [Reply]

    Fortunato Reply:

    @letswinthecup2012, you guys really don’t follow the Kings do you? Both guys are named Jonathan.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Fortomato, I do, too – on my off days..

    Kyler Porterfield Reply:

    @Mars, I mean A jonathan will most definetly be starting tomorrow

    [Reply]

  8. PRMan says:

    I didn’t think we had a roster spot. What changed?

    [Reply]

    Lali Reply:

    @PRMan, We’ve had a roster spot since the Gagne move.

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @Lali, ANd Campbell being moved down.

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    Wonder what number he will pick….

    Kingsfanone Reply:

    @Mars,

    73

    PRMan Reply:

    @Mars, Oh, I didn’t know we sent Campbell back down.

    Thanks…

  9. jess says:

    There’s a slow moving tsunami of bs heading this direction, and it’s projected to take out all known standing structures.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @jest, Sitting back down on my beach mat as we speak, commandante!

    [Reply]

    Neil Reply:

    @Duncanz, there is no beaches in Neveda.except at Hotels…

    [Reply]

    Timere Reply:

    @Neil, There is nothing but beach. All the way to the pacific.

    jess Reply:

    @Duncanz, and don’t forget your mighty duck floaties.

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @jess, That joke getLaugh every time

  10. edwood2 says:

    As Criswell would have said, “I predict at least 150 speculations on this blog before Rosey gives us the straight scoop at tomorrow’s morning skate.”

    [Reply]

    variable Reply:

    @edwood2,

    yeppers…

    upcoming trade…or injury…or a curious 9-game elongated cup ‘o’ coffee…those gotsta’ be them there choices, huh…(?)

    [Reply]

  11. Mars says:

    The delay on him being called up with an open roster spot leads me to think a trade fell through.

    /speculation….
    *stirring the pot* ;)

    [Reply]

  12. Duncanz says:

    I wonder if Toffoli will get a part in the next culty ed wood movie?
    (149 to go..)

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @Duncanz, 148 See mine above. :)

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Mars, Correct …… DAMN YOUUUUUUU !

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @Duncanz, Should I change my name to Khan? ;)

    edwood2 Reply:

    @Duncanz, I’ll get back to you on that…

    [Reply]

  13. goldielocks says:

    Meanwhile, vote for Lewis.

    http://www.stateofsportawards.com/pro-male-athlete-of-the-year.html

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @goldielocks, Apparently I have already voted :(

    [Reply]

    goldielocks Reply:

    @Mars,

    Me. too … although I’ve never done …

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @goldielocks, Like Canada, Utah will only give Cali one vote.

    goldielocks Reply:

    @Mars,

    I’s working now.

    Neil Reply:

    @goldielocks, Utah will give you only one vote….but many wives..so let them vote !!!

    Mars Reply:

    @goldielocks, Got mine in this time.

    KDinUT Reply:

    @goldielocks, And, if you have multiple browsers installed on your computer, you can . . . vote. If you know what I mean . . . ;-)

    [Reply]

    PRMan Reply:

    @KDinUT, Can I write a script that puts a GUID in my Browser User Agent String and…vote. If you know what I mean…

    [Reply]

    Ric Z Reply:

    @goldielocks, Ity says I voted too, but if you click on the photo it takes you to a page where you can vote. Hope this helps all,

    [Reply]

  14. Neil says:

    No more open roster spots..right??? JK…

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @Neil, After trading Jaime Kompon yeah. JK, get it.
    Fine I will step away for 5 minute major lame joke.

    [Reply]

    Neil Reply:

    @Mars, almost a game misconduct !!!

    [Reply]

    LVKINGS88 Reply:

    @Neil, Ask HockeNerd.

    [Reply]

  15. letswinthecup2012 says:

    Wowee.. I hope Richards is ok.. He seemed fine after his return.. Excited to see Toffoli in action

    [Reply]

    Mikey J. Reply:

    @letswinthecup2012, He was smiling on the bench after Fraser’s goal which was good to see.

    [Reply]

  16. jess says:

    Speaking of drama, thank god we aren’t caps fans and have to deal with ovechkin and all of his issues..

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @jess, Poopy diapers?

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @Mars, precisely! -And lack of team play.

    [Reply]

    variable Reply:

    @jess,

    i still would love to see him in purple and gold…i think he would be reborn…ovie needs to have fun in order to be effective…for whatever reasons, his playing like all the life and passion inside of him is slowly fading…

    this is a scenario where i think a chance of scenery is bound to happen…could you imagine if semin…(aka…frolov 3.0…) wasn’t scoring like a machine, how much worse the caps would be…???

    i think george mcphee’s window has passed with this team…injuries to green, ovie’s lack of passion, poor goaltending and shoddy defensive/neutral zone play has contributed to this nightmarish season…

    i know we CAN afford him, IF certain salaries are moved…however, i’m NOT advocating that this should be done…the team is playing terrific during the last 14 games…you can’t win them all…(sorry, blackhawks…:))…but the kings are winning a lot…and have regained their swagger as the defending sc champs…

    all i’m saying is that it can be done…

    [Reply]

    variable Reply:

    @variable,

    change of scenery is kinda like a chance of scenery…no…(?)

    [Reply]

    BigSeeGas Reply:

    @variable, well we have Carter and he is showing what he can do. In Columbus he wasn’t producing at all.

    Mars Reply:

    @variable, I wonder if your right, if he has become complacent. Could be why he so called stepped out of the all-star last year. Why he didnt defend himself on the Millberry debacle.
    And is a shell of his former self. Maybe he needs a hard kick in the pants or a change of scenery. But I feel if he isnt the center of attention he fades. Not sure that him being around Kopi and Carts would help his mindset. Maybe he needs to go to Columbus.

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @variable,

    I don’t think this guy is a team player. He would have to come in to the club humble, which is not his style. Me thinks we would end up with a monster cap, and DS would get pissed at him a have him ride pine for a huge price.

    [Reply]

    luc20rules Reply:

    @variable, Never happen with the Salary Cap dropping 8 to 9 mil next year and being a hard cap. Ovie maybe a Wash buyout.

    [Reply]

  17. Neil says:

    Jon said “speculation”…..

    [Reply]

  18. Mikey J. says:

    Wow the Oil is scalping the Hawks right now.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @Mikey J., 3-0 at last report, sheesh.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    4-0 n

    [Reply]

    goldielocks Reply:

    @Duncanz,

    4-0 now.

    [Reply]

    xeropoint Reply:

    @Duncanz, Sam Gagne working on another touchdown+ performance vs. Hawks?

    [Reply]

    Save, Hrudey! Reply:

    @Mikey J.,

    Woooow!!!

    Though, that’s usually what happens after a long streak.
    I wouldn’t be surprised if they go an ordinary 4-5-1 in their next 10 games.

    [Reply]

    phil sykes Reply:

    @Save, Hrudey!, yes after they lose …. then emotionally it just isnt the same and they realize weve got 24 games left and they are all meaningless cuz we already have the number 1 seed ………………. so this is very predictable … the second half will be like exibition games for them and very hard to get up for …… plus sharp is injured now …… yes , i expect them to lose pretty consistently for a while

    [Reply]

    luc20rules Reply:

    @phil sykes, Are we sure Sharp isn’t so embarrassed by 1 or 2 losses in 25 games that he is faking an injury? ;)

    Kings x Reply:

    @Mikey J., it all happened after the sharp injury

    [Reply]

  19. Duncanz says:

    Jeez, how the wheels are falling off in CHI-town!!
    And I thought @DessertKing was full of his usual hot air all this time he has been preaching this to us..

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @Duncanz, Cant believe Det and CBJ are in OT

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @Mars, Guess we want the Avs and St. Louis to win tonight.
    I hate this season, rooting is strange…
    We need the inter conference games back.

    [Reply]

    Mikey J. Reply:

    @Mars, You know that game is going to go to OT

    Mikey J. Reply:

    @Mars, Referring to the Avs game.

    Mars Reply:

    @Mars, And Wild.

    Mikey J. Reply:

    @Mars, I told you Mars.

    kissmyblarneystones Reply:

    @Duncanz,

    I called it as well. BH’s will go into rest mode for the next 12 games.

    [Reply]

    CB14 Reply:

    @Duncanz, It needs to be noted that even with the Kings 0-25 start on the PP, they’re now just 0.2% below Chicago in PP%. Fire Kompon!

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @CB14, The JK effect hasnt hit the hawks yet
    We are still shaking our JK teachings.
    Hence the upswing.

    [Reply]

  20. goldielocks says:

    Damn … Kunitz got 2 goals already tonight.

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @goldielocks, Still one away from Carts.

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @Mars, Scratch that

    [Reply]

  21. King Alex says:

    Welcome to big show TT! Just play your game and you should do just fine. Here’s to your 1st chance to show the NHL what you got!

    [Reply]

    edwood2 Reply:

    @King Alex, Need to find him a good nickname. TT doesn’t cut it. Reminds me of 44DD. Never mind…

    [Reply]

    Kings x Reply:

    @King Alex, FYI bury the puck like schenn couldn’t.

    [Reply]

  22. Mars says:

    Effin detroit in the SO
    I was hoping they would drop the extra point.

    [Reply]

  23. variable says:

    i’m not sure i get this move…

    [Reply]

    xeropoint Reply:

    @variable, If there are no injuries, I’m not sure either. It begs the question: Which RW sits to give him playing time? Williams? Carter? Lewis? Nolan?

    [Reply]

    CB14 Reply:

    @xeropoint, 3 out of those 4 scored yesterday, and the 4th had the primary assist on Fraser’s goal. So to answer your question, no, no, no, no. I’m thinking there’s an injury that we don’t know about yet. It’s the only thing that makes sense.

    [Reply]

    mikie jay Reply:

    @xeropoint,none of the above….maybe he wants to go to the beaches of so.cal…or richards might not be 100pct..only ds knows for sure..

    [Reply]

    HockeyNerd Reply:

    @xeropoint, Well obviously not a healthy Carter. The other 3? In a 2nd of back to back games or depending on the opponent it wouldn’t be all that surprising to me. Or Williams could be dropped down to 3rd line duty.

    [Reply]

  24. goldielocks says:

    The Blue Jackets is now 3 point out of playoff spot.

    [Reply]

    CB14 Reply:

    @goldielocks, They’ve playing like the anti Kings lately, 6 of their last 7 have gone to OT.

    [Reply]

  25. CB14 says:

    Gagne’s got another PP goal for the Flyers.

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @CB14, Beat me to it

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @Mars, Talbot got a SHG.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @BC14,
    @Michael JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    That’s 2 already!
    YEE HA !!!

    [Reply]

  26. phil sykes says:

    i was reading some comments on previous threads regarding majority and oneill

    ive said since day 1 mayority is awful ….. someone used the word creepy to describe him , and thats the perfect word …… ive described him as a wannabe soap opera star with his quaffed hair and rosey cheeks

    hes always whispering , very creepy like …. and is always blurting out the wrong facts because hes so nervous ………… “you guys have outscored your opponents 13 – 1 the last two nights” ….. meanwhile it was 5-1 against nashville and 6-4 against stlouis ……. he was probably talking about 3rd periods (but even that could have been wrong at the time he spoke it in terms of exactness – not sure)

    but anyways , the guy is always giving wrong facts , gets tongue tied , is nervous , and is a creepy wannabe soap opera star

    regarding ryan oneill ……………. i love this guy …….. he is a real kings fan first and foremost ……….. and hes humble ……………… he dosent pretend hes some expert …… hes just a guy given the job by foxsports as one of their southland guys ………… you know dodgers , kings , etc….. he lets the experts such as evans and carter and fox and miller breakdown the game ………………. hes is more of a host ………. and thats fine with me ………… hes very humble and likeable …….. and i think his knowledgde of the game is pretty darn good – he just dosent want to come off that way …. he just kinda wants to be the fanguy who is the glue that holds the whole crew together by throwing it to bob and jim , or the lockeroom etc………. hes a real bonafide kings fan , and that speaks volumes for me …………… …… heidi and patrick hugging and tearing up during the parade coverage should tell anybody that they really care about the team …… and thats great by me

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @phil sykes, Pat is a goof, but your right. Still Heidi would kick his trousers any day.
    You figure in LA, some hot girl would get all the Hockey IQ she could and walk into Fox and get the job. Ok maybe I am dreaming there. but hey it can happen.

    [Reply]

    Lake Forest Reply:

    @phil sykes, how does one describe thyself?

    [Reply]

    kissmyblarneystones Reply:

    @Lake Forest,

    You said it yourself; ‘One good looking dude.’

    [Reply]

    phil sykes Reply:

    @Lake Forest, suicidal dude who thinks he knows everything about this team , and what it takes to win ……. wheteher thats true or not ….. who knows … but its what i think

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @phil sykes, i think you are living in some type of alternative unreality ….. but it must be kinda nice while it lasts …… is there some kind of a manual one can obtain for this?

    phil sykes Reply:

    @phil sykes, @duncanz ………. rich parents manual

    mrbrett7 Reply:

    @phil sykes, What the…

    [Reply]

  27. Lake Forest says:

    I think Toffoli and Bernier for moulson……

    Call it a hunch, I know people

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @Lake Forest, I’ll take that, change the molson for a stella though.

    [Reply]

    kissmyblarneystones Reply:

    @Mars,

    Mothers Milk!

    [Reply]

    CB14 Reply:

    @Lake Forest, Moulson’s really good, why can’t the Kings ever get guys like that?

    [Reply]

    Lake Forest Reply:

    @CB14, he’d be perfect for our system

    [Reply]

    CB14 Reply:

    @Lake Forest, LOL

    IN King Reply:

    @Lake Forest,

    I hear that Purcell guy, down in Tampa, is pretty good too. Would have been nice to have a guy like that playing for us a few years ago.

    [Reply]

    Belexes Reply:

    @IN King,

    Yeah, a guy like Teddybear or Moulson would probably be the final piece needed to bring us a Stanley Cup….Oh, wait.

    [Reply]

  28. KC23 says:

    Yeah, yeah, yeah. Here comes the speculation.

    Okay, if this is Richards going on IR … I think it might be better to put Toffoli with Brown/Kopitar and move Williams down with Carter. Our first line could use a sniper, Kopitar loves to pass and play along the boards with Brown.

    Carter is a sniper and would be paired with Williams who is excellent at getting the puck where it needs to go (i.e. Carter’s stick).

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @KC23, Agree.

    At the same time, I wish Kopi was selfish at times.

    TT on the 1st line would be impressive for a debut.

    [Reply]

    CB14 Reply:

    @KC23, That makes the most sense to me as well.

    [Reply]

    goldielocks Reply:

    @KC23,

    Richards was at the charity event today. I think he’s fine.

    [Reply]

    CB14 Reply:

    @goldielocks, Was Williams?

    [Reply]

    goldielocks Reply:

    @CB14,

    Yes.

    HockeyNerd Reply:

    @KC23, That makes the most sense to me too. They don’t necessarily have to put Richards on IR. If he’s not 100% he could just rest a game or 2.

    [Reply]

    Mik3ysfv Reply:

    @KC23, nailed it.

    [Reply]

  29. variable says:

    simmer playing punch-out…

    [Reply]

  30. goldielocks says:

    Isn’t it amazing if Chicago record the same amount of losing streak after this?

    [Reply]

    Lake Forest Reply:

    @goldielocks, haha I was thinking the same thing when I saw recent highlights…..

    [Reply]

  31. phil sykes says:

    breakout the jackets … beat detroit again … albeit in a shootout

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @phil sykes, JMFJ with the 3rd star

    [Reply]

    KC23 Reply:

    @Mars, JJ now up 3 spots on his plus/minus to 3rd worst on his own team at -9.

    He is on fire. :D

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @KC23, DD adjacent..

    Kings x Reply:

    @Mars, u can drop th MF, he is now JJ

    [Reply]

  32. kotonk says:

    The way I understand it, they don’t have to make any roster moves to add Toffoli… the spot left by Gagne’s departure was never filled.

    [Reply]

  33. HockeyNerd says:

    This is what I think is going on:

    The Kings do not yet know if Richards can play. With 1) a roster spot already open 2) Richards being a top 6 forward and 3) how well TT is doing, this was pretty much an easy decision.

    I could be wrong but I don’t think a trade is or was planned.

    IF Richards cannot go Tommorow, we WILL see TT in the lineup. Carter could center Toffoli and Penner or do something else but he will play, likely in the top 6.

    If nobody is hurt TT probably won’t play Tommorow, but it will not be long before he does. Not “to have a look at him” or “get him used to the NHL”, but with the hope that he sticks and contributes in the playoffs. He’ll have to prove that of course but I can promise you he won’t sit and he won’t play JUST to “get him a cup of coffee”. We’re in a fight for our playoff lives and likely will be all season. You don’t play rookies just for kicks in this situation. You play them so they can upgrade the team. Even with Carter we’re still on the middle of the pack in Goals. More of them won’t hurt.

    If he plays in the top 6 and / or shows enough that DL and DS think he belongs there, look for a forward, maybe JW or DP to be thrown in with other assets, maybe Bernier to get another defenseman.

    Enough speculation for now. I got way ahead and the first thing is to see how he does. But I think he’s here to PLAY and be an asset — not sit or “get a taste”.

    [Reply]

    kissmyblarneystones Reply:

    @HockeyNerd,

    I don’t see it. Fortunately we don’t have a problem scoring goals this year but, we do have a problem preventing them. A trade is about to happen, and T-Baby is showcasing. Like you said, we’re in a fight for playoff lives and tightening up our GAA is priority #1

    I believe this is #146

    [Reply]

    NOW IMPRESSED Reply:

    @kissmyblarneystones, If TT is part of a trade, he doesn’t need to be called up. Minor leaguers are always parts of trades.

    [Reply]

    phil sykes Reply:

    @HockeyNerd, kings arent trading williams … hes a good player …. very consistent … heavy on his stick …. very good player ……… and could care less about stats …. – hes just a good player …………… penner is doing wonderfully right now with his size ……..

    so it has to be richards is hurting , unless possibly they want to sprinkle tioffili into the bottom 6 from game to game just to see how he plays …… you know rest king one night ….. nolan the next .. just to give tyler a look , and then move him up to the top 6 during the game at some point if we are behind and move penner down …… also could possibly be used on powerplays …………….. so we will see ……….. but kings wont trade williams ….. and i dont believe anybody wants penner …… although right now i think he is playing great for us and is an asset …… he brings that size and is using his body well now … so now is no the time to dump penner – hes doing well right now … very effective ……… using his body for probably the first time in his career – finally

    [Reply]

    HockeyNerd Reply:

    @phil sykes, I was talking about what might happen IF TT earns a top 6 spot. I agree that at this point DL has no plans to trade anybody.

    [Reply]

    phil sykes Reply:

    @HockeyNerd, and all im saying is i guarantee you this ….. if tyler does earna top 6 spot at some point this season …. williams will not be the one losing his job because of it …… wont happen ……. kings like him

    Duncanz Reply:

    @HockeyPHONE, Are you ABSOLUTELY SURE there’s a roster spot open?

    [Reply]

    HockeyNerd Reply:

    @Duncanz, Not any more…..

    [Reply]

  34. Pili says:

    Did nybody just see Kane’s goal? Wow Dubnyk was WAY out of net.

    [Reply]

    kissmyblarneystones Reply:

    @Pili,

    He tried to beat Kane to the Puck.

    [Reply]

  35. goldielocks says:

    Here comes Hawks … 4-2 now.

    [Reply]

  36. Mars says:

    YES!
    AVS and ST. Loius both up right now.
    FU sharts,, FU Sucks.

    Early I know.

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @Mars, Woooo! Wild too!
    Nuck a Sut Nucks. ;)

    [Reply]

    shiny Reply:

    @Mars, thought we wanted the Sucks to keep winning so that way everybody else loses and we can stay in the hunt for a playoff spot much more.easily

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @shiny, Oh is that the plan?
    I hate the ducks soooo freaggin much, that’s gonna be hard to do.

    [Reply]

  37. Mars says:

    Damn Kunitz with a hatty.

    [Reply]

    goldielocks Reply:

    @Mars,

    You beat me to it.

    [Reply]

  38. goldielocks says:

    Kunitz with hatty … Damn …

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @goldielocks, Even in Goals with Carts.

    [Reply]

  39. goldielocks says:

    Oilers got 1 back. Now it’s 5-2.

    [Reply]

  40. Duncanz says:

    Jeff Carter, say hello to James Neal and Chris Kunitz..

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @Duncanz, Neal too? Damn….

    [Reply]

    Neil Reply:

    @Mars, someone call me???

    [Reply]

  41. phil sykes says:

    wild will be in first place with regulation win vs canucks

    tampa was off to great start – now 4 under ……. yet they have aplus 6 goal differential

    new jersey was off to great start but are now only 2 over with a minus 11 goal differential …. and barely holding on to 8th

    [Reply]

    shiny Reply:

    @phil sykes, Hedburg is a craptastic goalie. The Devils are seriously missing.Marty

    [Reply]

  42. shiny says:

    So question: if Richards does end up on IR, he’s a natural center, can’t play wing. If TT is supposedly here to fill in (over Richardson who can play any forward position), where do you put him?

    [Reply]

    KC23 Reply:

    @shiny, Put Toffoli with Kopitar and Brown and move Williams down with Carter.

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @KC23, Thats what I keep thinking. j-dub can feed Carts and TT can take advantage of Kopi and DB passing.

    [Reply]

    shiny Reply:

    @Mars, So on then does Williams go Center or does Carts become Center?

  43. jess says:

    No fair, I’m stuck with the philly / sabres game -what is wrong with these networks?

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @jess, Same here, just watching the logs on THN.

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @Mars,

    Well now I have ducks and blues on which is a little better. I’m done watching east coast hockey!

    [Reply]

  44. goldielocks says:

    Bryzgalov now has more assist than Carter …

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @goldielocks, LOL.
    Wish Kopi was as greedy as Carts sometimes.

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @Mars, Not that carts is greedy of course.

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @goldielocks, Hey, perhaps that explains why Philly were so keen to ship him!

    [Reply]

  45. shiny says:

    Guess I was right. I knew with their first regulation loss the Hawks would completely fall apart and.go on a serious losing streak. I want them to win everything in regulation so that way the point spread is more even and Kings won’t drop 8 spots every night

    [Reply]

    jess Reply:

    @shiny,

    I don’t think they’re going to fall apart, but I’ve always thought they were peaking too early and would get plowed in the first or second round.

    [Reply]

    Mars Reply:

    @shiny, THeyve been figured out? I think the injuries have caught up; bound to happen.
    As long as they stay a first round eit I will be happy.
    I dont think they can fall out of a playoff spot even if they tried now.

    [Reply]

    phil sykes Reply:

    @Mars, sharp is injured ….. and once streak ends , there will be letdown simply becuase its over and there is nothing else left to play for for the next 24 games ….. so the hawks will be playing exibition games and trying to get people healthy …… they will lose plenty now …… noty because they are bad .. but just because the games are now meaningless ….. they are just on a holding pattern till the playoffs start now …….. so they will lose plenty now , since emotionally there is a letdown and nothing to play for

    [Reply]

    shiny Reply:

    @phil sykes, It’s a shame that they won’t play for the pride of winning. I know they’ll just “coast” now that they clinched a playoff spot, but it’s still bad that they’d do that. Oh well, I’m not the coach so I don’t really care

    kissmyblarneystones Reply:

    @phil sykes,
    @shiny,

    The hardest part of the season is about to commence for the B’Hawks.

  46. goldielocks says:

    DS is rooting for Chicago and Anaheim to eat up the points.

    [Reply]

    phil sykes Reply:

    @goldielocks, yes , but u still have to explain it to some people …. you would think common sense would make it obvious , but it still dosent to some

    [Reply]

    shiny Reply:

    @phil sykes, Hey, I’m rooting for them too. He’s got a point. As long as they keep eating up the points, that makes it that much easier for us to vie for a spot.

    [Reply]

    phil sykes Reply:

    @phil sykes, like if anaheim starts getting close to us by falling back and we continue to win …. well then sure , at that time then we can root for the ducks to lose …….. but until that happens …. its best the ducks keep winning

    [Reply]

  47. R.J. Winans says:

    It should be really interesting to see how Toffoli fits into the team–he would be the youngest team member on the roster. How do you think his age would influence his involvement with the team? Positively? Negatively? Hopefully it would bring a little energy to whatever line he is on and help with making the team more urgent about the way they play.

    [Reply]

  48. Ravens says:

    Bernie’s stock has never been higher, it only goes down from here as poeple realize we get desperate as his contract winds down as a king, I say there is some sort of trade coming envolving Bernie and a forward, say Stoll, King, Williams, Penner, for some d-man,

    [Reply]

    Cry Baby Reply:

    @Ravens, Bernie is a RFA and I am of the opinion that the Kings will not move him till off season, there is no desperation to move JB.

    [Reply]

    HockeyNerd Reply:

    @Cry Baby, Not so much to move JB but to use the assets we have to upgrade our defense. Muzzin and Ellerby are doing well, but they are not Mitchell and Greene.

    [Reply]

    HockeyNerd Reply:

    @Ravens, Could be….

    [Reply]

    edwood2 Reply:

    @Ravens, Folks on TSN are not very happy with the play of Phaneuf. Just sayin…

    [Reply]

    Duncanz Reply:

    @edwood2, He’s there captain isn’t he?

    [Reply]

    Kenny44 Reply:

    @Duncanz,

    Yes, but also former Flame at the same time a certain Alberta farmer was also

  49. King Alex says:

    If Tyler is a good as we all think he will be, maybe we should call him TNT…..

    [Reply]

    Ravens Reply:

    @King Alex, T-baby after his girlfreinds tewwt

    [Reply]

    Ravens Reply:

    @Ravens, tweet

    [Reply]

    IceGuy Reply:

    @King Alex,
    Obvious nickname – “T-Rex”!

    [Reply]

  50. Mik3ysfv says:

    I love Tyler Toffoli, But if it is Mike Richards that is injured, wouldn’t it make more sense to bring up Linden Vey instead? He has more points, is a natural center, which would allow Jeff Carter to remain at right wing instead of sliding over to center. I don’t see a line with Carter and Toffoli working out too well as there is no one to feed them the puck, they are both shooters. Plus, Vey has a similar build to Mike Richards, and does play a physical game as well.

    [Reply]

  51. Jack says:

    Maybe they are looking ahead to the playoffs, and decided to sharpen an extra knife for the set…

    [Reply]

    Mik3ysfv Reply:

    @Jack, good point. I hadn’t considered that. And I sure hope Mike Richards is not injured.

    [Reply]

  52. Cav Pilot says:

    Ok. I’m going to go on record as saying I don’t like this move. Unless there is a motive that we don’t know about yet (IR, trade), I just can’t see the upside of bringing Toffoli to the big squad right now. The lines have pretty much settled in are are being productive. Why bring in an FNG and disrupt a good thing?

    [Reply]

  53. What's the frequency, Kenneth? says:

    I’m thinking it’s simpler than it looks. With a free spot on the current roster, it’s a good time to give Toffoli a taste of the NHL. Send him back down when he’s had a good drink, and give him tips on what he needs to do to improve his game, now that he’s got a feel for “the show.”

    [Reply]

    What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:

    If something extraordinary were to happen, we’d have another capable center, or–could spare one of the older centers? (bottom six guys, I guess.)

    [Reply]

    Hutch Reply:

    @What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, I agree, it’s probably very simple. Toffuli isn’t a player like King, he’s a pure sniper.

    A thought I had might be that with the very heavy March and April schedule the Kings are faced with, they will rotate guys out of the lineup. I’ve never heard if this, but if Williams or Richards or Brown or whomever among the top 6 are a little banged up, or just could benefit from some extra rest, this could be a solution without plugging in a non scorer like Richardson, or moving a guy into a role he’s unfamiliar with.

    [Reply]

  54. krash324 says:

    Barring injury or trade rumours, could King be the odd man out? I think we all expected more than 2-3 goal pace for an 82 game schedule.

    [Reply]

    Gustavo Reply:

    @krash324,

    Why?
    He’s only a 2nd year player. Without scoring, I’d like to see his physical impact to improve.

    [Reply]

  55. kings714 says:

    I think this must be about how good Tofolli has been playing.

    the injury scenario would only make sense if it were serious, and both players were in at the end of the game so it doesn’t seem like that. i say this because if it the injury was brief or minor, why not let richardson weather the small amount of games. why take tofolli from playing time? tofolli hasn’t even completed his first pro year, you don’t want to heap extra expectations on him so early, and then you have the whole waiver scenario (i know we couldn’t be eligible to lose him to waivers now, but is it like baseball where a player has a certain number of options and they have to clear waivers? or not).

    with these assumptions though, it just doesn’t make sense. our offense is scoring goals, our lines are clicking for the time being, even guys I have been bullish on are stepping up (king is still a slight disappointment so far but has been stepping it up, i grudgingly admit penner has been playing very well last 10ish games, fraser is playing solid). the line up is playing well yet every game counts.

    the trade scenario could seem valid, but who would really be available and who would we want to part with? i think williams is a key for this team, nobody would want penner, and the rest of the top 6 are indispensable. although the defense isn’t the rock it was last year, i think the 6 we’re dressing right now are playing well together and if they can stay healthy they will only be better.

    so far from me to question DL and the ring on his finger, but from the information we have know my question is WHY?

    [Reply]

    Gustavo Reply:

    @kings714,

    Looks to me like Richardson is about to be traded. Does it make sense to keep him?
    If Mike Richards was hurt, Carter could easily center that line without too many shuffles or a call up of this magnitude.

    Welcome to the big club, kid. Keep your head up. (We play the Cryotes and their goon squad this week)

    [Reply]

    kings714 Reply:

    @Gustavo, ahhh a trade of Richardson never crossed my mind but makes sense. He can’t be happy with his role, we don’t seem to want to use him since he couldn’t get in the line up even when we were playing poorly. Certainly he’s good.enough to play bottom six minutes somewhere around the league.

    [Reply]

  56. Kings x says:

    Does this now make us the youngest team in the NHL?

    [Reply]

    luc20rules Reply:

    @Kings x, We already were.

    [Reply]

  57. Steve says:

    Toffoli will be a great addition. I just hope Richards is okay.

    [Reply]

  58. plywood says:

    Kinda funny. I’m thinking back of some previous threads where people were jumping on dl for not looking at younger guys early enough in their careers. Now, tt is coming up and the comments are questioning the reasons. Persnally, I think it’s great to be looking at him now. I have complete trust in ds that it will be done in the right way.

    [Reply]

  59. nykingfan says:

    Put me in the category of “I don’t get the move”.
    Without knowing what’s the motive behind the move, it’s impossible to criticize anyone for doing it.
    If it’s just to give him a sniff of the NHL, then it doesn’t make too much sense to me. The team has been playing well over the past month and doesn’t look like it needs an infusion of youth or goal scoring at the moment.
    I’ll be very interested to know what the Kings motive for the move is. I have no reason to doubt that DL knows exactly what he’s doing, it just seems like an odd time to do it..UNLESS there’s an injury.

    [Reply]

    mrbrett7 Reply:

    @nykingfan, I’m there with you. I’ve been racking my brain trying to figure this out, and for the life of me, it makes no sense. Without an injury or trade, where does he play????

    [Reply]

    Token Reply:

    @nykingfan, It’s real simple. Do what you did last year. You won the cup after all.

    You don’t always need absolute causality. Just keep the other teams guessing with an unknown quantity.

    [Reply]

    mrbrett7 Reply:

    @Token, Who do you replace in a lineup that is playing very well? Especially on offense.

    [Reply]

    nykingfan Reply:

    @Token,
    Last year we had Trent Hunter and Ethan Moreau taking up space on the roster. Picking you and I as replacements would have been a better option than keeping those 2.
    The move made sense in bringing up 2 guys (Nolan, King) that you could insert immediately into the lineup.
    Unless there’s an injury, which forward are you sitting for Toffoli?

    [Reply]

    Cav Pilot Reply:

    @nykingfan, In total agreement. I said pretty much the same thing in an earlier post.

    [Reply]

    BluLiner Reply:

    @nykingfan, You guys are pretty sharp so I am confused by your confusion. The Kings are permitted three extra guys who don’t suit up. For some reason they have only had two extras since sending Campbell down. When Richards went out for a few shifts, the Kings probably realized that they were one forward injury away from not being able to put together a full team on the ice. That is why you have three extras on the roster. So they hustled up and got Toffoli in. Right, or am I missing something?

    [Reply]

    nykingfan Reply:

    @BluLiner,
    Why would the Kings feel that Toffoli would be better off sitting in the press box than playing a regular shift in Manchester?
    that’s the option that makes the least amount of sense.

    [Reply]

    BluLiner Reply:

    @nykingfan, My thought is you should always have two forwards in reserve with the team in case of injuries. I think New Jersey in the last year or two was in the embarrassing situation that due to injuries they did not have enough players to make four lines. Now if you want to just place someone in the press box, I guess you could call up someone else and let Toffoli keep playing, but Toffoli might not like that if he is the best available.

    Gustavo Reply:

    @nykingfan,

    Upcoming trade. Plain and simple. After seeing Lokti, Gagne, Hickey being traded or lost to the waiver wire, I imagine Richardson banging on DL’s desk (politely) to get traded to some team who can give him some TOI. He’s been riding the pine for most of the last two seasons and his career prospects have been taking a nose dive. Who could blame him for wanting out, if that’s the case?

    Also, just because Bernier has been playing lights out (except vs St Louis) it does not mean he changed his mind about wanting to go to a team to be a #1 goaltender.

    If we’re not getting either Greene or Mitchell back any time soon, the team defense will look even more vulnerable during the playoffs than it does now. Solid D men are not readily available these days. So GMs have to cook some trading formulas without upsetting the core of the team.

    DL is a Machiavellic schemer. I’d not be surprised to see him pull a large impact trade for an A class D man with a long term contract.

    [Reply]

  60. vplaza says:

    Flames will be out to even things out tonight. Kings better be ready for some rough stuff.

    [Reply]

    Gustavo Reply:

    @vplaza,
    I doubt it. The Flames are not built for the ‘rough stuff’, like Phoenix or Anaheim are.

    [Reply]

  61. Adam M says:

    If the LA Kings recalled Toffoli right with the LA Kings Rosters moved so here is the Lines for the Kings are
    1 Kopitar Fraser Brown
    2 Toffoli Carter Williams
    3 Lewis Penner Richardson
    4 King Nolan King for Defenseman lines are
    Ellerby Doughty
    Martinez Muzzin
    Scuderi Voynov so what do you think

    [Reply]

    LBlocal Reply:

    @Adam M, I’m thinking you wish there was an edit button on this blog. Kopitar FRASER Brown???

    [Reply]

    Gustavo Reply:

    @Adam M,
    I think you’re pulling our leg, lol
    Fraser promoted to the first line?..Richards benched?…Penner as center?…really??

    [Reply]

    Adam M Reply:

    @Gustavo, okay @Gustavo it looks like I checked from ESPN and I clicked LA Kings Roster and Penner is a left wing not Center you got your Mistake and Richards is not well and thats what the LA Kings recalled Toffoli in 2nd line replacing Richards to get better

    [Reply]

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