Voynov: close, but not quite?

The roster math is all unofficial, but to a certain extent, it’s also undeniable. Assuming that Colin Fraser and Jake Muzzin start the season on injured reserve, there might only be one open spot on the Kings’ roster. Assume the top six forwards, plus Clifford, Stoll and Richardson, and the six regular defensemen have spots. Assume, also, that players such as Lewis, Westgarth, Moreau and Hunter have secured spots. Presume, probably, that Davis Drewiske has as well. That would leave one spot between either winger Scott Parse or defenseman Slava Voynov. The question becomes, do the Kings carry seven or eight defensemen? Today, Parse skated with the “extras,’’ Fraser and Westgarth, which wasn’t a great sign for him.

I asked Terry Murray directly, though, what Voynov’s chances of making the team were.

MURRAY: “I can’t speak for management. That’s probably a conversation we need to sit down and have, but I would say the chances are not very likely that we would keep him around. With Drew back now, and the players that we have in place from last year, the chances are maybe not quite in his favor, but he has certainly made an incredible impression on us throughout the training camp. We love the way he has come along in his development. He’s right on the threshold of stepping over and making his debut as an NHL regular defenseman. … I don’t want to rule it out, because he deserves a lot. He’s been a great kid and I love the way he’s playing. So we just need to make sure we’re making the right decision for his proper development.’’