Roster Moves – Moverare on waivers + Helenius, Malott, Parker-Jones, McKay to Ontario

We’re off to Quebec!

The Kings are currently in the air, with Quebec City in their sights. The travel begins today, for a slate of four days that will consist of two practices and two games in Quebec City, as the Kings conclude their preseason on the East Coast. It’s certainly a different way to close out the preseason, with the Kings taking on Florida and Boston for what I assume is the first time in a long time during the exhibition season.

For today, we’ve got a handful of roster moves from the Kings.

The @LAKings have made the following Training Camp roster moves:

– Forward Jeff Malott has cleared waivers and is assigned to Ontario (AHL).
– Forward Samuel Helenius has been loaned to Ontario.
– Defenseman Jacob Moverare has been put on waivers for purpose of assignment to… pic.twitter.com/4rZNAljq43

— LA Kings PR (@LAKingsPR) October 1, 2024

First things first, forward Jeff Malott was placed on waivers yesterday and has cleared, which means he has been assigned to AHL-Ontario today. Malott is expected to join up with the Reign during training camp, as they get underway today for their second skate of the preseason. Malott, I thought, put in a solid showing during preseason at the NHL level and should be among the first players considered for a recall if and when the time comes. He’s a three-time, 20-goal scorer in the AHL with Manitoba and should be a key offensive player for the Reign early in the season, a veteran scorer who can help replace the loss of players like Alex Turcotte and Akil Thomas.

Also related to waivers, defenseman Jacob Moverare was placed on waivers earlier today by the Kings, with the purpose of assigning him to the Reign.

With the injury to Drew Doughty, the opportunity for a player like Moverare increased, with both he and Caleb Jones considered for more of an NHL opportunity. Ultimately, I think the versatility that Jones offers, with the NHL experience playing on the right side, perhaps vaulted him ahead. Moverare did play on the right last night in Anaheim and said he felt comfortable, having played there in other leagues, but Jones has done so in the NHL. The Kings still have decisions to make for final roster spots, so it’s not to suggest that Jones has made the club, but he will travel with the group to Quebec City and could get into another exhibition game. Moverare has two seasons remaining on his contract and if he does clear, would likely be the first man up in Ontario if a defenseman is needed. He’s a known commodity at this stage and the Kings are comfortable playing him when he’s up.

Joining Malott with the Reign will be forward Samuel Helenius along with forward/defenseman John Parker-Jones and goaltender Samuel Helenius. Both skaters played for the Kings last night in Anaheim and both played their roles effectively on the fourth line.

For Helenius, I don’t want to say it was unexpected to be loaned to the AHL, but he was among the strongest performers during training camp. He made an impression on the coaches and the organization. Ultimately, I think he was always destined for Ontario because even with the strongest showing, the numbers don’t change. The Kings are traveling with 15 forwards to Quebec City and all of them require waivers to be assigned to the AHL, with the exception of Andre Lee. Helenius does not. If he was a clear-cut NHL player, like Brandt Clarke, the waivers exemption would not matter. In this case, though, it made one decision a little bit easier. A terrific preseason from the young, Finnish centerman. though, and I’m excited to keep an eye on his progress with the Reign early in the season. I’m sure others with more influence than me will be watching as well.

With Parker-Jones, last night’s game was a nice reward for a player who has come to camp and done the right things, with the right attitude. With the ability to play both forward and defense, Parker-Jones was regularly shifted between the two positions as injuries hit the Kings at various points. Good on Parker-Jones for his attitude and approach and Jim Hiller was complementary of his performance last night in Anaheim. On an AHL contract, he’ll try his best to make the AHL club. Also heading to Ontario is goaltender Dryden McKay, who was also released from his PTO with the Kings and will join the Reign on the ice today.

With that, it appears as if the group for Quebec City is set – 15 forwards, eight defensemen and three goaltenders. Will share tomorrow’s alignment here in the morning as the Kings hit the ice for their first practice day North of the border. Still a few battles to be contested, spots to be won and games to be played. Exciting finish to camp for the Kings.