Homecoming for Segal

If Brandon Segal, 26, gets to play in both games of this road trip, he will double his NHL experience, matching the two games he played with Tampa Bay last season. Segal might also get to play close to home, as he is a British Columbia native. Segal said that, most recently, he had been skating with Oscar Moller and Gabe Gauthier in Manchester.

It seems likely that, at least tomorrow, Segal will be on the fourth line. Here’s what Segal, who will wear No. 49, said today about joining the Kings…

Question: When did you get the call, and what was your reaction?

SEGAL: “It was Sunday. We played Providence in Providence, and after the game, Dean Lombardi called me into his office and was like, `Here’s the deal. You’re going up.’ I thought, `It sounds great!’ I called my whole family, because I’m from Vancouver and I’m going back to Vancouver, which is exciting. I’ve got my girlfriend and all the family, cousins and friends, so it’s going to be very exciting.”

Question: How did you end up signing with the Kings?

SEGAL: “There were other teams, but I felt L.A. was a great organization and my best bet, and here I am right now so I have no regrets. This has been unbelievable, ever since the day I signed. They have treated me great and I’m really happy to here and show what I can do.”

Question: Has Lombardi, or anyone else, talked to you about what they expect from you here?

SEGAL: “Energy guy. I’m going to go out there and get the puck in deep and create havoc and take the puck to the net and make sure to finish with the body. Obviously a lot of energy for the fourth line.”

Question: Coming to the NHL might end up costing you money, with all the tickets you’ll have to buy…

SEGAL: “It’s worth it, especially to be in Vancouver. My whole life I’ve dreamed about going to Vancouver and playing in the GM Place against the Canucks. It’s perfect timing.”

Question: You’ve spent this whole season with Loktionov. What can you say about his game?

SEGAL: “He’s 19 years old and he plays like he’s 30. It’s amazing. He has unbelievable patience out there with the puck. Great vision and he’s done a great job in Manchester. He’s going to be one hell of a hockey player in the future. He already is. He’s 19. It makes me sick. (laughs)”

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