Training Camp/Preseason games Thread 2021

[Steve Zissou]

@Peter James Bond III My only quam that I forgot to mention with Byfield and Tkachev is that both players prefer to pass the puck into the net. Can you imagine both of them on a line together!? Eesh!

Besides the recent acquisition of Arvidson, not many players on this roster possess a shot mentality so to speak.

Arvi is more of go-go-go and throw as many pucks on net forward, which fits in nicely with this teams' newly found philosophy of attacking rather than sit idle in a 1-3-1 (hell, who would have thought!?), but until Fagemo and Kaliyev make the jump I fear our goal scoring will remain low. That's why I really loved Mike Richards because he wasn't afraid to get the puck to the front of the net. After all, aren't most goals scored in and around the net...?

I really like the Danault signing because of his leadership and his obvious defensive ability. One of the next checkboxes for Blake will be an obvious top line LD but I have to imagine that a goal scorer would be icing on the cake for this team.

Look at how Kaprisov has transformed that Minny team this past year. That kid single-handily took them from the league's most boring team to a hungry playoff team. This year and the next two (both buyouts, oh my!) will be rough patches for them however. With the recent prolong back-and-forth negotiations with him, I'm still in shock some fans were willing to dump him just to get it over with.

 

[Statto]

Does Byfield have a necklace with a Q on it lol.

? You’ve lost me.

 

[Johnny Utah]

Okay so I forgot Moore last time. With that in mind, as much as I hate to say it, Fagemo probably gets sent down.

Arvidsson - Kopitar - Brown
Kempe - Danault - Iafallo
Andersson - Vilardi - Tkachev
Moore - JAD - Lemieux
Lizotte, Grundstrom

Anderson - Doughty
Bjornfot - Roy
Edler - Walker
Clague

Petersen
Quick

Shit... that's actually a pretty good roster. That's not even including Byfield, Turcotte, Kaliyev, Clarke, Fagemo, Kupari, Faber, Madden, Kirsanov, Thomas, Pinelli, Chromiak, Spence, or Grans. And those are just the standouts from camp and world juniors!

One last thought: Lizotte deserves to be on this roster. He's a really good 12/13th forward. He can pop in anywhere in the lineup for a few games and bring lots of energy. He's defensively responsible and by all accounts a great teammate.

Does Athanasiou get waived? Or does JAD start the year in Ontario?

Agree. I think JAD goes to the AHL when AA comes back. Lizotte has showed up in the pre-season.

Also, you forgot Wagner. I think Grunstrom gets waived before Wagner. Wags adds speed and grit.

 

[kilowatt]

Agree. I think JAD goes to the AHL when AA comes back. Lizotte has showed up in the pre-season.

Also, you forgot Wagner. I think Grunstrom gets waived before Wagner. Wags adds speed and grit.

Yeah, you definitely might be right about that this year, but I think the writing's on the wall for both Wagner and Grundstrom. This year's likely the last chance for both of them to step up.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Sparks held his own tonight. I think we can all rest easy knowing if Cal or Quickie go out with an injury that Sparks is up to the task. I'm excited to see how Ontario plays with him in net.

Tkachyov has finally arrived.

Andersson's game has really evolved over the past year. Kid has done nothing but put in the work ever since going down to Ontario. He brings a very different element that this team is lacking. I may still be in the minority on this one, but I'm a fan of this kid's potential.

Byfield had a really strong game, especially in the first 2 periods. He's super hard on the puck and demonstrated some superior vision tonight. He should have had a few more helpers tonight had some of the kids buried their grade-A chances.
Vilardi + Andersson =

Amen to all of the above.
I do think Sparks got a bit lucky though. There was more than one occasion he was looking away from a puck that hit him, lol. There's a reason he's not a career NHLer. But if he can be Budaj 2.0, that's all we ask.
Tkachev looked like Kaprizov, full stop.
I always said Andersson brings an element the other folks don't really, sand on the boards, fearlessness towards the net. Get him within 15 ft and he's automatic. But you don't need to because he'll drive there himself.
Byfield...he's starting to believe. Nice to see him just bullying one to two guys at a time and coming out with the puck AND separation speed. He's only been f***ing 19 for a month...
Vilardi + Andersson could have a toaster as a 3rd option and that toaster will be worth 40 pts.

Almost every time I noticed Edler, is was because he was doing something right. Only once did a mistake really stand out. So I definitely fall on the side of he played well.

Edler was almost fully interchangable with Maatta tonight.

If you look at him at the right time, it'll be a great play and a good vet signing.

If you look at him at the wrong time, it's inexplicable that he's in the league.

I was watching him with special interest all night and he frankly looked a half step behind and a little sloppy but was playing within his means (wholly unlike Maatta in that regard). I expect him to settle in. This is the first team change in his entire freaking career.

 

[KingsFan7824]

Unrealistic is Brandt Clarke making the team out of camp. Expecting Fagemo to beat the competition and earn a spot on the top line is based on actual performance to date. Playing the maybe game is a weaker line of argument than straw men.

Ok, Fagemo will not make the team, he was never going to make the team with the moves that were/weren't made this summer, and it certainly wasn't going to be on the top line next to Kopitar if by some chance he actually made the team.

I would say none of the prospects have a real shot to make the team, no matter what they do in camp, with possibly, possibly, the exception of Byfield. And even he is unlikely.

 

[kinghock]

All so true.

Tkachev has great puck skills, vision and makes great passes. Looked like Panarin-light. He's a legit talent. Pre-season game or not, he has it. Will just have to see how he fits in and
how his overall game is.

I am high on Lias as well...he made effective plays every shift, it seemed in all zones. A few things to remember - he had one of the best 18 year old seasons in SHL and was #7 OA pick. That may have been a bit high, but not his fault - or that he was not ready at 18 to be on the Rangers. That's bad on the Rangers. And the next 2 years was still not developing him
right, or Lias not elevating his game a lot. But, once he went back to SHL and found his game, the Kings took a shot, knowing he can play and was still only 20, when the Kings sent the
Rangers a 3rd rd pick. He came here and worked hard and his overall game looks very good. He and Vilardi were the best 1-2 forward tandem on the ice tonight. They make plays
together every shift, short passes and always find each other - often, creating a scoring chance. I love that you have 2, 22 year olds, (with high pedigree) that can be 3rd line talents
and no BIG pressure to carry the team - Lias could not at 18 or 19 in NY and Gabe could not be a legit (ready at least) #2C center at 21. But both having some seasoning and working
together, the Kings suddenly are going to have a very good top 9 forward corps. A big deal.

Byfield - yes. can't add to anything you said. He's going to be good to excellent and if does not make this team out of camp, will become a force in the AHL and soon be back.
If he does make the team, he will not be ruined or rushed, but have to have minutes to make it worth his progress.

Kings sent the Rangers a 2nd rd pick for Lias...

 

[David Lunch]

Kings sent the Rangers a 2nd rd pick for Lias...

True, but to make you both “right”, the 2nd round pick was 60th overall, so it’s at least worth mentioning it’s low position in the second round

 

[cyclones22]

Amen to all of the above.
Tkachev looked like Kaprizov, full stop.

That play towards the end of the game where he carried the puck through center ice stick-handling and weaving his way through 3 Knights was pretty impressive, pre-season game or not. It's hard to gauge his speed. I don't think he's a speed merchant or anything, but his stick-handling and change of direction backs defenders off. That he can execute a zone entry like that is a definite value to this team. Looks like he can quarterback a powerplay too. Tkachev is likely going to be on Danualt's wing to start, but I really liked the chemistry he had with Gabe and Lias. As far as I'm concerned, those 2 guys need to stay together. They were cooking at the end of last season on the same line and continued it last night. They just need a player like Tkachev, Moore or Iafallo to complement them.

 

[Johnny Utah]

Also what’s cool is some of the players we signed or acquired via FA are former 1st rounders like Danault and Andersson.

 

[Peter James Bond III]

Kings sent the Rangers a 2nd rd pick for Lias...

That's correct....was posting after midnight and bound to make an error....I was recalling they took Byfield / Grans / Faber and assumed they did not have 4 picks in the first 2 rounds and must have been a 3rd. It was worth the gamble. He's a gamer and is just getting started.

 

[Fat Elvis]

To me Lizotte is very replaceable. He and Wagner were the least affective forwards on the ice. Sure Lizotte is a puck hound, but he loses the puck almost immediately. JAD and even Kupari are upgrades IMO.
Wagner adds speed, but with a improved overall roster speed he becomes less needed. I'd much rather have Lemieux on the team than Wags.

Been rooting for Lias since they acquired him. Dude has put in the tough work and found new life in this organization. I think guys like Clague should take note of how Andersson responded to his demotion. Thinking 15 goals is a possibility this season.

Tkachev looked good and comfortable. Probably needed a little time to adjust to a new team, new rink size and new culture. Hoping he has more success than Porky.
He is a little slight, so I hope he's able to withstand the schedule, travel and amount of games the NHL has. Rooting for the guy. Good to see him chosen 1st in the shoot-out, nice reward.

Really hope Roy stays healthy this season. Solid.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Agreed, Roy looked back to form. He was pretty clearly shook up ab it last year.

 

[BigKing]

I haven't been following much as I'm burned out with work and finally had to bow out of rehashed arguments. Now that I could actually watch a game, I'm back in. That said, God bless you psychos that were listening to pre-season games on the radio.

Don't know if he is fast or if he can play defense but I'll take the brains of Tkachev over the speed of AA. My point is that if this team can have AA on the roster with his flaws, it can have Tkachev if his flaws are speed/size/defense. One thing with having good IQ and hands is that you don't have to be as fast. This team hasn't had many guys here for awhile now that can make that little five foot pass that springs a breakout etc.

Good to see Vilardi/Andersson keep up the good chemistry. Thought Vilardi looked strong: the real test is to see what he looks like after 20 games. Hopefully he won't be gassed again.

Watched a lot of Byfield last season. Last night was a positive game for him and anyone saying it wasn't hasn't been watching him closely.

Kaliyev generally doesn't make bad plays and he doesn't wow with skating or hitting etc. That's why the reports are always "was quiet then he scored". Yeah...he is quiet until he is involved in several scoring chances because he also isn't making boneheaded plays that stick out negatively. Love this player. Still my favorite prospect.

 

[mbar]

After the underwhelming initial reviews, actually seeing Tkachev yesterday was a revelation for me. His calm and intelligent playmaking skills seems like something that he can add to the overall group.

It was nice to see.

 

[Lt Dan]

I haven't been following much as I'm burned out with work and finally had to bow out of rehashed arguments. Now that I could actually watch a game, I'm back in. That said, God bless you psychos that were listening to pre-season games on the radio.

Guilty

Don't know if he is fast or if he can play defense but I'll take the brains of Tkachev over the speed of AA. My point is that if this team can have AA on the roster with his flaws, it can have Tkachev if his flaws are speed/size/defense. One thing with having good IQ and hands is that you don't have to be as fast. This team hasn't had many guys here for awhile now that can make that little five foot pass that springs a breakout etc.

Good to see Vilardi/Andersson keep up the good chemistry. Thought Vilardi looked strong: the real test is to see what he looks like after 20 games. Hopefully he won't be gassed again.

Watched a lot of Byfield last season. Last night was a positive game for him and anyone saying it wasn't hasn't been watching him closely.

Kaliyev generally doesn't make bad plays and he doesn't wow with skating or hitting etc. That's why the reports are always "was quiet then he scored". Yeah...he is quiet until he is involved in several scoring chances because he also isn't making boneheaded plays that stick out negatively. Love this player. Still my favorite prospect.

Well said. I am promoting you yet again. You are now Super Ginormous King.

I know if was one game, but I am VERY encouraged by last night. Vegas played their starting goalie and several vets and we iced a pretty damn young team

 

[Peter James Bond II]

When I saw Danault step on the ice and watched him...it was so refreshing to see an NHL veteran with his level of ability playing for the Kings.
You could tell he has talent and will be effective every shift and make the team better.

I then thought, when was the last time the Kings added such a great veteran IN HIS PRIME to the team? Kovy was 35, so that does not count.
Gaborik was 32 yrs old, when acquired. It's hard to believe, but do you have to go back to when Williams, Carter, Richards were acquired?
I suppose the answer is 2012, the (then) 27 year old Jeff Carter. This is insane. Post 2014 Cup, the Kings never added a top level NHL veteran
in his prime. Criminal and probably one of top 3 reasons, have been floundering all these past several years.

Just been adding aged veterans - Gaborik (still, 7 yrs ago) Lacavilier, Iginla, Kovalchuk....and college free agents and just fringe talent.
The drafts before 2017, were devoid of #1 picks and not great crops drafted.

Adding Danault and Arvidsson at 27 and 28 yrs old, is going to propel this team into the playoffs. Too bad it took years and some of the
best years of Kopi, Brown, Doughty etc, wasted in the black hole years.

Can't wait to see Viktor Arvidsson tonight and do his thing. Excited about this team.
And if Tkachev is the player I saw last night...bring on this season!

 

[bland]

I haven't been following much as I'm burned out with work and finally had to bow out of rehashed arguments. Now that I could actually watch a game, I'm back in. That said, God bless you psychos that were listening to pre-season games on the radio.

Don't know if he is fast or if he can play defense but I'll take the brains of Tkachev over the speed of AA. My point is that if this team can have AA on the roster with his flaws, it can have Tkachev if his flaws are speed/size/defense. One thing with having good IQ and hands is that you don't have to be as fast. This team hasn't had many guys here for awhile now that can make that little five foot pass that springs a breakout etc.

Good to see Vilardi/Andersson keep up the good chemistry. Thought Vilardi looked strong: the real test is to see what he looks like after 20 games. Hopefully he won't be gassed again.

Watched a lot of Byfield last season. Last night was a positive game for him and anyone saying it wasn't hasn't been watching him closely.

Kaliyev generally doesn't make bad plays and he doesn't wow with skating or hitting etc. That's why the reports are always "was quiet then he scored". Yeah...he is quiet until he is involved in several scoring chances because he also isn't making boneheaded plays that stick out negatively. Love this player. Still my favorite prospect.

Thing is, Tkachev is a very good skater with very quick latersl mobility and made several outstanding reads defensively last night. Both of his assists came from plays made along the wall - the first was a major problem for the Kings last year, taking a defensive clearance from the halfwall and putting it right in the stride of Vilardi to not just to get the puck out but to launch a quick strike.

The second came from a traditional dead zone for the Kings, a stationery dead puck along the halfwall on the PP. Tkachev took a quick step to change the passing lane and put a slick pass right into the middle of the slot.

This isn't a slight, perimeter player who hides in the weeds waiting for a chance, he was dictating play in all three zones. Tkachev was easily the most polished forward on the ice, and his style of play should sync with Kopitar more than any other winger on the roster. I hope he gets that opportunity.

 

[cyclones22]

If AA had Tkachev's hockey IQ, his contract would be $10m and not $1m. I know we're all gushing over Tkachev, but you could see immediately in the way he processes the game. No game-breaking speed and you hope he doesn't get crushed at his size, but he's a slippery player. Last night was a good test in that it was against a heavy opponent.

Edit: Good point^ about the first assist. Watch the highlight replay, he peeks over his should before handling the puck, knowing exactly where Gabe is going to be to spring him on a 2 on 1.

 

[Chazz Reinhold]

If AA had Tkachev's hockey IQ, his contract would be $10m and not $1m. I know we're all gushing over Tkachev, but you could see immediately in the way he processes the game. No game-breaking speed and you hope he doesn't get crushed at his size, but he's a slippery player. Last night was a good test in that it was against a heavy opponent.

Edit: Good point^ about the first assist. Watch the highlight replay, he peeks over his should before handling the puck, knowing exactly where Gabe is going to be to spring him on a 2 on 1.

Not only once, but I counted 4 looks over his shoulder before the puck was even coming to him to keep an eye on which lane Vilardi was going to fill. It was an impressive sign of his hockey sense to read that play so well.

 

[tbrown33]

Iaffalo has looked really good....really really like him with Danault, they are perfect for each other

 

[Peter James Bond II]

After 1 viewing, had to update my avatar.

 

[KingsFan7824]

If Sparks is starting regularly, and the Kings are still competitive, you chalk the up as things are just falling your way. There's a reason he's 28 and signed as the backup on an AHL team.

When I saw Danault step on the ice and watched him...it was so refreshing to see an NHL veteran with his level of ability playing for the Kings.
You could tell he has talent and will be effective every shift and make the team better.

I then thought, when was the last time the Kings added such a great veteran IN HIS PRIME to the team? Kovy was 35, so that does not count.
Gaborik was 32 yrs old, when acquired. It's hard to believe, but do you have to go back to when Williams, Carter, Richards were acquired?
I suppose the answer is 2012, the (then) 27 year old Jeff Carter. This is insane. Post 2014 Cup, the Kings never added a top level NHL veteran
in his prime. Criminal and probably one of top 3 reasons, have been floundering all these past several years.

Just been adding aged veterans - Gaborik (still, 7 yrs ago) Lacavilier, Iginla, Kovalchuk....and college free agents and just fringe talent.
The drafts before 2017, were devoid of #1 picks and not great crops drafted.

Adding Danault and Arvidsson at 27 and 28 yrs old, is going to propel this team into the playoffs. Too bad it took years and some of the
best years of Kopi, Brown, Doughty etc, wasted in the black hole years.

Can't wait to see Viktor Arvidsson tonight and do his thing. Excited about this team.
And if Tkachev is the player I saw last night...bring on this season!

You have to have cap space and young pieces of value to add players in their prime. The Kings haven't had one and/or the other since 2012. Richards wasn't supposed to break down so quickly before 30. Brown wasn't supposed to stop scoring so abruptly before 30. And of course you can't predict Voynov.

I've always said those three things, plus DL's inability to let go, we're the 4 horsemen of the Kings apocalypse. Had one of Richards/Brown/Voynov gone the way it did, maybe you can manage around that. All 3 though? With the important and virtually impossible to quickly replace position Voynov played? With the price required to get Richards? With having to sink money into both Gaborik and Lucic in an attempt to replace the offense that disappeared from Brown's stick? Nah. DL made some mistakes, but in a hard cap world, there's only so many things that can go wrong that are somewhat out of your control before a team implodes.

 

[lumbergh]

When I saw Danault step on the ice and watched him...it was so refreshing to see an NHL veteran with his level of ability playing for the Kings.
You could tell he has talent and will be effective every shift and make the team better.

I then thought, when was the last time the Kings added such a great veteran IN HIS PRIME to the team? Kovy was 35, so that does not count.
Gaborik was 32 yrs old, when acquired. It's hard to believe, but do you have to go back to when Williams, Carter, Richards were acquired?
I suppose the answer is 2012, the (then) 27 year old Jeff Carter. This is insane. Post 2014 Cup, the Kings never added a top level NHL veteran
in his prime. Criminal and probably one of top 3 reasons, have been floundering all these past several years.

Just been adding aged veterans - Gaborik (still, 7 yrs ago) Lacavilier, Iginla, Kovalchuk....and college free agents and just fringe talent.
The drafts before 2017, were devoid of #1 picks and not great crops drafted.

Adding Danault and Arvidsson at 27 and 28 yrs old, is going to propel this team into the playoffs. Too bad it took years and some of the
best years of Kopi, Brown, Doughty etc, wasted in the black hole years.

Can't wait to see Viktor Arvidsson tonight and do his thing. Excited about this team.
And if Tkachev is the player I saw last night...bring on this season!

I think the most apt comparison for Danault is the acquisition of Mike Richards. Heck they even kinda look alike.

 

[Peter James Bond II]

If AA had Tkachev's hockey IQ, his contract would be $10m and not $1m. I know we're all gushing over Tkachev, but you could see immediately in the way he processes the game. No game-breaking speed and you hope he doesn't get crushed at his size, but he's a slippery player. Last night was a good test in that it was against a heavy opponent.

Edit: Good point^ about the first assist. Watch the highlight replay, he peeks over his should before handling the puck, knowing exactly where Gabe is going to be to spring him on a 2 on 1.

signing AA was the only error of the off season....but it's not $1m. It's 2.7m. At least, it's only for this year. Not a bad player, but by adding Danault, Arvidsson and Tkachev, there is no spot for him.

Andreas Athanasiou

Los Angeles Kings / NHL - 21/22
Expiry status: UFA C.H %: 3.31

SEASON	CLAUSE	CAP HIT	MINORS SALARY
2021-2022		$2,700,000	$2,700,000

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