GDT: Kings Training Camp 2022/2023!

[cyclones22]

For the style of play the Kings prefer, every line needs that buzz saw puck retriever. Arvidsson, Moore and Iafallo all fit that mold. Lizotte does as well from the center position. It's going to be interesting how Kopi's line works with wingers who are speedy and not really worker bees in possession.

 

[Fishhead]

Please leave rationale thoughts and reasoning out of this thread.

This thread is for overemotional posts based on small sample sizes

What? You mean the populace as a whole doesn't drink whiskey constantly or have to have things removed by a doctor?

Thanks for blasting my two main reasons to explain why people act like complete idiots most of the time.

 

[johnjm22]

You didn't answer all the teams who do it better, if they are so terrible.

I don't think they're terrible. I think our goalie development is probably fine / average.

I've just always disagreed with the notion that the Kings are special in this area.

I think people mistook the success goalies had here for being some soft develop thing, when in reality it was largely due to the team and the style they played.

I don't know how many teams are better or worse, so I can't answer that.

 

[All The Kings Men]

Geez if only someone had the opportunity to ask Todd McLellan about that decision directly.

(audio coming soon)

 

[Johnny Utah]

Kings are so weak at LHD they have to move RHD like Walker and Clarke over.

Blake, just trade for a LHD.

 

[psych3man]

I am really confused about all this "it's only preseason, it doesn't mean anything."

I was under the impression that coaches/management are evaluating players to assess which will make up the final roster and in what combinations. If preseason was meaningless, important evaluations and decisions would never be made based on what is seen in those games.

They are playing Clarke every game clearly to see how he measures up to NHL competition. If his play sucked in these games it would definitely be OHL..rather his play has been exemplary and as a result many are thinking he needs to be in the NHL. That evaluation and decision is far from "meaningless" in so many ways. Same could be said for evaluating Vilardi, and possibly others and how different combinations of players react together.

Are you telling me the coaching staff watched Petersen last night and said "no concern, doesn't mean anything, it's just preseason."


Can we please dispose with the "preseason is meaningless" canard.

 

[AbsentMojo]

If they send him down to the OHL, they cannot call him back up until his OHL season is over. That's the dilemma. It's a season-long commitment when he's sent down to juniors.

Oh wow I forgot that. Whats your take on what moves could/would be made if they decide to keep him?

 

[TruKingFan]

Spence not having his best game.

Spence sucked balls. Cal even bigger ones.

 

[Sol]

Lol and the questions end up being asked his how he likes his steak done

 

[LAKings88]

I am really confused about all this "it's only preseason, it doesn't mean anything."

I was under the impression that coaches/management are evaluating players to assess which will make up the final roster and in what combinations. If preseason was meaningless, important evaluations and decisions would never be made based on what is seen in those games.

They are playing Clarke every game clearly to see how he measures up to NHL competition. If his play sucked in these games it would definitely be OHL..rather his play has been exemplary and as a result many are thinking he needs to be in the NHL. That evaluation and decision is far from "meaningless" in so many ways. Same could be said for evaluating Vilardi, and possibly others and how different combinations of players react together.

Are you telling me the coaching staff watched Petersen last night and said "no concern, doesn't mean anything, it's just preseason."


Can we please dispose with the "preseason is meaningless" canard.

Lots of guys that won’t make the NHL. Vets not trying hard.

It has meaning but the flip side is getting carried away with preseason scoring leaders too.

 

[TruKingFan]

Oh and I've really enjoyed Kupari tonight. He's gaining confidence in his role and in his skin. He's a guy who has realize he's more Trevor Moore than Alexei Kovalev and is seeming to really thrive on forechecking the puck away before using his skill rather than vice versa. He's also getting much, much better at using his teammates.

TLewis with a bit more offense would be a fantastic role for Kupari.

 

[Schmooley]

TLewis with a bit more offense would be a fantastic role for Kupari.

Yea Lewis with better hands and heavier hitting. He doesnt have the puck hound skills of Lewis though. But good enough.

 

[mysterman2]

I'd say is was pretty awesome for a kid to score 14g almost exclusively from the 4th line playing with the likes of Lizotte and Lemieux

I see him having a massive breakout year- no longer a rookie and used to the grind, more experienced and still maturing physically, will play with better caliber linemates and be getting PP time. Probably have some plays specifically drawn up to get him the puck from his favorite scoring area aka Ovechkin.

 

[All The Kings Men]

I am really confused about all this "it's only preseason, it doesn't mean anything."

I was under the impression that coaches/management are evaluating players to assess which will make up the final roster and in what combinations. If preseason was meaningless, important evaluations and decisions would never be made based on what is seen in those games.

They are playing Clarke every game clearly to see how he measures up to NHL competition. If his play sucked in these games it would definitely be OHL..rather his play has been exemplary and as a result many are thinking he needs to be in the NHL. That evaluation and decision is far from "meaningless" in so many ways. Same could be said for evaluating Vilardi, and possibly others and how different combinations of players react together.

Are you telling me the coaching staff watched Petersen last night and said "no concern, doesn't mean anything, it's just preseason."


Can we please dispose with the "preseason is meaningless" canard.

It's not that it doesn't mean ANYTHING

It's that context is required for an even keeled evaluation

not sure if you're reacting to ME but I'm addressing the very specific implication that Clarke playing 12 minutes on the left side in his 8th preseason game means the organization is so enamoured of his play they they would be willing to carry 5 RHD in order to ensure that he made the team.

If he plays the next two games completely on the left side I will be more willing to entertain that notion.

Until then... I'm gonna rely on what Todd McLellan told us this morning.
(Audio still coming soon)

 

[All The Kings Men]

 

[Schmooley]

Bjornfot is gonna be in the minors you think?

 

[All The Kings Men]

Bjornfot is gonna be in the minors you think?

Only if Nate Thompson takes that 3C spot

(this is satire for those unaware)

EDIT: I read that as Byfield. I'm an idiot.

I have no idea.

The team keeps saying someone has to switch from right to left yet Bjornfot and Moverare continue to be in camp.

I know this is an offensive concept to many people but professional sports franchises sometimes participate in mistruths.

EDIT 2: And I suppose I'm talking out of both sides of my mouth since I JUST said I'll trust what Todd says about 54 playing the left and then I'm saying "I don't trust what the organization says about LHD v RHD" but I suppose my argument is that I choose to believe what people do over what they say.

Playing Clarke for 2/3 of a game on the left makes perfect sense in the context that Todd gave.


Walker told us that they spoke to him as early as last season about the possibility of playing the left side. Blake told us immediately following the playoffs that someone would move from right to left. As McLellan said it's no secret they're "thicker" at right than they are at left.

AND YET Moverare and Bjornfot remain in camp.

So...

I'm not going to pretend to know what the final solution will be.

 

[King'sPawn]

Oh wow I forgot that. Whats your take on what moves could/would be made if they decide to keep him?

These are the options they have:
1. Keep him in the NHL up to 9 games then assign him to the OHL
2. Keep him in the NHL beyond the 9 games then send him to the OHL
3. Keep him in the NHL all season
4. Keep him in the NHL until the team that owns his rights season ends (right now, that would be Barrie), then the AHL is a possibility

I think option 1 is the worst. I don't think he would benefit from playing in the OHL. He has the NHL skillset. If he needs to add strength, facilitate that. Don't send him to a lesser league where he can learn bad habits just to build strength. Granted, I'm sure there's a possibility the OHL could loan him back during the season (I've never heard of it before) but they would have zero incentive to do so.

Option 2 is very unusual, but not without precedent. The Ducks did it with Coimtois a couple years ago. It gives them more time to evaluate, BUT it burns a year off his contract, which is why teams avoid it. If he's really starting to slip, you can send him down. No need to force a square peg in a round hole.

Option 3 is my preference. He has the skillset. He's filling a need. I think he'd be okay all season.

Option 4 isn't ideal. This is probably the srcond-worst option. But it does lend to flexibility to circulate the other defensemen.

If they keep him:
- They could just go with 8 D, as Jesse suggested. That means one of Spence or Bjornfot would have to go down and Moverare waived. Of course, trades are an option. This also means that, if my math is correct, 3 of JAD, Andersson, Kupari, Byfield, Kaliyev, Grundstrom or Vilardi are sent down (Grundstrom, JAD, and Vilardi all would have to pass through waivers)

So it would be:
Kempe - Kopitar - Fiala
Moore - Danault - Arvidsson (if not on IR)
Iafallo - ???? - ????
Lemieux - Lizotte - ????
????
???? - to be filled in by the four forwards above not sent down

Anderson - Doughty
Durzi - Roy
Clarke - Edler
Walker - ????
???? - to be filled by Spence, Moverare, or Bjornfot

Quick
Petersen

If they go with 7 d, then undoubtedly Spence, Bjornfot, and Moverare would be sent down.

The x-factor in all this is if they think they can get Walker through waivers given his contract and injury history.

 

[Bandit]

Just saw the highlights. That forecheck and pass by Grundstrom that led to Kaliyev's goal gave me wood. Hell of a shot by AK too.

 

[SaltyElkHunter]

We are definitely missing what we hope Helenius turns into on the time. Cal needs a slump buster. Other than that I’m pretty happy with what we have. Hopefully we get the real deal with Moore and last half season wasn’t a proctological miracle with the ticket he had up his ass.

These are the options they have:
1. Keep him in the NHL up to 9 games then assign him to the OHL
2. Keep him in the NHL beyond the 9 games then send him to the OHL
3. Keep him in the NHL all season
4. Keep him in the NHL until the team that owns his rights season ends (right now, that would be Barrie), then the AHL is a possibility

I think option 1 is the worst. I don't think he would benefit from playing in the OHL. He has the NHL skillset. If he needs to add strength, facilitate that. Don't send him to a lesser league where he can learn bad habits just to build strength. Granted, I'm sure there's a possibility the OHL could loan him back during the season (I've never heard of it before) but they would have zero incentive to do so.

Option 2 is very unusual, but not without precedent. The Ducks did it with Coimtois a couple years ago. It gives them more time to evaluate, BUT it burns a year off his contract, which is why teams avoid it. If he's really starting to slip, you can send him down. No need to force a square peg in a round hole.

Option 3 is my preference. He has the skillset. He's filling a need. I think he'd be okay all season.

Option 4 isn't ideal. This is probably the srcond-worst option. But it does lend to flexibility to circulate the other defensemen.

If they keep him:
- They could just go with 8 D, as Jesse suggested. That means one of Spence or Bjornfot would have to go down and Moverare waived. Of course, trades are an option. This also means that, if my math is correct, 3 of JAD, Andersson, Kupari, Byfield, Kaliyev, Grundstrom or Vilardi are sent down (Grundstrom, JAD, and Vilardi all would have to pass through waivers)

So it would be:
Kempe - Kopitar - Fiala
Moore - Danault - Arvidsson (if not on IR)
Iafallo - ???? - ????
Lemieux - Lizotte - ????
????
???? - to be filled in by the four forwards above not sent down

Anderson - Doughty
Durzi - Roy
Clarke - Edler
Walker - ????
???? - to be filled by Spence, Moverare, or Bjornfot

Quick
Petersen

If they go with 7 d, then undoubtedly Spence, Bjornfot, and Moverare would be sent down.

The x-factor in all this is if they think they can get Walker through waivers given his contract and injury history.

great wormhole

 

[DoktorJeep]

Only if Nate Thompson takes that 3C spot

(this is satire for those unaware)

EDIT: I read that as Byfield. I'm an idiot.

I have no idea.

The team keeps saying someone has to switch from right to left yet Bjornfot and Moverare continue to be in camp.

I know this is an offensive concept to many people but professional sports franchises sometimes participate in mistruths.

EDIT 2: And I suppose I'm talking out of both sides of my mouth since I JUST said I'll trust what Todd says about 54 playing the left and then I'm saying "I don't trust what the organization says about LHD v RHD" but I suppose my argument is that I choose to believe what people do over what they say.

Playing Clarke for 2/3 of a game on the left makes perfect sense in the context that Todd gave.


Walker told us that they spoke to him as early as last season about the possibility of playing the left side. Blake told us immediately following the playoffs that someone would move from right to left. As McLellan said it's no secret they're "thicker" at right than they are at left.

AND YET Moverare and Bjornfot remain in camp.

So...

I'm not going to pretend to know what the final solution will be.

I feel like you’re the only guy who has said that the Kings could improve this year and still miss the playoffs. So why trot out a bunch of navel gazing opinions in the guise of “context”.

If we get breakouts from Kaliyev, Clarke and Byfield and miss the playoffs with 85 points, wouldn’t that be better long term? If that means guys like Moore, Roy, Walker, Edler, Iafallo, etc. aren’t part of the future, why is that a problem?

No one looks back with regret over good soldiers who moved on like Visnonsky, Conroy, Demitra (rip), Norstrom, …

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Re Petersen not to defend him but he did have a good start of the previous game before leaving with injury...this could be nagging him. With how uncomfortable he looked, I wouldn't be surprised. So feel free to continue raking him, I'm not trying to give anyone else a buffer, I just think I have to see a few starts.

 

[All The Kings Men]

why trot out a bunch of navel gazing opinions in the guise of “context"

Cus I believe that nuance, context and truth matter?

 

[King'sPawn]

Oh wow I forgot that. Whats your take on what moves could/would be made if they decide to keep him?

These are the options they have:
1. Keep him in the NHL up to 9 games then assign him to the OHL
2. Keep him in the NHL beyond the 9 games then send him to the OHL
3. Keep him in the NHL all season
4. Keep him in the NHL until the team that owns his rights season ends (right now, that would be Barrie), then the AHL is a possibility

I think option 1 is the worst. I don't think he would benefit from playing in the OHL. He has the NHL skillset. If he needs to add strength, facilitate that. Don't send him to a lesser league where he can learn bad habits just to build strength. Granted, I'm sure there's a possibility the OHL could loan him back during the season (I've never heard of it before) but they would have zero incentive to do so.

Option 2 is very unusual, but not without precedent. The Ducks did it with Coimtois a couple years ago. It gives them more time to evaluate, BUT it burns a year off his contract, which is why teams avoid it. If he's really starting to slip, you can send him down. No need to force a square peg in a round hole.

Option 3 is my preference. He has the skillset. He's filling a need. I think he'd be okay all season.

Option 4 isn't ideal. This is probably the srcond-worst option. But it does lend to flexibility to circulate the other defensemen.

If they keep him:
- They could just go with 8 D, as Jesse suggested. That means one of Spence or Bjornfot would have to go down and Moverare waived. Of course, trades are an option. This also means that, if my math is correct, 3 of JAD, Andersson, Kupari, Byfield, Kaliyev, Grundstrom or Vilardi are sent down (Grundstrom, JAD, and Vilardi all would have to pass through waivers)

So it would be:
Kempe - Kopitar - Fiala
Moore - Danault - Arvidsson (if not on IR)
Iafallo - ???? - ????
Lemieux - Lizotte - ????
????
???? - to be filled in by the four forwards above not sent down

Anderson - Doughty
Durzi - Roy
Clarke - Edler
Walker - ????
???? - to be filled by Spence, Moverare, or Bjornfot

Quick
Petersen

If they go with 7 d, then undoubtedly Spence, Bjornfot, and Moverare would be sent down.

The x-factor in all this is if they think they can get Walker through waivers given his contract and injury history.

While I hate quoting myself, since I just saw this after I posted, it's relevant:


Spence and Bjornfot sent down. So, that narrows things a bit. Either they go with 8D and Moverare is the 8th D. IF they do that, then 3 of JAD, Andersson, Kupari, Byfield, Kaliyev, Grundstrom or Vilardi will still have to be sent down.

IF they go with 7 D, then:
- one of Walker/Moverare/Clarke is out.
- Only 2 of the aforementioned forwards would have to be sent down.

Not this is again assuming Arvidsson comes off IR by the time rosters need to be submitted.

 

[BringTheReign]

I am really confused about all this "it's only preseason, it doesn't mean anything."

I was under the impression that coaches/management are evaluating players to assess which will make up the final roster and in what combinations. If preseason was meaningless, important evaluations and decisions would never be made based on what is seen in those games.

They are playing Clarke every game clearly to see how he measures up to NHL competition. If his play sucked in these games it would definitely be OHL..rather his play has been exemplary and as a result many are thinking he needs to be in the NHL. That evaluation and decision is far from "meaningless" in so many ways. Same could be said for evaluating Vilardi, and possibly others and how different combinations of players react together.

Are you telling me the coaching staff watched Petersen last night and said "no concern, doesn't mean anything, it's just preseason."


Can we please dispose with the "preseason is meaningless" canard.

I hear what you're saying, but the Coyotes went undefeated in preseason last year. I think using it to look at individual players is defensible, but team results one way or another aren't reliable.