Top Shelf Prospects 2018 Los Angeles Kings

[Raccoon Jesus]

Wasn't Clague injured the first game at the WJC? Disagree with holding that against him

Admittedly I'm being hard on him and certainly there's time to grow, but there are way too many people talking about him like he's a sure thing or a top-pairing guy in the making. I'd say best case he's Nick Leddy (a guy who still needs insulation but can skate on a top pair) or Torey Krug, but he's more likely a specialist, #3-#4 type.

 

[KingsOfCali25]

Admittedly I'm being hard on him and certainly there's time to grow, but there are way too many people talking about him like he's a sure thing or a top-pairing guy in the making. I'd say best case he's Nick Leddy (a guy who still needs insulation but can skate on a top pair) or Torey Krug, but he's more likely a specialist, #3-#4 type.

I'm right there with you. I just don't see him as the Top Pairing role. I see him more as a PP specialist...like a Jake Gardiner. I see him needing at least 2 years AHL time to develop his Defensive zone coverage. I don't know how some people think he will be a call up this year or would even come close to replacing Muzzin/Martinez.

And I think there is a gap in our prospects...

1

2-3

4-5-6-7

8-9-10-HM

 

[King'sPawn]

Admittedly I'm being hard on him and certainly there's time to grow, but there are way too many people talking about him like he's a sure thing or a top-pairing guy in the making. I'd say best case he's Nick Leddy (a guy who still needs insulation but can skate on a top pair) or Torey Krug, but he's more likely a specialist, #3-#4 type.

I agree that he's not a surefire prospect. I just think some of these criticisms are forgiveable, especially for a young player.

To me:
- strength against opposition can be corrected with physical development and leverage/savvy.
- poor judgment defensively can be learned from and coached

I actually would prefer to see mistakes from poor judgment than mistake-free hockey in some circumstances. A player who plays his game but screws up will develop better than a prospect who just does whatever he can to avoid making mistakes. It's why Muzzin eventually became a top four defenseman and Martinez is a bottom four defenseman. It's why Kempe and Iafallo found their way in the NHL much sooner than the older Brodzinski.

Clague may very well flop or become a PP specialist at best, and honestly I appreciate feedback and observations. I'm just providing more analysis and discussion to what is being provided.

 

[Siignal]

Saw this on twitter and thought you kinds fans might like seeing Eyssimont in pretty good company, even if its summer hockey. That G:A ratio @dabeautyleague

 

[regulate]

Pronmon, in his farm system rankings on The Athletic, ranks Clague as the Kings #3 prospect. Said he was the #1 D man in the WHL this season, excellent skater with mobility to evade and lead the rush. Skilled with the puck, great vision. Projects as a PP QB at the NHL level. Decent defensively, but not a big man and can be exposed. Smart and mobile to be a reliable pro, he will be a solid part of any team's blue line (NHL).

I expect he'll play a full season at the AHL level to get stronger. If Fantenberg and MacDermid are waived and clear, the Reign blue line is going to be very crowded, but also likely one of the best in the entire AHL.

 

[sinister6000]

The Kings should have Vilardi work with Gary Roberts, he might be able to help him fix his back problems.

 

[tonellisghost]

Fme for saying this but I see the exact same style of play in Clags that I did in a young VVoynov. Both undersized and both fast as hell and quick with the puck. I think that KC has a little ways to go before he gets there but I like his game already and see him as a true #2/3 guy when he hits it.