Poni for Frolov

The Kings look like they have lost out on the Kovalchuk saga although we will see in the next few days what comes of his new contract controversy. Then Alxander Frolov signed a one year deal with the New York Rangers. However, it didn’t take long to replace Frolov. Alexie Ponikreovsky was signed shortly after the Kings lost Frolov. Personally I am not that big of this signing. If they were looking for more offence, I would have looked at Maxim Afingenov, or even Paul kariya. Too make such a quick counter move was obviously a planned out move… I hope anyway.

If Ilya Kovalchuk does go back on the market dont be suprised to see the Kings make another offer, they may need to make a move or 2 to make it all work, but it would be worthwhile in my opinion. Either way it is nice to see some more names being picked up, signed, and traded. Arbitration hearings are in full swing so we are starting to see what other teams are looking like.

Luton

waiting on Ilya!

The NHL, lingers as no one is willing to make a move until Ilya Kovalchuk makes up his mind. New Jersey, Long Island, L.A. At this point I am as frustrated as the next person. Kovalchuk needs to make up his mind so everyone can move on, trades can be made and the tier 2 free agents can sign with the next team. Minor signngs are being done. The Kings officially re-upped with Brad Richardson on a 1 year 900k a year contract.

The Kings are getting close to seeing what there team may look like, however if Kovalchuk does come things could change. Other rumors that swirl that if the Kings don’t get Kovalchuk that there is a possible trade with the Flyers, involving Simon Gagne, and Scott Hartnall, and another player, going back to Philly would be Jonathan Quick, and another roster player and a prospect, that being said it is only a rumor… I would guess the 3rd player going to L.A. would either be Brian Boucher or Michael Leighton.

Right now it looks something like this.
Forwards
Ryan Smyth, Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown
xxxxxx, Jarret Stoll, Wayne Simmonds
Oscar Moller, Michal Handzus, Brad Richardson
xxxxxx, Scott Parse, Justin Williams
Richard Clune
with out Kovalchuk or any new aquistions,
Braeden Schenn should get a shot at filling a top 6 roll, Andrei Loktionov may also get a shot.
for the 4th line energy guy splitting time likely with Clune will either beTrevor Lewis, Bud Hollowayor possibly Dwight King.

On Defense
Drew Doughty, Rob Scuderi
Jack Johnson, xxxxxx
Matt Greene, xxxxxx
Peter Harrold
likely takers for Johnsons partner are Davis Drewiske, or Johan Fransson and lineing up with Greene will probably be Vyacheslav Voinov or Thomas Hickey, possibly but un-likely Colten Tuebert could steal a spot.

Finally in Goal
Jonathan Quick
Jonathan Bernier
these 2 will likely be platooned as long as they are a tandem, Erik Ersberg likely gets demoted. He played well but you just cant hold Bernier back any longer, Ersberg is the odd King out.

Luton

King Kovy???

It was thought that Dean Lombardi had pulled out of the Ilya Kovalchuk sweepstakes, however Lombardi apperently is ready to re-enter the Kovy sweepstakes. Heavy speculation had Kovy sighning a seven year deal with the New Jersey Devils and the other rumor had the New York Islanders offering a contract. It is rumored that Kovy was looking for 10 million a year for 10 years. It doesn’t appear he will get that and apparently is going to make Lombardi a counter offer.

The idea of Kovalchuk joining the Kings is very appealing in my opinion. He would bring a dominent goal scoring threat and would look great alongside Anzi Kopitar and Ryan Smyth on the top line. Future Kings Voinov, Loktionov and newly drafted Maxim Kitsyn will be looking to play with one of the best Russians in today’s NHL and will stay in North America.

The Kings have done very little in the free agency besides lose Sean O’Donnell to the Flyers, Raitis Ivanins to Calgary and Drew Bagnall to Minnesota. Freddy Modin and long time King Alexander Frolov are still on the market. Rumor has Frolov linked with the Canadiens and the Islanders.

Other Guys the Kings wouldn’t mind signing are Mike Modano, John Madden, Pavol Demitra, Robert Nilsson, and Marek Svatos. I would also like to re-sign Freddy Modin. I though Modin was reliable at both ends and a solid peice of the second unit of the powerplay. If the Kings signed Kovy and with Richardson re-signed and Oscar Moller being full time, I could see either Richard Clune as the 12th forward but I like him better as the 13th, and I would rather re-sign Modin. If not Modin we could probably get Nilsson or Svatos for cheap. They both had very bad years but if they sign cheap they could be worth the risk. I also think Modano would be a good fit.
If Kovalchuk doesn’t sign with the Kings, Lombardi will need to fill some gaps, I would lok long and hard at Modano and Demitra, another guy who might be worth the risk would be Maxim Afingenov, or they could talk to the Flyers about Simon Gagne.

Luton

2010 NHL Draft!

The 2010 NHL draft has come and gone, and my mock draft looks much different than what actually happened. I am not dissapointed, it is very hard to predict the NHL draft. The big question of Taylor or Tyler was decided. Taylor Hall was drafted 1st overall by the Edmonton Oilers and the Boston Bruins of coarse took Tyler Seguin. The Kings did do what I expected as they did trade up to get who they wanted, however I thought they were moving up to get Emerson Etem…. instead they took Derek Forbort. Forbort is a solid pick for sure however I felt this was not the pick they should have done. With Doughty and Johnson in the fold and Thomas Hickey, Vyacheslav Voynov, and Colten Teubert not far behind the Kings are set on the blue line, and with some forwards graduating this year I thought they should focus on that.

That being said Dean Lombardi and the Kings scouting staff felt they should take the best player available and when Derek Forbort was still available at 15 the Kings felt they needed to make the move and get him. The good news is Forbort is going to be a solid NHLer down the road and the Kings will have a solid defensive unit for years and years and years.

The L.A. Kings picked Tyler Toffoli 47th overall. Living in Ottawa and attending lots of 67’s games I can tell you Toffoli is a solid pick up. A natural goal scorer Toffoli is a threat in the offensive zone everytime he steps inside the offensive blueline. He is a hard worker and will get back to play defense and pick up the open man. Toffoli’s one flaw is his skating, but it is not terrible, and it can be fixed with a little practice and strengthening to his lower body .

Jordan Weal is one of my favorite players in the entire draft, and was an absolute steal for the 3rd round. Weal is smaller but he is fast and is a offensive threat. I feel this is a great pick up and in 2 to 3 years he will be a King and prove everyone that he belongs in the NHL.

The last 2 picks were Defensemen Kevin Gravel who is 6′4 185lbs. Gravel will need to fill out his big frame much like Forbort, and they also took a flyer on Russian Maxim Kitsyn. Kitsyn is a talented offensive forward who doesn’t do much in the way of defense. Sadly the other factor that is often talked about is the fact that he is Russian and you don’t know if he will ever come over. Hopefully guys like Andrei Loktionov and Voynov can help bring Kitsyn over and he will become a scoring threat alongside Loktionov or Kopitar…. in a few years.

KINGS PICKS
#15 rd1. Derek Forbort – D 6′5′ 198lbs from the USNDP U-18
Strengths, good mobility for a big body, offensivly gifted, uses his size and reach very well.
needs to improve his passing game and fill out his frame.

#47 rd2. Tyler Toffoli – RW/C 6′ 178lbs from the Ottawa 67’s (OHL)
Strengths, quick accurate shot, good hands, solid work ethic.
Toffoli needs to improve his skating and physical edge

#70 rd3. Jordan Weal – C 5′9.5″ 162lbs from the Regina Pats (WHL)
Strengths, Great hands and uses them to create plays out of nowhere, explosive speed, finds the open ice well. Weal needs to improve on taking long shifts then he gets caught when he is out of gas and takes bad penalties.

#148 rd5. Kevin Gravel – D 6′4″ 185lbs from Sioux City (USHL)
Strenghts, good skater, reads what is going on very well and makes good decisions in his own zone.
Gravel needs to improve his passing skills, he also needs to work on his positioning, he needs to use his size and strength more, he also needs to fill out more.

#158 rd6. Maxim Kitsyn – LW 6′2′ 194lbs from Novokuznetsk (KHL)
Strengths, Amazing hands and scoring instinct, uses traffic to create oppertunities and has great agility.
Kitsyn needs to improve his defensive play, and he is big with good weight but doesn’t use it.

I like what the Kings aquired at the 2010 draft, I would have preferred Etem at first, but I think Weal and Toffoli make up for that and they got 2 big D-men who give them lots of size on the back end, and finally added a wild card who could either be a steal or a bust but hopefully Kitsyn comes over in a year or 2 and developes into a scoring threat.

Luton

Mock 1 w/ trade scenerios!

Hello again, today I will revisit my previous mock draft blog and add some insite to possible trades in the draft.
1. Edmonton – They will not be moving this pick Taylor Hall is there guy.
2. Boston- I am 97% sure they dont trade this pick Tyler Seguin is there guy after Hall.
3. Florida – May trade this pick and other key cogs on there team to get an immidiate impact so they can get back into the playoffs. Vancouver is the team rumored the most but I don’t think the 25th pick and Mayson Raymond will cut it, there has to be more involved. I would also consider Anahiem as a candidate to move up here or Carolina.
4. Columbus – Through the rumor mil Columbus was talking with Ottawa involving their 4th overall pick and Derrick Brassard for Jason Spezza. this would be a good trade for both teams however I think more would have to go both ways to get this done. Maybe a prospect or Columbus’s 2nd round pick and a salary dump possibly Jan Hejda, and Ottawa would have to add another prospect into the mix.
5.Long Island – For the right price Garth Snow would move this pick but it would have to be a great offer. They could also move down 2 or 3 spots and aquire an extra pick. Snow is content to stay at 5 and go with Gudbranson… they may go with Brett Connolly instead if they feel he is not going to continue to have injury issues.
6.Tampa Bay – I think Steve Yzerman will keep this pick. Building from with in the organization and through the draft is what Steve Yzerman knows best. He watched Ken Holland do it for years. I expect Nino Niederrieter to get selected, however If Brett Connolly is still there he may go for him instead… again depending on his health.
7. Carolina – The Canes could move up or down, no real rumors to list, Rutherford will listen to offers but I believe they are content at the 7 spot.
8. Atlanta – Has Johansen in mind, he would look great as Kane’s centre in the future however. there have been offers made, and I think form what I have heard that Ottawa has had talks with them involving Jason Spezza. It is believed that the Sens want both Atlanta’s first round picks, and Atlanta seems iffy on giving them both up.
9. Minnesota- Hard to say what they want to do here, they may get an inticing offer from both Phoenix and St.Louis, Phoenix wants Jeffry Skinner, and the Blues want Jack Campbell. I doubt Cambell makes it past Dallas so the Blues may have to anti up big time. Minnesota would want there 1st back and atleast there 2nd rounder as well, you might be able to swindle even more out of them if Davidson wants Campbell that bad. this is an intersting situation and I look forward to seeing what happens.
10. New York – The Rangers stick at 10 and get Taresenko.
11. Dallas – I think Dallas stands pat here, they will take Campbell here if it is possible otherwise if St. Louis jumps up to nab him at 9 Dallas will also be happy to pick up a elite defender. Either Merrill, Forbort, or Pysyk.
12. Anaheim – May move up but I think they wont want to give to much, they will either nab Fobort if they can but they will also look at Granlund, Merrill, or Etem if Fobort is taken by the Stars.
13. Phoenix – Will talk with Minnesota or New York to move up and make sure they get Skinner. Maloney loves Kitchener players, and XSkinner is one of the best snipers in the draft.
14. St. Louis – It is pretty well known that St. Louis covets Jack Cambell and will try to move up to get him before Dallas. They will talk heavily with Minnesota and if that fails Davidson will talk to his buddy Glen Sather, I think St. Louis will do what they can to make sure they get Campbell and if they don’t Burimistrov will be a Blue.
15. Boston – Boston likely stands pat here again, they feel that one of Merrill Forbort or Pysyk will still be here and will lock up a key piece to there future.
16. Ottawa – Ottawa will be swirling with moves and offers coming in and out. They will be talking heavily to Atlanta and Columbus, as well as The Oilers. With the oilers 1st pick gone the 31st pick and the 48th pick that the Oilers got from Nashville, there would be more to it than just that. The Oilers if this trade did get done before the draft starts or during the first few picks may then try and swing Spezza to Columbus for Brassard and the 4th pick, and more. The Sens arnt done there. The Sens mauay als try to trade Volchenkovs rights, and Chris Kelly to aquire extra picks. Finally what all you Kings fans are waiting to here. Assuming Emerson Etem is still on the board, I see the Kings offering there 19th pick and there 2nd round pick to the Sens for the 16th pick and the right to pick the L.A. native Emerson Etem. the Kings would likely get a 4th or 6th round pick.
17. Colorado – They likely stick, I went with McIlrath which is a bit of a gamble, but the reason for it is Colorado will need someone mean to replace Foote in a year or 2 and although they have lots of defesive prospects, they are mostly offensive, they need a mean scary stay at home Dman and McIlrath is as mean as they come.
18. Nashville – Also sticks and assuming if Minnesota doesn’t pick Nick Bjugstad where ever they pick, He will become a Predator.
19. Los Angelas Kings – Like I mentioned earlier I doubt Etem makes it past the Sens, there for they will make a trade with the Sens to get Etem, He will be a crowd favorite for years and years. It is not just a homer pick Etem is a true goal scorer who works his tail off, he wont disappoint. If they don’t get Etem I expect them to take the gamble on Kabanov or possibly even Evgeni Kuzentsov.
20. Pittsburgh- They will stay at 20
21. Detroit – If Pysyk is there at 21 Holland will take him, if not I wouldnt be suprised to see the Wings move down a few spots, may talk with Anaheim about the 29th pick and another 2nd round pick.
22. Phoenix – Unless they use this pick to ensure they get Skinner, which they may, I see this deal being fair, Phoenix’s 2 first round picks for Minnesota’s 1st and 2nd round pick, or a prospect along the lines of Tyler Cuma or Colten Gillies. Otherwise Phoenix keeps this pick and takes Watson.
23. Buffalo – Likely keeps this pick and adds size to the roster along with Kassian, however with Kassians troubles and the Leafs interest in getting a first round pick, We may see Kaberle involved in a deal here for the Sabres first round pick, there would be more surrounding this deal.
24. Atlanta – This pick will depends on if they get a deal done with the Sens otherwise I have them pickin Zucker, that may be a stretch, but he would fit in well there. I also like Jaden Schwartz and Brock Nelson here, possibly Beau Bennett.
25. Vancouver – Again this pick depends if they make a deal with Florida or maybe even the Islanders. Most “experts or columnists” have the Canucks taking Jarred Tinordi, and it would be a good pick to be sure, however, I just can’t get over the prospect of Alex Petrovic here. He is big and nasty he is fast and he can score, He reminds me of Dion Phaneuf and I think when Gillis compares the 2 the offensive upside Petrovic has over Tinordi wins him over.
26. Washington – Likely sticks here, they will take Tinordi a homegrown kid if the Canucks don’t they otherwise will go with either Evgeni Kuzentsov, Kirill Kabanov, or Johan Larsson.
27. Montreal – Likely will stick here especially if Charlie Coyle is available. However they may move down, if Gauthier isn’t to keen on what he thinks will be the next few picks. He may look to add picks. Gauthier has gone on record as saying he would like to bring more french Canadiens back into the fold. they could also use some size.
28. San Jose – Sticks here with Tyler Toffoli
29. Anaheim – I can see Anaheim moving up here to get what they want and again I think Detroit would be the team to talk to.possibly Atlanta as well.
30. Chicago – Now that they have one the cup, there main goal is their salary cap situation, The hawks will stick here they will look like a different team next season and their and they will finally have a blue chip prospect in goal with Calvin Pickard.

Other trade rumors
L.A. may move Frolov’s right at the draft to aquire a extra pick, it seems unlikely at this point that he will be brought back.
Buffalo is after Kaberle but don’t be suprised if New Jersey gets him, if they think they are going to lose Martin they may attempt to bring Kaberle.
Anaheim is also interested in Kaberle to possibly replace Niedermayer, Look for a possible Bobby Ryan for Kaberle deal to be made. Burke loves that kid.
Rumors swirl that the Flames are interested in Spezza as well but with no decent draft picks available a deal may be hard to come bye, Backlund would have to be part of the deal, Regehr’s name was also mentioned.
Finally Jeff Carter from Philly is rumored to go to the Kings for Quick. Personally I think it is a gamble to trade Quick away right now but Carter would be a huge asset. But putting your faith in Bernier is risky un less you plan on sighning a veteren ufa goalie… possibly Martin Biron, Johan Hedberg, Manny Legace, Dan Ellis, Michael Leighton, Antero Niittymaki, Jose Theodore and possibly Robert Esche.

Some Ufa possibilities
Paul Kariya to Anaheim especially if Selanne and Koivu re-sign.
Colby Armstrong to Toronto
Mark Recchi will either re-sign with Boston or retire
Ray Whitney to L.A.
Eric Nystrom to Long Island
Todd Bertuzzi to re-sign
Fredrik Modin to also re-sign
Anton Volchenkov may still sign with Washington despite rumors that Washington wont do that. Ottawa will likely trade his rights for a mid round pick.
Dan Hamhuis is rumored in Ottawa, Calgary, Columbus, Carolina and San Jose
Zybnek Michalek may also either re-sign or Ottawa is interested in him to replace Volchenkov.
Marty Turco to Philly
Chris Mason to re-sign in St.Louis.

Luton

Mock 1!

This is my round 1 mock draft. I will do this one as if there were no trades going to occur. It is hard to predict anything so for now I will just do my first round with no trades. In my next blog I will revisit my mock draft and add some possible trade scenerios.

1. Edmonton- Taylor Hall, LW. Hall and Seguin are neck and neck, but with Hall’s performance at the world juniors alongside new teammate Jordan Eberle, and his Memorial Cup performance, the Oilers can not pass him up.
2. Bostan Via Toronto- Tyler Seguin, C. Hall and Segiun are 1,2 by far with Hall gone Seguin is a no brainer.
3. Florida- Cam Fowler, D. With no easy pick here, they decide to add more offence to there D line.
4. Columbus- Brandon Gormley, D. Many look to Gudbranson, but Gormley prvides offence and size and stability to the back end.
5. Long Island- Erik Gudbranson, D. Gudranson along with Hamonic makes the Islanders D scary for years to come.
6. Tampa Bay- Nino Niederreiter, LW. EL NINO, fits in very nicely as Stamkos future LWer.
7. Carolina- Brett Connolly, LW. Canes were looking at Dmen but couldn’t pass up a possible Rick Nash to work with Eric Staal.
8. Atlanta- Ryan Johansen, C. Atlanta gets their future #1 Center to go alongside Evander Kane.
9. Minnesota- Mikael Granlund, C. Fletcher goes in a different direction as the Wild have gone in the past. They take the smart skilled center who could be the next Saku Koivu, and he may even get mentored by him… watch and see Mikko and Saku unite.
10. New York- Vladimer Taresenko. may be the BPA, and with a few Russian prospects already, Sather believes he can get Taresnko over to New York.
11. Dallas- Jack Campbell, G. they hum and haw Campbell or Merrill, finally going with far and away the best goalie prospect in years.
12. Anaheim- Derek Forbort, D. A hulking Dman who can hit play D and score, looks like they found Prongers replacement.
13. Phoenix via Calgary- Jeff Skinner, C. A dynamic sniper, with Mike Richards heart + Maloney loves Kitchener Rangers prospects.
14. St. Loius- Alex Burmistrov, C. still scrambling after Dallas took Campbell, Davidson goes BPA and takes Burmistrov.
15. Boston- Jonathan Merrill, D. Boston had Merrill rated ahead of Forbort and Gudbranson and feel they have got a steal, and the Dman they covit.
16. Ottawa- Emerson Etem, C-LW. Bryan steals Terry’s thunder and takes the L.A.s homegrown talent, as he may be the best pure scorer available. and it is just what the Sens need.
17. Colorado- Dylan McIlrath, D. Avs were also hoping Campbell would drop they instead take the big D who has a nasty edge and decent 2way skills. He will replace Foote just fine in a year or 2.
18. Nashville- Nick Bjugstad, C. Mr. Minnesota is no slouch he is big and he can score. Nashville feels they got a winner.
19. Los Angeles- Kirill Kabanov, LW. Possibly more skilled than Taresenko and should have been a top 3 pick, his attitude and the Russian factor drop him here. The Kings have a wealth of top end prospects, and with a few Russian prospects nearing there NHL debuts. Lombardi takes on the huge risk, and hopefully the steal of the draft.
20. Pittsburgh- Quinton Howden, LW. Shero ways the options between Howden and Watson. Crosby needs someone big and who can score… Howden fits the bill.
21. Detroit- Mark Pysyk, D. Holland didn’t expect Pysyk to be around at 21. Were set to take Rensfeldt but can’t pass up on Pysyk.
22. Phoenix- Austin Watson, RW. With Skinner in place they find him a nice compliment on RW.
23. Buffalo- Riley Sheahen, C. Sheahen has had a up and down season, but he and Kassian bring a new tower of pwer dimension to their system.
24. Atlanta via New Jersey- Jason Zucker, LW. A bit of a gamble, Zuckers stock has sky rocketed since his performance at the world juniors, and brings a Colby Armstrong edge to the Thrashers.
25. Vancouver- Alex Petrovic, D. Vancouver needs to re-stock the back-end and Petrovic gives them a bit of everything.
26. Washingtom- Jarred Tinordi, D. Caps think about adding to the Russian pool, but go with a sturdy tough stay at home Dman who is a very safe pick. He also is from Washington.
27. Montreral- Charlie Coyle, RW. originally looking at Brock Nelson, Timmins convinces Gauthier that Coyle will compliment Leblanc down the road.
28. San Jose- Tyler Toffoli, RW-C. we have all heard it before Wilson loves the 67’s but this time it makes sense. Toffoli is a pure goal scorer, and has proven chemistry with San Jose’s future leader Logan Couture.
29. Anaheim via Philidelphia- Jaden Schwartz, C. Anaheim takes a smart goal scorer, and future second line center behind Getzlaf.
30. the Stanley Cup Champs, Chicago- Calvin Pickard, G. the Hawks have a good core of prospects and tons of youngsters on thier roster already. they Severly lack goaltending depth. They pick up the clear favorite after Campbell.

I know the Stanley Cup is not over by any means and Philly could come back, but I doubt it. Even if they do I don’t think these picks change, they both have different needs. So it really doesn’t matter where they pick at 29 0r 30.

As for the Kings pick. Kabanov is a superstar, with lots of issues and if they can help Kabanov resolve them and he does come over and play, watch out!!!
I will be writing again very soon, with my trades version and the Kings are involved in a doozy so stay tuned.
Potential players who I thought might go first round but fell out of favour for whatever reason are.
Tyler Pitlick, C
Ludvig Rensfeldt, LW
Evgeny Kuzenetsov, C
Brock Nelson, C
John McFarland, C
Jordan Weal,C
and my favorite player and biggest sleeper of the draft. Ryan Spooner, C.

Luton

Future Kings!

As I mentioned many days past, the Kings have tons of depth and several potential future stars. However the Kings may lose a few of them to the big club. Scott Parse and Oscar Moller will both be up full time this season, and Braeden Schenn has a very good chance of making the squad as well. There is also Andrei Loktionov who is most likely going to start next season in Manchester. He will likely be a regular call up. Richard Clune may also start the season with the club getting 4th line minutes, he also may spend some time in the press box. His opportunity for prime time looks good, especially with the departure of tough guy Raitis Ivanins, the Kings may need some more grit in their line up, and Clune could be a perfect fit.

On Defence Thomas Hickey, Vyacheslav Voynov, Davis Drewiske, Peter Harrold, and Alec Martinez will likely battle for the 5th, 6th, and 7th spot respectively. Drewiske and Harrold have the inside track for the 6th and 7th spot as they played most of the season with the big club. Harrold is also one of those utility guys that can play both forwad and defence. Alec Martinez is likely the odd man out, and one of Voynov or Hickey will get a shot. They wont let both in as they still have lots to learn and it would leave their D-line very thin with expierience.

Finally in goal it is almost a guarantee that Jonathan Bernier will join Jonathan Quick in goal next season pushing Ersberg out. The Kings may send Ersberg to the minors or they may trade him to a team looking for a back up and get a late draft pick or a depth prospect in return. Other goalie prospects Jeff Zatkoff and Martin Jones will battle for the starting job in Manchester. Zatkoff played well in Manchester when he was given an opportunity, and Jones helped his Calgary Hitmen win the Western Hockey League championship, and made it all the way to the Semi-finals of the Memorial Cup.

A few other prospects to take note of that may see time in call up rolls or in a few years are
Colten Teubert, D A solid stay at home D with a nasty edge and a solid shot from the point.
Nicolas Deslauriers, D great hands and speed, he is an offensive defensemen with lots of upside.
Kyle Clifford, LW is a huge power-forward in the making.
Brandon Kozun, RW The little guy who just keeps scoring, he is smart and quick.
Linden Vey, RW a future 3rd line checking specialist who can put the puck in the net, has leadership skills to.

Some guys who are on what I like to think a last chance to make it are
Trevor Lewis C, has had opportunities to make the Kings line-up and has yet to impress. He is smart quick and offensive minded however has struggled to put it all together. Originally thought to be a future 2nd line center. He now looks like he is better suited to be a third line center in a checking roll who can fill in at times on a top 2 line if needed. With other prospects moving up the depth charts, Lewis’s chances with the Kings is fading, a trade may do wonders for him, and may help the Kings bring in something else that fits their needs.
Other guys in Lewis’s position are Marc-Andre Cliche, Juraj Mikus and Corey Elkins.

Finally the Kings need to add depth mostly on forward. My wish list would be to get A solid left and right winger, a NHL potential center and defensemen. After that more depth on the wings with our last few Picks
pick 1, LW or RW
pick 2, RW or LW
pick 3, C
pick 4, D
rest of picks Wing depth
However when it comes down to it you should always take the best player available.

Luton

The Draft!

With the draft a little over a month away, the Kings now know that they will be picking 19th overall. We can now look at what some of the possibiliteis there are with the 19th pick. There are several players that will be available and some guys that probably shouldn’t be there but will fall to that position. One player I believe the Kings are very interested in is Emerson Etem. The Kings have lots of top end talent in their prospect pool, and do not have very many holes. However they will likely see Braeden Schenn or Andrei Loktionov get a chance to move up the Kings roster. They also are lacking top end talent at both wing positions. Etem is naturally a centre plaing for the Medicne Hat Tigers. He is 6 feet 194lbs and in his first year with the Tigers, he scored 37 goals and 28 assists in 72 games. Etem showed a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, he also was a threat everytime he touched the puck.

Etem needs to work on his play away from the puck and improve his defensive play. The thing I see the Kings being interested in him is he is a gifted goal scorer and would re-strengthen a strong centre group of prospects. He also could easily in my opinion be converted to the wing. Etem would look great on Schenns wing. The other bing thing is that he is from the Los Angeles area and grew up a Kings fan. Most of the time I wouldn’t put much into taking a player from your area especially if there is someone better than him, however with the strength of the Kings depth and the fact that the draft is in L.A. and that at 19 Etem will likely be the best player available I think the Kings should take this chance.

Now I highly doubt that Etem will be available at 19 and the Kings might want to trade up to get him. Now that Anahiem is picking some where in the 27th to 30th slot, the Kings might get the chance to get him if they traded up. I would suggest talking with Coach Terry Murray’s brother Brian who is the GM of the Ottawa Senators. The Sens are also looking to add depth and I don’t think Etem will get pass them, however I do think they would consider moving the 16th pick for the 19th pick and either another prospect or L.A. second round pich wich I believe is the 49th pick. Again with the Kings depth they can afford to take this gamble.

Other players that will probably be available at the 19th spot are Nick Bjugstad, Alex Burmistrov, Evgeni Kuznetsev, Tyler Pitlick, Jeff Skinner and John Mcfarland.

Now if Etem is not available to draft when the Kings are up another gamble would be to take a chance on Kirill Kabanov. Kabanovs issues are widely known, and his stock has dropped, but Kabanov is a top end talent and if he didn’t have the issues he is having Kabanov would be a top 3 pick. The Kings have a few Russian prospects that are playing in North America that might be able to pursuade Kabanov to come over… again and if they can adjust his attitude the Kings would have the steal of the draft, that being said it is a massive risk.

Luton

Prospect #4

Oscar Moller, RW, 5-10, 184lbs,.
Oscar Moller is 21 years old, he was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in 2007 in the 2nd round, 52nd overall. Moller is from Spanga Sweden. Many people wouldn’t consider Moller a prospect anymore because of the fact that he finished the season with the Kings. However Moller only saw limited action and was still spending time in the press box especially when everyone was healthy and the Kings had aquired Jeff Helpern and Fredrik Modin. Moller will likely step in next year on a full time basis. He is a 2 way forward. He will likley start the season on the 3rd line and probably will see time on scoring lines when there are injuries or the team is in a slump. Moller is a smaller version of Alexander Frolov, and Moller is probably the reason that the Kings will walk away from Frolov this summer. Moller would fit well on that 3rd line with Michael Handzus and Fredrik Modin, assuming the Kings can re-sign Modin.

Moller was a pleasent suprise in 08/09. He made the Kings out of training camp and had played well, he showed that he belonged in the NHL. Moller was released by the Kings to go play at the world jr’s in Ottawa.The Kings felt he could learn valuable expierience from being at that world tournement. Moller was the captain of the Swedish team and played very well. However Moller sustained a shoulder injury during the tournement that put him on the injured reseve for a while. Moller would finish the season in the AHL with the Manchester Monarchs. Where he could get lots of ice time and some valuable expierience. At the beginning of the 09/10 season Moller started the season with the Monarchs, but it wasn’t long befor he got called up. He went up and down for the first 2 months befor he was called up for the remainder of the season.

Moller is a gritty 2 way forward, he is a strong and aggressive skater who consistantly puts pressure on his oponents. He is postionally sound and defencively responsible. On the the other hand Moller isn’t affraid to shoot the puck either. He has an amazing shot, and soft hands to make a play aswell. He has been a captain may times including being the captain of the 08/09 world jr Swedish team in Ottawa Canada. He plays with Heart and Soul and can help carry a team when they need it most.

Moller still has a lot to learn, he often tries to take the game in his own hands and tries to do too much. He has to learn his roll as a King and stay there. He has a lot to learn befor he can be a leader of the Kingdom. He also has to be careful, he plays tough and aggressive wich is good but he is not very big at 5-10.

Moller projects to be a top 6 forward, with special teams ability and leadership skills.

Luton

Off Season!

Sadly the Kings are out of the playoffs, however that is not to say everything was lost. The Kings proved many critics wrong by just making the playoffs. They showed that the patience of Dean Lombardi has payed off and now altough it has been a long wait the Kings have a chance to be a solid team and even a contender for the Stanley Cup. The Kings have a strong team wit a strong core of prospects developing into what appears to be a very bright future. With the likes of Brayden Schenn, Andrei Loktionov, Thomas Hickey and Viacheslav Voynov all but ready to step in to the NHL next season not to mention Jonathan Bernier, the Kings will make subtle changes next year, and be ready to make a longer push farther into the playoffs.

We will see a different team next year likely a stronger team. Manir of the Kings faced their first ever playoff expierience, and many will be much wiser and more prepared for the expierience the next time around. They may also be better prepared mentally during the season and will hopefully work there way into a home ice advantage situation. Some players will gone next year. Alex Frolov and Raitis Ivanins along with Randy Jones and Sean O’Donnell will likely be gone. So will Jeff Helpern. The one UFA that I believe will be re-signed is Fredrik Modin. This essentially opens up a line on offence for there prospects and or a signed player or 2 to step in. On defence Hickey or Voinov will pick up one spot and another vetren defender could be signed.

That leaves us with the 2010 draft wich is being held at the our own Staples center in Los Angelas. With a plethra of young and promising prospects in the Kings system Lombardi may be looking to take a gamble and potentially pick up a huge sleeper. There are a few Russians with amazing potential but due to the history of the Russian might slip down the radar. Kirill Kabanov was once considered to be the best talent in the draft. Due to some injuries, and a major disagrrement with his jr club, Kabanov retreated home only to be black listed by them as well. Kabanov has many issues however his talent is top end, and in time Kabanov could become a star.

Luton