Many of have you have had a good look at some of our prospects due to their significant time last season spent with the Kings. I thought I would do a short overview of the rest of the Reign players as these same prospects also played on the Kings last season.
Mike Amadio With little doubt, Amadio is clearly the best NHL ready forward prospect that played for both the Reign and Kings last year. While he has some improvements to make, his overall game is ready to go. There is nothing to prove for him going back to the AHL other than biding time, and he is the most likely player to make the Kings roster on opening day outside of Jack Campbell. Amadio is heavy on the puck, has an uncanny knack of getting his stick on the puck deflecting passes from opponents or winning puck battles in open ice, has a high hockey IQ (Stothers always said he never has to tell him anything twice), excellent passing vision and can carry the puck into the zone, evident by the fact that as a rookie with little experience, he often was the QB for the #2 power play unit on the Kings last year. His compete level needs to be more evident on a consistent basis, he should shoot more as he is a pass first guy but has a decent heavy release with his wrister, and his face off abilities are a work in progress. I would like to see a little more explosiveness on the first couple of skating strides. Amadio should be battling for the 3 or 4C on the Kings next season. He just turned 22 last month. A comparable player is Mike Richards, but without the edge in his physical play. Looks similar too, but has a larger frame.
Jonny Brodzinski Another player who could benefit the Kings if he makes the roster is Brodzinski. Due to his time in college, Brodzinski is no youngster as he turns 25 this week. He is a strong north south skater with an NHL release and likely one of the hardest and most accurate shots in the Kings organization. He plays a simple but effective game, more evident as his confidence grew with experience as he received more playing time at the next level. Brodzinski is not a world beater on his own, but if you team his with the proper linemates (read someone who can dish the puck), he can be an offensive weapon, otherwise he is just a forward eating minutes. Good compete level when he is on his game, not a great passer but competent. Confidence is a key factor in his game. Comparable to Toffoli in some ways with a bit less skill but a better skater.
Kurtis MacDermid We all know the story, a warrior that anyone would be proud to have in their locker room who will defend his teammates to the death, a feared fighter despite his youth when he drops the gloves, and the type of player the Kings are sorely lacking. But the reality is, his exposure to lapses in his game and defensive acumen, a lack of quickness (he does have decent north south speed, but his footwork and closure leave a lot to be desired), and difficulties getting the puck out of the zone exposed his game in the NHL. Not surprised though as these areas are a problem in the AHL too, he just wasn't exposed as consistently. The Kings rewarded this warrior with a chance to play at the next level, and it's hard to say if he'll ever make the jump again or if he can continue to make strides and improve. Plays his best when he goes into beast mode and puts fear into opponents, but struggles when he thinks instead of reacts in the subtle art of mastering the defensive position. MacDermid will have to clear waivers if he doesn't make the Kings out of camp, and now that he has had some NHL time, I wouldn't be totally shocked if a team took a chance on him if it fills a void in their organization. It would be a huge loss to the Reign.
Paul LaDue When LaDue did not make the Kings out of camp last year, many were surprised. But the fact is he didn't earn it as he had a poor preseason. That carried over into the first half of his AHL season as he play was competent, but less than stellar. He was outplayed by Gravel at the AHL level in the first half of the season. When things started to click, LaDue got hot, often burying his patented shot from just above the right hand face of circle into the upper left hand corner of the net, and his compete level became more aggressive as he could see his NHL dreams slowly disappearing. LaDue is just one of those guys that when he gets on the ice he produces offensively. It's pretty clear that Stevens has significant reservations about his defensive game and being undersized getting knocked off the players in his own zone, but there is little doubt he has some offensive talent. The question is, will Stevens give him that chance to play everyday or will he be relegated to the 7th D spot. He is likely to make the team as he has to clear waivers, and I don't think the Kings risk exposing him.
Kevin Gravel Kevin overcame serious medical issues over the previous summer and battled hard all year. He has become an unrestricted Group VI UFA due to his lack of NHL games and surplus of professional games, and all indications are the Kings are parting ways. Likely a career 6-7th D man or AHL player with some competent puck moving skills and a strong skater, but has a tendency to chase the puck. Good luck to Mr. Gravel.
Jack Campbell Obviously a huge season for Campbell as he has to prove he can handle the everyday back up role, and with Petersen breathing down his neck, he cannot afford to have a poor season in his first full NHL year. A competent goalie that relies on positioning and athleticism, he is very similar in stature to Quick, and is also known for some occasional acrobatic skill saves at the AHL level like Kings fans are used too with Quick. But Campbell will be smart to quiet his game, and he needs to improve his coverage on the short side as he is prone to give up goals there he should have stopped. As Kings fans witnessed, he is a confident and adept puck handler, something we are not used to. Campbell has a first round draft pick pedigree, and the more he played last year, the more he earned the Kings and the fans trust.
