Kings trim training camp roster by 11

The Kings trimmed their training camp roster by 11 players on Tuesday. Via the club’s release:

Returned to Junior Team:
Michael Amadio – C (North Bay, OHL)
Jake Marchment – C (Erie, OHL)
Jacob Middleton – D (Ottawa, OHL)
Matthew Mistele – LW (Oshawa, OHL)
Chaz Reddekopp – D (Victoria, WHL)
Matt Schmalz – RW (Sudbury, OHL)
Austin Wagner – LW (Regina, WHL)
Spencer Watson – RW (Kingston, OHL)

Released from Pro Tryout:
Jack Flinn – G
Samuel Laberge – LW
Jared Walsh – D

This is the second round of training camp cuts. Over the weekend, Derek Arnold, Ty Comrie and Nick McBride were released from their tryouts, and goaltender Alec Dillon was assigned to the Edmonton Oil Kings, with whom he’ll spend his 19-year-old season.

There are no real surprises here. Matthew Mistele, Jake Marchment and Jack Flinn will return to major junior for their 20-year-old seasons, where teams are allowed to keep three “overage” 20-year-olds. I hadn’t heard that any of the three was being strongly considered for a forward spot with AHL-Ontario. Players drafted out of North American junior leagues must be at least 20 to play in the AHL. Those I’ve spoken to had good things to say of 19-year-old Jake Middleton, who has developed well with OHL-Ottawa and has proven himself to be capable at defending.

I asked a member of the cub’s hockey operations whether the Kings were kicking the tires on signing Flinn and didn’t receive a “yes” response, though they said the experience in Los Angeles’ camp was good for him, and he’ll return to OHL-Owen Sound with added confidence and experience.

Of players drafted in 2014 or 2015, Eric Cernak (second round / 2015), Adrian Kempe (first round / 2014) and Alex Lintuniemi (second round / 2014) remain with the club.

52 players remain in training camp, though Paul Bissonnette (hernia) and Damir Sharipzyanov (wrist) have been skating in non-contact jerseys as they recover from injury. Jordan Nolan (ankle) and Joel Lowry (back) have progressed to the point that they’ve joined the regular on-ice contingent.