GDT: Kings Training Camp 2022/2023!

[Sol]

There's gonna be a bunch of posters here who will piss their pants with anger if Clarke gets sent back, but they're ignoring the fact that he may not be physically ready for the NHL. He's listed at 6"2, but only 185 lbs., so he's not exactly a tank out there. Is he ready for the type of contact and physicality of the NHL? I guess that's what the 9 games are for.

One thing he has going for him is his ability to escape contact with deception. Very little panic, like Doughty, and can get checkers to miss regularly.

Should they send down Gaudreau for being a talented manlet his entire career? Clarke isn’t small. Whatever strength you think he needs to find could be found in the NHL. Many lesser manlets like Lizotte made it work. Why can’t Clarke who’s far bigger and much more talented ?

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

There's gonna be a bunch of posters here who will piss their pants with anger if Clarke gets sent back, but they're ignoring the fact that he may not be physically ready for the NHL. He's listed at 6"2, but only 185 lbs., so he's not exactly a tank out there. Is he ready for the type of contact and physicality of the NHL? I guess that's what the 9 games are for.

One thing he has going for him is his ability to escape contact with deception. Very little panic, like Doughty, and can get checkers to miss regularly.

I said that early on in the preseason, the only reason he gets sent back at this point is if he wants to run is mouth and be a chippy little bitch (which I wholeheartedly endorse, that's not a critique), he needs to get stronger. He was getting run/injured literally every preseason game until this one. If that's why, I won't be too mad, but it also does make the team worse...I imagine that's why they're having him smoke the whole pack at once right now, prolonging a difficult decision. They've giving him the opportunity to show some cracks in his game, playing fatigued, etc., and he's simply getting better.

 

[lumbergh]

Should they send down Gaudreau for being a talented manlet his entire career? Clarke isn’t small. Whatever strength you think he needs to find could be found in the NHL. Many lesser manlets like Lizotte made it work. Why can’t Clarke who’s far bigger and much more talented ?

Does Johnny Hockey play defense? Does he have guys like Ryan Reeves skating at full speed trying to smash him through the boards every time he picks up a puck in the corner? I get your point, and I don't necessarily disagree, but playing defense in the NHL is very different from playing left wing.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

I said that early on in the preseason, the only reason he gets sent back at this point is if he wants to run is mouth and be a chippy little bitch (which I wholeheartedly endorse, that's not a critique), he needs to get stronger. He was getting run/injured literally every preseason game until this one. If that's why, I won't be too mad, but it also does make the team worse...I imagine that's why they're having him smoke the whole pack at once right now, prolonging a difficult decision.

It's a tough call.....I think each of those 9 games, is going to inch them closer to a decision either way.....

I can see both ends, and if during those 9 games, he proves he can handle himself so he doesn't get hurt, I think he needs to stay.....be the 6th/7th dman, while he learns, and grows, and gets bigger, plays 15-17 min a night as an NHL dman for 82 games is much much much different than playing 8 min a game as a F......so even if they do keep him, I can see him not being an everyday D for this year......play 2-3-4 games, sit a game, that type of deal.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

It's a tough call.....I think each of those 9 games, is going to inch them closer to a decision either way.....

I can see both ends, and if during those 9 games, he proves he can handle himself so he doesn't get hurt, I think he needs to stay.....be the 6th/7th dman, while he learns, and grows, and gets bigger, plays 15-17 min a night as an NHL dman for 82 games is much much much different than playing 8 min a game as a F......so even if they do keep him, I can see him not being an everyday D for this year......play 2-3-4 games, sit a game, that type of deal.

I can't see anyone really disagreeing with this much.

Though I will say the thought of the rotation hadn't even crossed my mind but frankly over the course of the season that's pretty normal. Especially with Walker and Durzi coming back from injuries.

 

[Fishhead]

There's gonna be a bunch of posters here who will piss their pants with anger if Clarke gets sent back, but they're ignoring the fact that he may not be physically ready for the NHL. He's listed at 6"2, but only 185 lbs., so he's not exactly a tank out there. Is he ready for the type of contact and physicality of the NHL? I guess that's what the 9 games are for.

One thing he has going for him is his ability to escape contact with deception. Very little panic, like Doughty, and can get checkers to miss regularly.

I guess it comes down to where he can best gain that strength. Personally I'd rather have him on the NHL roster to do that, professional trainers will be much better for strength training.

He might get less ice time, but what would be more benefit? Fewer pro minutes or boatloads of minutes in a league where there is very little pressure or competition? I think the pro team is the best answer, but who knows what the org thinks.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

I can't see anyone really disagreeing with this much.

Though I will say the thought of the rotation hadn't even crossed my mind but frankly over the course of the season that's pretty normal. Especially with Walker and Durzi coming back from injuries.

Don't you worry, there will be a bunch of people disagreeing with it...because I posted it lmao, well...those that can see it....

But yea, I actually see Walker in the same boat.....2-3-4 games on, 1 off, evaluate the knee etc....players hate it...but you have to do it....

 

[lumbergh]

If you look at recent top 10 pick defensemen who have made it to the NHL, they're generally heavier players.

Philip Broberg was 20 in his first season and only got 23 games. He's listed at 199 lb.
Jake Sanderson is the same size as Clarke, and he hasn't played in the NHL at age 20.
Bowen Byram was 19 in his first season, got 19 games in, and has sustained a number of injuries
Moritz Seider is listed at 197
From Clarke's draft year, Owen Power and Simon Edvinsson are huge, and Luke Hughes is the same size as Clarke, but he's still in college.

Basically, you want to make sure you don't break your shiny new toy. There's still growing to do at age 19.

 

[Docgonzo]

Tynan on waivers, not surprising. But did anybody else think his interview with Fox between periods last night was a little dickish? Fox straight asking what are the plans for the season in Ontario, like we all know he’s headed there Jimmy but you don’t got to lead with that.

 

[King'sPawn]

If you look at recent top 10 pick defensemen who have made it to the NHL, they're generally heavier players.

Philip Broberg was 20 in his first season and only got 23 games. He's listed at 199 lb.
Jake Sanderson is the same size as Clarke, and he hasn't played in the NHL at age 20.
Bowen Byram was 19 in his first season, got 19 games in, and has sustained a number of injuries
Moritz Seider is listed at 197
From Clarke's draft year, Owen Power and Simon Edvinsson are huge, and Luke Hughes is the same size as Clarke, but he's still in college.

Basically, you want to make sure you don't break your shiny new toy. There's still growing to do at age 19.

Jordan Spence: 170 lbs. Just turned 21 in February. Room to grow or no? NHL ready or no?

 

[kinghock]

Jordan Spence: 170 lbs. Just turned 21 in February. Room to grow or no? NHL ready or no?

I think Jordan Spence is bigger than170 lbs.
He looks bigger and he plays bigger.

 

[King'sPawn]

I think Jordan Spence is bigger than170 lbs.
He looks bigger and he plays bigger.

He's still a smaller player.

I'm not doubting that Clarke needs to add muscle and growth. I AM unsure how much of that he would be building up while in the OHL. All the meanwhile he's playing against inferior competition. So, to me, it seems to be a wasted year.

If we're worried about Clarke not being big enough even though he's 4 months away from being 20 years old, then it's a fair question of another solid prospect's NHL readiness even though he's smaller and 2 years older.

 

[BringTheReign]

Tynan on waivers, not surprising. But did anybody else think his interview with Fox between periods last night was a little dickish? Fox straight asking what are the plans for the season in Ontario, like we all know he’s headed there Jimmy but you don’t got to lead with that.

I get what you're saying, and I kind of hope Tynan was prepped ahead of time on what the line of questioning would be. On the other hand, his contract is structured purposefully to provide a "rich" AHL salary at $500k guaranteed this year and $700k+ next year, so it's not like he's going to be offended in someone asking him about his focal point role for the Reign. That's what he's getting paid to be in the org.

 

[Statto]

Re: Clarke, I don’t see how anyone can formulate a valid view until he gets into some games. Yes he needs to get stronger but we need to see if he is smart enough and strong enough and we won’t really know until he hits NHL ice properly. He seems to have great awareness and that counts for a huge amount, it is important that he can win his 1:1 battles in the corners and in front of the net and if he shows he can do that then he has to stay up. He took that late, post buzzer hit fine and that’s the only one I’ve seen where he wasn’t aware it was coming. At the moment I’m not that concerned by it.

In every other part of his game he is NHL ready from what I’ve seen but even that you have to see him on NHL ice because it’s a whole other step up. However, my gut tells me that he’s going to force them to move someone and/or waive someone.

 

[Fishhead]

If you look at recent top 10 pick defensemen who have made it to the NHL, they're generally heavier players.

Philip Broberg was 20 in his first season and only got 23 games. He's listed at 199 lb.
Jake Sanderson is the same size as Clarke, and he hasn't played in the NHL at age 20.
Bowen Byram was 19 in his first season, got 19 games in, and has sustained a number of injuries
Moritz Seider is listed at 197
From Clarke's draft year, Owen Power and Simon Edvinsson are huge, and Luke Hughes is the same size as Clarke, but he's still in college.

Basically, you want to make sure you don't break your shiny new toy. There's still growing to do at age 19.

On the other hand, Clarke is much bigger than Drysdale who came in right away. He's almost exactly the same in stature to Dahlin when he was drafted. He's a lot bigger than Quinn Hughes was when he came in, the same weight as Bjoqvist, etc. So there are comparables each way, but I'd probably equate him closest to Dahlin as far as size and talent.

 

[cyclones22]

Clarke needs 9 games, then we'll see. I still believe that there's nothing for him in the CHL, but we know how Waiver Eligibility is the Assistant GM of the Kings.

 

[All The Kings Men]

Jack Han had some thoughts about those very Brandt Clarke questions

 

[DoktorJeep]

Barring new injuries, the opening night roster looks set.

Fiala Kopitar Kempe
Moore Danault Arvidsson
Lemieux Lizotte Grundstrom
Iafallo Byfield Kaleeve
Vilardi JAD

Anderson Doughty
Walker Roy
Edler Durzi
Moverare

Quick
Pricy Clunker Cal

Everyone that can be sent easily to Ontario will go. No one will want Lias, so he’s not even a sacrificial lamb, especially with the “AHL MVP” on waivers right now.

Moverare is probably the most attractive player if he hits waivers. Like Wolanin last season. Or Copley could find another team. I think someone took Sparks for like 15 days right out of last camp.

 

[No Name The Nameless]

I don't know is Clarke is ready for the NHL or not but I KNOW Spence is, yet he was sent down. It's a numbers game right now. That probably plays more into it than size and skill.

 

[bland]

Delete, wrong quote

 

[Johnny Utah]

Fiala Kopitar Kempe
Moore Danault Arvidsson
Iafallo Byfield Kaleeve
Lemieux Lizotte Grundstrom

Vilardi JAD

Anderson Doughty
Walker Roy
Edler Durzi
Moverare

Yep, this is likely the starting line-up.

The issue is how do Vilardi and JAD get into any games?

And what happens next year? Doughty, Walker, Roy and Durzi are all under contractor and RHD and Kings also have Clarke, Spence, and Grans waiting in the wings.

Also, Bjornfot is a not Edler 2.0. Edler is bigger and more physical and likely Kings will look to add a bigger LHD.

 

[johnjm22]

I think Walker is going to struggle this year.

If he's the 2nd pair LD, then that spot will continue to be a major weak area for us. Meanwhile we have a log jam on the right side.

If Clarke isn't in the lineup, this makes more sense for us IMO:
Anderson-Doughty
Bjornfot-Roy
Edler-Durzi
Walker

 

[Sol]

I have a hard time believing that he won’t be getting stronger with the Kings. That’s just not a good enough reason. He’s not small. The pros far out weigh the cons. And the argument that he’d need to be in Ontario for strength but can’t do that with the big club seems like a strange crutch.

 

[johnjm22]

I think this will be the opening night roster:

Fiala Kopitar Kempe
Moore Danault Vilardi
Iafallo Byfield Kaliyev
Lemieux Lizotte Grundstrom
JAD

Anderson Doughty
Walker Roy
Edler Clarke
Durzi
Moverare

Quick
Petersen


Injured: Arvidsson

Waived: Andersson, Copely

Sent down: Bjornfot, Kupari, Fagemo, Spence

 

[Johnny Utah]

Kings aren't scratching Durzi, who probably the best D man the second half of last year and just got a two year deal.