"State of the Franchise comments from Blake and Robitaille 02/27/2022
-Robitaille opened the event with some thoughts on the team’s “Development Strategy”
Reminded that LA’s plan was to move / trade some veteran players in 2018 and 2019, then integrate younger prospects / players into the system last season and this year.
-A fan asked if there is anything special to look forward to at the Trade Deadline next month. Blake spoke a lot about how the current players are slotted where they need to be (i.e. Kopitar, Danualt, and Byfield down the middle). “We’re going to continue putting players into the right spot leading into the deadline.”
-Blake says, “Right now, it’s all about taking steps forward. We’ll continue that at the Deadline, into the summer, and next season.”
- Emerson talked about some of the non-AHL prospects. Brock Faber, “really knows how to defend. He defends through his skating, and that closes off lanes.” Brandt Clarke’s “feet are amazing. He can look at four different reads at the same time. That’s very difficult for a defenseman.”
— Emerson said he wants to talk about Harvard forward Alex Laferriere. He works, competes, and plays the game the right way. He’s the type of player who plays the system McLellan wants to play.
— Emerson on Helenius: He’s a 6-foot-7 center and he’s mean. It’s really difficult when the big guys are mean. He’s already signed and we’ll have him over here real soon.
— Blake again confirmed that Edler is targeted to be back in the lineup by the end of March
— Blake says they will have about 3-5M to play with at the deadline and/or in the summer
— Fan asked about Gabe Vilardi. Blake, “We see him playing for the Kings eventually. … He needs to be involved in power plays and playing with pace. He’s been moved to wing. There will be a situation where he gets back into the Kings lineup. For now, he’s doing what he needs to do and he’s over a point-per-game.”
#LAKings LIVE UPDATES: State of the Franchise Comments from Blake and Robitaille (MayorsManor) (letsgokings.com)