Here and Now: The Preseason

[Chazz Reinhold]

Clague is a 21-year-old defenseman (just turned 21 a few months ago, too). He had a rough night, but holy crap it's a little too soon to be writing him off. He's played (almost) 1 year of pro.

 

[Frolov 6'3]

Clague is a 21-year-old defenseman (just turned 21 a few months ago, too). He had a rough night, but holy crap it's a little too soon to be writing him off. He's played (almost) 1 year of pro.

I am surprised so many (long time posters) still attach so much importance to pre season games.

I am not saying it does not mean a thing but c’mon. Jeff Carter does not care. Dustin Brown once played 31 NHL games based on his pre season but was not ready at all.

How about Matt Frattin ?

I can go on and on.

Kale Clague wasnt very good defensively in the AHL last season. Why would it be any different a few months later with NHL players. Let him get better in the AHL. I have never been very high on him but what I read now is another thing....

 

[Telos]

On the powerplay:

"Quite frankly, just getting the guys to shoot the puck has been an issue and tonight they started to shoot a little bit more." - TMac

Hard not to laugh at that.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

I am surprised so many (long time posters) still attach so much importance to pre season games.

I am not saying it does not mean a thing but c’mon. Jeff Carter does not care. Dustin Brown once played 31 NHL games based on his pre season but was not ready at all.

How about Matt Frattin ?

I can go on and on.

Kale Clague wasnt very good defensively in the AHL last season. Why would it be any different a few months later with NHL players. Let him get better in the AHL. I have never been very high on him but what I read now is another thing....

According to capfriendly, in two seasons, Kale Clague will be waiver eligible. So the clock is ticking on him. Losing another highly drafted asset like a Hickey via waivers wouldn't be good asset management.

 

[member 88115]

BTW, Kings are 2-0 with MacDermid in the line-up (as opposed to 0-1-1 when he has not played) , but his play has been so, so. The kid looses his man too often in the defensive zone, but his teammates play so much better when he is in the game. Hope Rosen ask the boys why is that the case. The Vegas game was a perfect example of not having a physical force like Clifford and/or MacDermid to neutralize a more physical team. Vancouver tried to do the same thing last night a made a push, but were met by out big boys. And the rest of the boys did not have a huge drop off in play at the end of the game. In Vegas, Curtis MacKenzie was running everyone over and in Vancouver MacEwen ran Clifford over and MacDermid challenged him. And anybody can stand up for their teammates, but I believe that this team know how much of a whopping MacDermid can put on a opposing player.

Im loving the Tmac system blending in with how the team is drafting. That puck is going through the middle of ice more often and players look to have more space and speed to the game.

 

[BringTheReign]

On the powerplay:

"Quite frankly, just getting the guys to shoot the puck has been an issue and tonight they started to shoot a little bit more." - TMac

Hard not to laugh at that.

I liked that whole interview with TMac, but that was definitely the gem.

 

[lexlavender]

Oh and also as much as I've defended Carter he's a shell of his former self at this point. It's sad because you can tell he's frustrated and that his mind is writing checks his body can't cash. Sure he had the straight line speed burst but you can tell he's got a bit of a hitch in his stride and it just looks as uncomfortable as Erik Karlsson's transitions last year.

Your comparison to Karlsson is telling considering they both suffered the same, freak injury.

 

[The Tikkanen]

I think what we're looking at is a team that when you turn on the TV you won't know what to expect. One game the vets will look like they're back. The next game the kids will look like they need to be in Ontario. One game Quick willl look like he's back, the next he will stand still when facing a 3 on 1 and give up an incredibly easy goal. But the one difference I've noticed is they won't be boring. I don't care if they lose but you gotta cut these guys loose and let them play if you are and it looks like we have a smart coach who has figured that out.

 

[Johnny Utah]

Hoven or Bernstein mentioned putting Carter on waivers. Think this might happen - he has been invisible and I would rather see Lizotte and or Amadio as centers.

 

[Frolov 6'3]

Than either Hoven or Bernstein need a beating.

The season has yet to start.

 

[regulate]

According to capfriendly, in two seasons, Kyle Clague will be waiver eligible. So the clock is ticking on him. Losing another highly drafted asset like a Hickey via waivers wouldn't be good asset management.

No it wouldn't, but then again Hickey will likely have 700-800 NHL games under his belt before he is done. Clague was the 51st pick in the draft, not the 4th. If Clague plays 800 NHL games, I'd consider that a win. Clague again is doubting his game. When he plays with confidence, he's very good offensively and with the outlet, and marginal still defensively. Has to take the risk out of his reads and play smarter. I thought he would need another year at least, and so far it shows. He was definitely a much improved player in the 2nd half last season. He needs to build on that.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

No it wouldn't, but then again Hickey will likely have 700-800 NHL games under his belt before he is done. Clague was the 51st pick in the draft, not the 4th. If Clague plays 800 NHL games, I'd consider that a win. Clague again is doubting his game. When he plays with confidence, he's very good offensively and with the outlet, and marginal still defensively. Has to take the risk out of his reads and play smarter. I thought he would need another year at least, and so far it shows. He was definitely a much improved player in the 2nd half last season. He needs to build on that.

It’s bad asset management in losing a second round prospect for nothing. Nobody knows what Clague’s future is, and you’re fixated on draft position.

Focus on the scenario of having a prospect in the pipeline who was once considered to be in the plans for a top six role on defense, but sitting on that asset and losing it on waivers with receiving nothing in return.

How is that not bad asset management? I’d rather move the prospect for a future pick than lose one on waivers, wouldn’t you?

 

[regulate]

It’s bad asset management in losing a second round prospect for nothing. Nobody knows what Clague’s future is, and you’re fixated on draft position.

Focus on the scenario of having a prospect in the pipeline who was once considered to be in the plans for a top six role on defense, but sitting on that asset and losing it on waivers with receiving nothing in return.

How is that not bad asset management? I’d rather move the prospect for a future pick than lose one on waivers, wouldn’t you?

I completely agreed with your point, in my first three words, by saying "no it wouldn't (be good asset management).

 

[Peter James Bond II]

John Hoven | The Mayor
@mayorNHL
·Kings 30 remaining in camp likely looks similar to this:
Iafallo-Kopitar-Brown
Kovy-A. Kempe-Toffoli
Clifford-Carter-Lewis
Grundstrom-Amadio-Wagner
JAD-Prokhorkin- Frk
Kupari -Lizotte-M. Kempe
Ryan-Doughty
Hutton-Martinez
Clague-Roy
MacD-LaDue
Anderson-Björnfot
Quick
Campbell
_____________________________________________________
SO....let's see. Next moves should be:
Forwards: M. Kempe, Kupari, Frk to Ontario
Defensemen: MacD to Ontario. Keep Anderson and Bjornfot longer to decide.
Possibly waive Ryan.
Waive: Carter. No explanation needed
Try to trade: Toffoli and Lewis. Take ALMOST ANYTHING for either. Their time is so 2 years ago.
They are no longer capable NHL players in their roles. TT is a 'goal scorer' that cannot score....and he's below average AT EVERYTHING ELSE. So, must go. Lewis? has been surpassed by everyone in what his role is / was.
BUT....BUT..BUT...wait and see what Toffoli does and get a better trade value at the deadline!!!
NO. He blows dead apes. He is not worth a 3rd rounder now and will be bad to keep around another day at this point. Hell, Mario Kempe is a better NHL player than Toffoli. So is Luff! Cut your losses..

 

[tny760]

It’s bad asset management in losing a second round prospect for nothing. Nobody knows what Clague’s future is, and you’re fixated on draft position.

Focus on the scenario of having a prospect in the pipeline who was once considered to be in the plans for a top six role on defense, but sitting on that asset and losing it on waivers with receiving nothing in return.

How is that not bad asset management? I’d rather move the prospect for a future pick than lose one on waivers, wouldn’t you?

not yet though

can't lose sight of the fact that he's a 21 year old defenseman and only turned 21 a couple months ago. if he was a forward coming off his pedigree and he didn't light up the AHL this season, i'd be in your boat. he's got to make serious strides this season in the AHL though

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

I completely agreed with your point, in my first three words, by saying "no it wouldn't (be good asset management).

Oh my bad, I thought you were saying the opposite, lol.

I just hope that bad experience with Hickey has given this management group the foresight to properly plan ahead.

While that situation is possible in two years, they have to look at their depth chart and figure out who’s going to be on the blueline in 2022, and who’s left after the expansion draft.

Bjornfot and Anderson are guys who should be regulars on the blueline, alongside Doughty. After that trio, it’s wide open. Clague, Durzi and Phillips are guys who need to develop in Ontario.

This year will also be Clague’s second full season in the AHL, so like you suggested, maybe another season where he can play with confidence can help him forge his identity as a pro.

 

[lumbergh]

Clague has outstanding vision and offensive instincts, but he’s forgetting the other side of his job. I imagine he must think he has to get on the scoreboard to make the team. He’s going back to Ontario, but he’ll be back if he gets his priorities straight.

 

[kings11]

Clague has outstanding vision and offensive instincts, but he’s forgetting the other side of his job. I imagine he must think he has to get on the scoreboard to make the team. He’s going back to Ontario, but he’ll be back if he gets his priorities straight.

Kale’s defense has always lagged far behind his offense... The problem now is that both Mikey Anderson and Tobias Bjornfot have surpassed him, granted TB is headed back to Sweden but as it looks right now.... Mikey Anderson is the kid getting called up.
Also throw in Durzi and Phillips and Kale needs to get his shit together ASAP

 

[lumbergh]

BTW, Kings are 2-0 with MacDermid in the line-up (as opposed to 0-1-1 when he has not played) , but his play has been so, so. The kid looses his man too often in the defensive zone, but his teammates play so much better when he is in the game. Hope Rosen ask the boys why is that the case. The Vegas game was a perfect example of not having a physical force like Clifford and/or MacDermid to neutralize a more physical team. Vancouver tried to do the same thing last night a made a push, but were met by out big boys. And the rest of the boys did not have a huge drop off in play at the end of the game. In Vegas, Curtis MacKenzie was running everyone over and in Vancouver MacEwen ran Clifford over and MacDermid challenged him. And anybody can stand up for their teammates, but I believe that this team know how much of a whopping MacDermid can put on a opposing player.

Over the past two seasons, the Kings have compiled a 24-21 (53% win) record with MacDermid dressed, 52-67 (44% win) without MacDermid on the ice. His stats aren't pretty, but somehow the team plays better when he's on the ice. I think there's something to what you're saying, that he makes his teammates play bigger. You just have to limit his minutes and exposure.

 

[Statto]

I am surprised so many (long time posters) still attach so much importance to pre season games.

I am not saying it does not mean a thing but c’mon. Jeff Carter does not care. Dustin Brown once played 31 NHL games based on his pre season but was not ready at all.

How about Matt Frattin ?

I can go on and on.

Kale Clague wasnt very good defensively in the AHL last season. Why would it be any different a few months later with NHL players. Let him get better in the AHL. I have never been very high on him but what I read now is another thing....

Tend to agree re: Carter. I’d imagine he has a set of specific aims and targets for this preseason. Given his situation I’d be worried if that wasn’t the case. I’ve seen a couple of comments indicating he looks better than he did last year, maybe that’s an indication things are progressing to plan? I’m speculating of course, but as you say too much attention is being paid to individual form. They’re learning a new system and for the vets that will be a focus and a much bigger adjustment than for the young players. They’ve got years of muscle memory to unprogram. For the vets I don’t think we will know properly until the proper games begin. As long as they are working and listening at this stage I’m not too worried and only TM knows the truth of it.

I’ve really dislike the sand bagging Quick has had from some. I don’t dispute he’s past his best and that the transition to Campbell needs to happen. However the tone and disrespect he’s gotten from some has really been disappointing. There’s almost been a glee in some of the posts.

Quick in key spells has been the best goaltender in the game. He’s always given 100%, he’s been a leader, a class act. By all means debate his game all you want, but he’s earned our eternal respect and not giving it to him is a disgrace.

 

[EXTRAS]

Mikey Eyssimont - Any chance he is ever an NHLer?

 

[tny760]

Mikey Eyssimont - Any chance he is ever an NHLer?

yes

 

[regulate]

Mikey Eyssimont - Any chance he is ever an NHLer?

I've always said no based upon what I saw in his rookie pro campaign last season as a 22 year old in ONT. However, what I didn't know at the time was that he is battling Crohn's disease and he is overcoming that with diet. I don't see good vision (seems to get the puck and is bent on shooting it without looking at a lot of other options, hockey IQ), he was easily knocked off the puck, and had a tendency to take hooking penalties by playing a lot of reaching defense. Now I have read this off season he trained with a guru and got a lot stronger and might have put on a little weight. His skating though is also pretty average, but he did look stronger and a bit faster in camp this year (I thought he looked much improved). He does have a good release and a bit of a scoring touch, but if the rest of his game lags, he's quickly relegated off the scoring lines. So in summary, this is a huge year for him in Ontario. I don't really anticipate a call up this season unless he's a completely new player on the ice, and he really needs to pot 40+ points this season in his 23 year old season, otherwise he may be in danger of not receiving a QO (he is an RFA at the end of the year). Kings now have too many up and comers, and not many contracts to give at this point. Some deadwood will be cleared for sure at the end of the season, with a fair amount not get a qualifying offer, so he needs to have a good year.

 

[King'sPawn]

People are confusing "moving down the depth chart" with giving up on Clague.

Clague isn't earning a spot on the NHL roster based on his performance. Players like Anderson, Bjornfot, etc, who are younger are making better cases.

I get it's a learning experience for all, but he needs to be outplaying younger and less experienced players. That's not unreasonable.

 

[Steve Zissou]

Clague needs another year down in the AHL to develop. There, now that thats done.