C Adrian Kempe (2014, 29th, LAK)

[Raccoon Jesus]

geeze I forgot about this guy... there was so much hype with him last couple years

ah well, still so young... whats his weaknesses???

It's mostly simply game to game consistency and intensity, and figuring out the defensive end. Seems to need to be physically engaged. Had a big letdown after being one of the last cuts this year and hasn't quite recovered it seems.

He's one of those big, strong and fast players who might lack some IQ and creativity. Haven't seen him in a while but I'm sure he will reach the NHL eventually, perhaps never as a scorer though.

I don't think he lacks offensive IQ/creativity, quite the contrary. Just like at his draft it seems like he could be, at worst, a strong bottom sixer, but he still has a high ceiling. If he puts together what we've seen in bursts, the guy is a monster. If not, well, he's fast, can hit, and isn't scared with the puck on his stick.

He's going to be a player, it's just up to him whether he's a top-sixer or a banger with some hands.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Has his first call up and is practicing on a line with Kopitar and Toffoli. Seems unusual for a Sutter team, but looks like he could play Thursday on a top line

We've talked a bit that he seems to be the kind of player that would do better with the relative flow of the NHL vs. the choppiness of the AHL. We'll see.

 

[Battle Hymns]

Go Kempe Go

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Was absolutely flying all night. Might be faster than Carter and can lug the puck with no problem at high speed. Initially I was worried about his vision/IQ for the top-six but some of the passes he made with Kopitar were amazing. He thinks the game better than I thought he would at the NHL level. He did throw hits but shyed away from getting hit a bit, but he'll grow into that from what I see with the Reign.

Caveat: one game sample size obviously but instant chemistry with Kopitar and ability to eat space and time on the ice with his size and speed while delivering good passes made me smile.

 

[Hockeyfrilla]

How is he looking so far?

 

[Cousin Eddie]

His brother was such a beautiful skater.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Got his first point last night, showing much more confidence game to game. amazing vision and touch on his passes, that's not a tool I thought he had. Still seems to be struggling 'thinking' the game though a bit and that makes him hesitant. More physically engaged than game 1 but still getting there. But his skating is such an asset and when he's assertive he's really, really good. Baby steps.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Scored a beautiful GWG, his first in the NHL, last night. Then proceeded to act like he's been there before and say essentially I should have already scored before tonight.



Still has his inconsistencies and flies by contact more than I would like but he's learning, and looks better at center (sort of like when Carter moved there and was able to utilize his skating more effectively).

Congrats kid!