Depth Players

Over the last few games I have really started to notice the play of some of the lesser known Kings. Davis Drewsiske is the 6th defenseman right now and although he will probably be on the third line pairing for most of his career, he has shown the ability to be steady, trustworthy, and responsible. He has some offensive upside but for the most part he will be relied on to be sterdy in his own zone, and he will be able to fill in offensivly when called upon. Drewiske reminds me a bit of fellow King Sean O’Donnell, and could be a veteran leader for years to come… in time! I also think he will become a better defenseman while learning from Rob Scuderi. From what I here Scuderi has immidiatly taken a veteran leadership roll with this young L.A. Kings team, especially with the likely hood that O’Donnell will be gone at years end.

Some people wondered if Drewskie would start sitting in the press-box once L.A. picked up Randy Jones, off re-entry waivers out of Philly but, so far that hasn’t happend and Jones was brought in more to be there incase someone gets hurt and they need someone to fill in. Both Jones and O’Donnell will likely depart the team at the end of the season. Scuderi and Greene will take the leadeship roll, while Doughty, Johnson, and Drewiske will be coming into their own. The 6th spot will likely be given to prospect Thomas Hickey, but watch out for Vyacheslav Voinov. Voinov looks like he was the steal of the 2nd round and if it wasn’t for him being Russian he would have been a first round selection in 2008. Voinov has looked great for the Monarchs and has outplayed Hickey thus far. However, Hickey is making the jump to pro hockey and it might take some time before he finds his stride. Finally, Peter Harrold will probably fill the void as the 7th defenseman or that roll could go to Alec Martinez.

As for the forwards in his first few outings this season, Scott Parse has made his presence felt. Parse is quick, strong and gives it his all. He has shown the ability to score, go hard to net and use his body to knock the opponent around. In my opinion Parse has earned a permanent spot thus far with the Kings. Thats more than I can say of Brad Richardson, who has been a bubble player his whole career. Richardson has looked soft on the puck, in the corners, he consistantly turns over the puck with a bad pass or he holds onto the puck too long, he cant get the puck in deep and his line stays out too long.

I look forward to the day that the Kings give up on him, and give Oscar Moller a shot of playing a full time roll. Trevor Lewis could be a bust but for now he is my spare forward with the Kings. Lewis has the skills to be an NHLer but he seems to have an issue on the mental side of things.

Another player to look forward to is Andrei Loktionov. Loktionov excelled in the OHL with the Windsor Spitfires and he seems to be continuing the trend with the Monarchs. I wouldn’t be suprised to see Loktionov get an oportunity if Frolov and Kopitar were to get hurt. If Loktionov continues his strong play and the Kings are unable to sign Frolov by March, the Kings may be able to trade Frolov for a top end draft pick, and bring Loktionov in to replace Frolov.

If the Kings are in the thick of things by March they might want to consider getting a veteran goaltender. Quick has played well, however he has looked shaky at times, and as a young goalie he is going to need some rest througout the season. Ersberg is not the answer and for now even though Bernier has played well this year in Manchester he is not the answer either. Getting a veteran goalie with a one year contract would be ideal maybe 2 if need be. I would look to the Islanders first. Rick Dipietro will be back soon and Martin Biron will be on the block. If Kari Lehtonen out of Atlanta comes back healthy he could be an option. Jose Theodore, could be available if Washington goes with Varlamov, and Niittymaki may also be an option. Don’t look at Halak, Harding or Schneider, they are no further along than Quick, and they wont bring the depth the Kings will be needing.

I believe the Kings are ready to make the jump back into the playoffs, it will take a lot of hard workand a few adjustments to their roster. In large part players like Smyth, Kopitar, Brown, and Doughty will lead the way, but the strong play from the Kings depth players like Drewiske, Simmonds, Parse and perhaps Loktionov could be the key to the Kings making the playoffs.

Have a good night
Luton