GDT: 2013 Training Camp Thread (Camp opens weekend of 1/11; NHL games start 1/19)

[Herby]

Bump up Richards to 1, Stoll to 2, and give Vey a shot at 3rd line perhaps? He's having a superb year.

No No No No

We have been down this road for multiple seasons with Stoll, the guy is fine as a faceoff specialist/energy center but he can't be counted on to play an offensive role. Keep him on the line with King and Lewis where there isn't any heavy lifting either offensively or defensively.

Kopitar is a huge loss, the Kings rely heavily on their centers to be great on both ends of the ice. I think we'll see Carter at C until Kopitar comes back, and hopefully Richards plays like he did in the playoffs, we should be ok.

 

[tigermask48]

Knee injury while fishing, hunting or something.

However, it was said to have occurred a month ago. So we don't know for sure that he will miss any time.

Injuries happen when you are stalking and killing animals bare-handed like I imagine Mitchell does...

 

[tigermask48]

SO with the latest on Visnovsky being this:

Latest news via: http://sport.sme.sk/c/6661978/visnov...u-sef-khl.html

Most important things from the article:
The Islanders already sent him a plane ticket to go to New York.
Visnovsky has spoken to Medvedev (KHL boss), who said that the supposed contract agreement between the KHL and NHL was never formerly signed. Therefore Medvedev agreed Visnovsky can continue playing with Slovan, and that if he had any more problems with the Isles, to contact him again ().
Neil Sheehy basically states at the bottom of the article that Visnovsky will only go to the Islanders if the KHL says that he can no longer remain with Slovan

If you are DL how long before both Kitsyn and Prohkorkin are on their way to Manchester? It's becoming clear that the KHL is refusing to respect NHL contracts with reports coming out that huge money was offered to many players if they stayed. Since they won't honor NHL contracts I see no reason to honor Kitsyn and Porkins KHL contracts.

 

[Sydor25]

SO with the latest on Visnovsky being this:



If you are DL how long before both Kitsyn and Prohkorkin are on their way to Manchester? It's becoming clear that the KHL is refusing to respect NHL contracts with reports coming out that huge money was offered to many players if they stayed. Since they won't honor NHL contracts I see no reason to honor Kitsyn and Porkins KHL contracts.

We will have to see what happens after Sunday. The CBA isn't signed yet, so no one has an NHL contract at the moment. I think it is a lot of posturing by the KHL before the CBA is ratified.

 

[kingsfan]

Urgh, a one line joke turns into a huge Alberta vs California debate My bad.

Anyways, the news about a potential Mitchell injury is concerning though...Martinez/Voynov would not be such a big deal since Hickey could probably step in and do a fine job there...but a Mitchell will be hard to replace. Hickey is a LH shot, but I wouldn't feel particularly good about a Greene-Voynov or Hickey-Voynov second pairing...that'd be a hard hole to fill, perhaps even harder than Kopitar (or even Doughty as well) since the Kings have the offensive depth to handle that (or offensive defensemen), don't think they have the defensive defenseman depth to replace the stability and veteran presence of Mitchell...wait and see I guess.

Does anyone know if A-Mart/Voynov/Hickey have played together extensively on the same pairing in Manchester (5-on-5)? If so, which combo would have the most degree of familiarity with either other? Same question for Voynov/A-Mart/Muzzin and for A-Mart/Voynov/Campbell. Got to think if we need to recall a D-man, it'll be one of Hickey, Campbell or Muzzin. I lean towards Campbell personally, though Hickey deserves to get a cup of coffee at some point to.

Of Muzzin, Hickey and Campbell, are any non-waiver eligible?

As someone who lives year round in Winnipeg, I could use some ****ing beaches and warm weather right about. Can't WAIT until I make it out to LA (hopefully in the next two years) and Australia (hopefully the next 3 years)...

As someone who has to dig through a 600 mile long snow bank just to get to Winnipeg, rest assured I will be sending you hate mail when you go to LA and Australia

 

[RonSwanson*]

SO with the latest on Visnovsky being this:

"Visnovsky has spoken to Medvedev (KHL boss), who said that the supposed contract agreement between the KHL and NHL was never formerly signed."

Sure, but was it formally signed?

 

[The Tikkanen]

My question is has any King player pulled a Hull/Roenick during the lockout and put on "tons" of weight? Richards looks like he has been ice fishing/hunting, we know where Brown/Kopitar/Bernier and some of the AHL guys were. Where was Drew Doughty?

 

[KopitarFAN]

My question is has any King player pulled a Hull/Roenick during the lockout and put on "tons" of weight? Richards looks like he has been ice fishing/hunting, we know where Brown/Kopitar/Bernier and some of the AHL guys were. Where was Drew Doughty?

I think he was skating with the London Knights at one time. I know he was skating with a CHL team, just not sure which.

It was said that he made an appearance in SoCal around Halloween, and his teammates said he looked fine. (not a direct quote)

EDIT: Holy cow! Jut realized this was my 8000th post, cool.

 

[damacles1156]

Does anyone know if A-Mart/Voynov/Hickey have played together extensively on the same pairing in Manchester (5-on-5)? If so, which combo would have the most degree of familiarity with either other? Same question for Voynov/A-Mart/Muzzin and for A-Mart/Voynov/Campbell. Got to think if we need to recall a D-man, it'll be one of Hickey, Campbell or Muzzin. I lean towards Campbell personally, though Hickey deserves to get a cup of coffee at some point to.

Of Muzzin, Hickey and Campbell, are any non-waiver eligible?



As someone who has to dig through a 600 mile long snow bank just to get to Winnipeg, rest assured I will be sending you hate mail when you go to LA and Australia

Hickey and Muzzin are both waiver eligible, not sure on Campbell (I would imagine he is as well).

Hickey has played with just about everyone. I would rate Hickey the most consistent and dependable Defensive player at Manchester.

Hickey is not some flashy puck mover like he was in Junior Hockey. The kid has grown up, he understands now that making the correct (Safe) play is what is needed 9 out of 10 times.

Bodnarchuck is another guy that could be called up (very polished).

I wouldn't trust Muzzin on the ice, kid makes way too many turnovers.

Campbell is not great at anything, he is just about average at everything(not sure he is NHL material).


If someone is going to be out for a lengthy time, Hickey deserves a shot here.

The guy has been patient and put his time in. He can be an NHL player, I hope the Kings give him a shot.

 

[goosh]

The Mayor John Hoven

Lombardi - 'Expect 18 fwds and 8 dmen in camp. Not a lot of room for guys called in from Manch' + added, w/ sched, they'll be needed later

 

[Reaper45]

The Mayor John Hoven

Kopitar
Brown
Williams
Penner
Richards
Carter
Lewis
Stoll
King
Gagne
Clifford
Nolan
Richardson
Fraser
Westgarth
Vey?
Toffoli?
Kozun?

That's 18 forwards.

Doughty
Voynov
Mitchell
Scuderi
Martinez
Greene
Drewiske
Hickey?

8 Dmen.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

The Mayor John Hoven

If Kopitar is at camp, I'm guessing the 18 forwards may be:

Brown-Kopitar-Williams
Penner-Richards-Carter
King-Stoll-Lewis
Clifford-Fraser-Nolan
Richardson-Loktionov-Kozun
Clune-Andreoff-Legein

8 defensemen:

Scuderi-Doughty
Mitchell-Voynov
Martinez-Greene
Drewiske-Hickey

They could possibly invite Vey or Toffoli among the forwards or Bodnarchuk or Muzzin among the defensemen, but I think they may give the guys with longer tenures in the league more of an opportunity than the younger and/or less tenured players.

 

[TonySCV]

@reallisa: Dean Lombardi on bringing the Stanley Cup to his hometown: "It was really neat to bring all those guys together and not be a funeral.” LOL

 

[goosh]

18 forwards? Why so many?

 

[deeshamrock]

Wonder if DL will use that green light AEG gave to spend up to the Cap in defending the Cup... if so how.

Also, from the one on one interviews after the presser DL on Penner, I guess some of those prospects would have to wait a bit...

Dennis Bernstein‏@DennisTFP

Dean Lombardi - high praise for Dustin Penner - great teammate, had better offers' Confirms to me he can earn multi-year deal with big year

 

[Muzzinga]

@reallisa: Dean Lombardi on bringing the Stanley Cup to his hometown: "It was really neat to bring all those guys together and not be a funeral.†LOL

 

[Holden Caulfield]

18 forwards? Why so many?

Was thinking the same thing. That seems excessive and will drain Manchester pretty hard for a week or so. I would have thought 14/15 at most (not including Kopitar in those 14/15). I know it doesn't really matter, but considering the team is pretty much set, not sure why you bring in those extra guys for practice time, when they could be playing increased minutes in Manchester.

EDIT: In the presser thread people are quoting DL as saying 15 forwards in camp, 5 lines + 4 sets of D. That make much more sense. Wonder if that includes Kopitar/Mitchell?

Brown - Kopitar - Williams
Penner - Richards - Carter
Gagne - Stoll - Lewis
King - Fraser - Nolan
Clifford - Richardson - Westgarth
Potentially one more, Loktionov?

Scuderi - Doughty
Mitchell - Voynov
Greene - Martinez
Hickey? - Drewiske
Potentially one more, Bodnarchuk?

 

[goosh]

Fifteen forwards and eight defensemen definitely sounds more reasonable. Maybe it was just a typo.

As for the eighth dman, I'd probably call up Bodnarchuk. He's been better than Hickey this season, but more importantly, Hickey would not get any ice time even if he were to win out that 7th dman spot.

In the end, I'd probably stick with Drewiske as the seventh dman, and if there's an injury, call up Bodnarchuk/Hickey.

 

[etherialone]

DL did say that DS would "likely" have 5 forward lines and 8 d in camp in his presser. He talked about there not being any time to really assess anyone but that only makes sense when all of the Kmgmt talked about having the entire roster returning and how rare that is. With the roster returning there really isn't much if any room for anyone else unless moves are made.

 

[Holden Caulfield]

Fifteen forwards and eight defensemen definitely sounds more reasonable. Maybe it was just a typo.

As for the eighth dman, I'd probably call up Bodnarchuk. He's been better than Hickey this season, but more importantly, Hickey would not get any ice time even if he were to win out that 7th dman spot.

In the end, I'd probably stick with Drewiske as the seventh dman, and if there's an injury, call up Bodnarchuk/Hickey.

Agreed, assuming Mitchell is healthy to start the year. If he's out, I think you gotta give Hickey/Bodnarchuk a look at the start of the year...Drewiske is the emergency guy, he'll probably more games this year than last year since with the condensed schedule there may quite a few nights where guys will need a rest...

On that note, that's another reason Westgarth should be immediately waived down to Manchester, with the condensed schedule I think you will need a reasonable option as both the #13 and #14 forwards since you will need to rotate guys in an out a lot more due to fatigue, the schedule is going to be intense (for every team).

 

[CTKingsFan]

I mention it an earlier part of this thread or perhaps the Monarchs thread but from my understanding is that when the lockout ends on Saturday (4am PST). Then the following players Hickey, Muzzin, Cliche, Clune and Campbell will no longer be on the Monarchs roster but be on the Kings roster. Those players where never sent down to Manchester prior to lock out.

All of them would have had to clear waivers. Obviously, they where all seen as a risk of being claimed. (the Kings did end up sending Meckler, Bodnarchuk, and Legein through waivers)

They all signed AHL lockout contracts (Dwight King did as well) King explained in an interview with Mayor's Manor that he AHL contract would expire once the lockout ended.

Rich Hammond mentioned some this in the below post back in September

http://lakingsinsider.com/2012/09/14/kings-assign-15-to-ahl/

I would assume that the above players contracts would do the same as Dwight King's contract. Otherwise they would all have two contracts with the Kings/Monarchs.


So... those 5 players maybe the additional players in camp. Which would make 17 forwards and 9 defensemen.

 

[Ollie Weeks]

Dennis Bernstein‏@DennisTFP

Dean Lombardi - high praise for Dustin Penner - great teammate, had better offers' Confirms to me he can earn multi-year deal with big year

If he can do it, feel free to keep him around. I love having that guy on the team. Only problem was his sudden lack of production, and if he can fix that problem, he's on the gravy boat, as they say.

 

[Ron*]

If he can do it, feel free to keep him around. I love having that guy on the team. Only problem was his sudden lack of production, and if he can fix that problem, he's on the gravy boat, as they say.

The problem with Penner is that he has so much natural talent that he had a tendency to sit back on his laurels last couple of seasons until he got serious late last season...then he had his personal issues...believe me, going through a divorce is enough to **** up anyone's mind and its hard to concentrate on even getting through the day sometimes.

It will be interesting to see how he attacks this season, given that its short, compacted, and that he had a feeling he needed to prove something not to just the Kings and fans but also to himself.

 

[kingsfan]

@reallisa: Dean Lombardi on bringing the Stanley Cup to his hometown: "It was really neat to bring all those guys together and not be a funeral.” LOL

LOL

The problem with Penner is that he has so much natural talent that he had a tendency to sit back on his laurels last couple of seasons until he got serious late last season...then he had his personal issues...believe me, going through a divorce is enough to **** up anyone's mind and its hard to concentrate on even getting through the day sometimes.

It will be interesting to see how he attacks this season, given that its short, compacted, and that he had a feeling he needed to prove something not to just the Kings and fans but also to himself.

Agreed. I have been one of the harshest Penner critics around, but as someone who has gone through a divorce myself, I know first hand how hard it is to deal with all that entails, and then still have to get up and go to work. So I'm willing to wipe clean his slate for last year. I still think he's a lazy SOB at times just based on what he was like as an Oiler before the whole marriage and divorce, but last year was spectacularly bad. Here's hoping with all of that out of the way he can get back to potting 25 goals a season at least.

In regards to guys who would have to clear waivers to be sent down (I believe mentioned were Cliche, Clune, Hickey, Campbell and Muzzin) Who would we be likely to keep up here, and who would we risk sending down through waivers?

I'm wondering if, due to the lockout leaving everyone scrambling to just get a team iced, maybe it'd be a bit easier to sneak a guy through waivers. As such, I could see us waiving everyone except Hickey, and I could also see us waiving Westgarth too. He's clearly not in Sutter's game plans.

Hickey could stay up and get some ice time. Let's not forget the Kings carried eight D much of last year until finally trading away JMFJ at the deadline. Between injuries and occassionally icing seven D-men, LA should be able to work Hickey into the line up. Frankly, I could see him bumping A-Mart out of a spot too possibly.

 

[Axl Rhoadz]

Anyone know when the trade deadline is?