So, of the signed pro prospects not on the Kings roster whose contracts expire at the end of the season, who gets a contract renewal?
I say yes to Forbort, Dowd, and Budaj if Bartosak is guilty is his criminal matter. If the Bartosak matter is resolved (not guilty) by July 1 (not likely), then maybe the Kings take a chance on him due to lack of goalies in the system.
I say maybe to Crescenzi.
I say no to Sabourin, Kitsyn, Schultz and Roach.
What about the kids in Juniors? These players need a contract by June 1st 2016.
Amadio
Marchment
Mistele
Watson
Middleton
Dillon
Who would you sign?
Amadio - Definitely. He's quickly rising as one of the best prospects in the organization. He would be top priority.
Marchment - Yes. While he made himself look like an *** on social media, he owned up to it, apologized for it, and has seemingly applied himself better. He has NHL bloodlines in him, he's tough, and he's a center who lives in front of the net.
Mistele - Of the six you listed, he would be the second last on my priority list. He has been too hot and cold.
Watson - Yes. He would be second most important after Amadio. Long term, I think he would struggle to have an NHL future, due to his size, but he's very highly skilled, a leader, and would do great in the AHL.
Middleton - Yes. He's a big, stay-at-home defenseman. Even though the game is trending towards puck possession, he's not the type of player who should be phased out.
Dillon - No. I know the Kings don't have any goaltending prospects with the trouble Bartosak's in, but he really struggled this season in the WHL before getting injured, and while development camp isn't a good place to evaluate players, I still think the invitees (especially Jack McBride) looked better. The Kings just need to trade some picks or prospects, or sign some free agents, and restock their goaltending cupboard.
