Toggle sidebar

GDT: 2019 Rookie Camp & Tournament

  • Work is still on-going to rebuild the site styling and features. Please report any issues you may experience so we can look into it. Click Here for Updates
Raccoon Jesus said:
I get pumped up every time I read about Thomas. He's just such a good dude, easy to root for, will fit right in with the Turcotte group.
Click to expand...

So true. You hear about JAD's work ethic and how hard he works, how serious he is and that's awesome, but he's not the only one that has that. Thomas does and it seems Michael Anderson
and Turcotte does as well.

Kopitar was drated 14 in 2005...14 years ago! And for 13 years, the Kings have not had a single forward drafted, that has come close to him. That's HORRIFIC. Toffoli was drafted in 2010 and I cannot
believe that was 9 yrs ago? Seems more like about 6 yrs ago and he's a few levels below Kopi. It's been pretty bleak for top tier talent for more than a decade, for forwards or D.

Now, there's 3 that can at least be better than Toffoli and approach Kopitar's level, in terms of offensive output; Turcotte, Kupari, and dare I say Vilardi. There's no lock for these 3 to reach Kopitar's
level, but at least it's not out of the realm of a possibility. Then there's several that have chances to have better career's than Toffoli - those 3 mentioned, as well as JAD, Kaliyev, Thomas and an outside shot
for Fagemo. Not all 7 of these forwards will make a huge impact, but at least a few WILL. Then there's Grundstrom and Sodergran. I can live with another 31-42-9 season, because all of these young
players will gain more experience - some at higher levels - (Turcotte to Wisc, Anderson, Durzi, Phillips, Sodergran, JAD, Kupari to PRO level) and be that much closer to playing for the Kings. Even if the Kings are 31-42 , will be fun to watch all the young players develop.

Now...if Vilardi can play this year and return to health and the Kings get a top 5 pick, things will turn around pretty fast. even without these 2 things, they are.

THERE'S A LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL...AND IT'S NOT AN ONCOMING TRAIN!
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Stimpythecat, Sleeping Dog and RocketKing
Rookie camp opens; alignment and photos; insight from Mike Stothers - LA Kings Insider
Mike Stothers, on how Akil Thomas stood out to him today:
Akil? Oh boy. See, there’s a tough question, because, like, I don’t watch them as individuals out there. When we’re a collective group and we’re trying to get so much established in the drills with the systems we’re trying to implement, I didn’t really focus in on anybody. But I like the fact that he’s come in and he seems a lot more comfortable and confident this training camp as opposed to maybe last, and maybe it has something to do with having a great year. He’s been named captain in Niagara, so he’s got a lot to be proud of, and I know he wants to show off.
Click to expand...
Stothers, on Jaret Anderson-Dolan’s performance in last year’s showcase, starting with the first game:
He was really good in that first game, I do remember that. It was probably the only positive we pulled out of that. But he was excellent. He’s business. He’s all business. He’s not a talker, and you can just see he’s focused. When you’re talking, he’s making eye contact. When you’re showing something on the video, he’s dialed right in. You ask him a question, he’s got an answer. He’s a pretty serious guy, and I’m sure away from the rink and with his teammates I’m sure he’s like any other teenage kid or young kid. But they don’t say much around the coach. Not early, anyway. Unless you’re Dudas. [Reporter: Why? What does he say?] He never stops. But I’ve got a pretty good relationship with him from Owen Sound. But, you know what? These kids, they’ve been good. It’s good to just see ‘em back. It’s good to see everybody on the ice. It’s even good to see you guys, sort of.
Click to expand...
 
Baylis and Gottlieb on the Kings rookie roster, but did not participate yesterday at Kings rookie camp. Baylis is the Juraj Mikas of 2019. No one knows who he is (roster denotes AHL contract) or why he wasn't formally announced as being signed by the Reign.
 
Peter James Bond II said:
So true. You hear about JAD's work ethic and how hard he works, how serious he is and that's awesome, but he's not the only one that has that. Thomas does and it seems Michael Anderson
and Turcotte does as well.

Kopitar was drated 14 in 2005...14 years ago! And for 13 years, the Kings have not had a single forward drafted, that has come close to him. That's HORRIFIC. Toffoli was drafted in 2010 and I cannot
believe that was 9 yrs ago? Seems more like about 6 yrs ago and he's a few levels below Kopi. It's been pretty bleak for top tier talent for more than a decade, for forwards or D.

Now, there's 3 that can at least be better than Toffoli and approach Kopitar's level, in terms of offensive output; Turcotte, Kupari, and dare I say Vilardi. There's no lock for these 3 to reach Kopitar's
level, but at least it's not out of the realm of a possibility. Then there's several that have chances to have better career's than Toffoli - those 3 mentioned, as well as JAD, Thomas and an outside shot
for Fagemo. Not all 6 of these forwards will make a huge impact, but at least a few WILL. Then there's Grundstrom and Sodergran. I can live with another 31-42-9 season, because all of these young
players will gain more experience - some at higher levels - (Turcotte to Wisc, Anderson, Durzi, Phillips, Sodergran, JAD, Kupari to PRO level) and be that much closer to playing for the Kings. Even if the Kings are 31-42 , will be fun to watch all the young players develop.

Now...if Vilardi can play this year and return to health and the Kings get a top 5 pick, things will turn around pretty fast. even without these 2 things, they are.

THERE'S A LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL...AND IT'S NOT AN ONCOMING TRAIN!
Click to expand...
Kopi was drafted at #11
 
  • Like
Reactions: Dexter Sinister and Ghetty Green
Peter James Bond II said:
Kopitar was drated 14 in 2005...14 years ago! And for 13 years, the Kings have not had a single forward drafted, that has come close to him. That's HORRIFIC. Toffoli was drafted in 2010 and I cannot believe that was 9 yrs ago? Seems more like about 6 yrs ago and he's a few levels below Kopi. It's been pretty bleak for top tier talent for more than a decade, for forwards or D.
Click to expand...

Winning the Stanley Cup TWICE have something to do with it... ? :badidea:
 


ED5hjocUwAA1xH4
 
  • Like
Reactions: Butch 19
Game time in 2 minutes pretty cool they're able to stream this. Pretty stoked. Hoping for a beatdown.

edit: Sorry make that 12 minutes.
 
2-1 Ducks after one. Both teams dusting off some rust Kings had momentum early then ducks took over for a bit. Good to see hockey back.
 
Ziggy Stardust said:
Would like to see a bit more muscle in the pipeline, maybe should’ve invited some minor/junior league goons to take care of the Ducks’ meatheads.
Click to expand...

Yep. Went super heavy on speed and skill, which we needed but we really don’t have any prospects who I’d say have toughness or physicality. Only prospect I can think of who plays physical and fights is Cole Hults, I guess Grundstrom if you still count him as a prospect...
 
I was surprised Yantsis did not play today. Its not that difficult to invite a big, strong, physical kid. Especially with how we drafted, Blake does not need to invite more of the same players.
 
I
BTW, im so happy seeing the kids skate more, instead of getting killed in the corners and boards
 
Nothing to be ashamed about in this one. Came out hot and couldnt hold up against a seasoned ducks squad. Especially liked Bjornfot and Lizotte.
Hoping the organization realizes drafting speed and skill over size may mean you cant get away with a heavy cycle/possession game in the offensive zone. Start letting the young guys open up a bit with stretch passes and a more straight to the net with speed mindset. No one on the kings nhl drives to the net maybe stothers instills this mindset
 
  • Like
Reactions: crassbonanza
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Ad

Upcoming events

Ad

Top Bottom