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| Los Angeles Kings Fan Site | July 2, 2009 |
2005-06
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| 7-31-06 | |
| The Los Angeles Kings will host the Fourth Annual Pacific Division Shootout, a rookie tournament featuring young prospects from the Anaheim Ducks, Phoenix Coyotes, San Jose Sharks and the Kings, beginning on September 8, 2006 at the Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo, California.
The tournament, which runs through September 12, will consist of two games each day, except for Sunday, September 10. The Consolation and Championship Games will be held on Tuesday, September 12. Ticket information and team rosters will be announced at a later date. The schedule is as follows: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 9:00 AM - Phoenix Practice 10:00 AM - San Jose Practice 11:00 AM - Kings Practice 12:00 PM - Anaheim Practice 4:00 PM - San Jose vs. Phoenix 7:00 PM - Kings vs. Anaheim SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 9:00 AM - Anaheim Practice 10:00 AM - Phoenix Practice 11:00 AM - Kings Practice 12:00 PM - San Jose Practice 4:00 PM - Anaheim vs. Phoenix 7:00 PM - Kings vs. San Jose SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 9:30 AM - Anaheim Practice 11:15 AM - San Jose Practice 1:00 PM - Kings Practice 2:45 PM - Phoenix Practice MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 9:00 AM _ Anaheim Practice 10:00 AM - San Jose Practice 11:00 AM - Phoenix Practice 12:00 PM - Kings Practice 4:00 PM - San Jose vs. Phoenix 7:00 PM - Kings vs. Phoenix TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 4:00 PM - Consolation Game 7:00 PM - Championship Game | |
| 7-28-06 | |
| The Los Angeles Kings will move their radio broadcasts in the Los Angeles area from KSPN AM 710 (ESPN Radio 710) to KTLK AM 1150 during the upcoming 2006-07 season.
KTLK will broadcast all pre-season, regular season and playoff games, starting with the September 18 pre-season game at Anaheim. "We are very excited about partnering with Clear Channel, the radio leader in Southern California," said Kings President, Business Operations Shawn Hunter. "This is a powerful relationship because it involves not only 1150 but also [sister station] AM 570, the strongest and most respected sports station in the market." "This will be great for hockey in Los Angeles, especially for Kings fans." "This is an exciting partnership that can only enhance our radio station's presence in the marketplace," KTLK General Manager John Quinlan. "This partnership gives the Kings the advantage of two radio stations," said AM 570 General Manager/Program Director Don Martin. "With the aggressive grass-roots marketing efforts of AM 570 and the play-by-play exposure on KTLK, the Kings will Rule!" The format of the Kings' radio broadcasts will remain the same, beginning with a thirty-minute pre-game show and ending each home game broadcast with the Kings Talk listener-call-in show. | |
| 7-26-06 | |
| On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Kings re-signed center Michael Cammalleri to a one-year contract that is reportedly worth $1.7 million, avoiding salary arbitration.
Financial terms were not disclosed. Cammalleri, 24, scored 26 goals and added 29 assists for 55 points in 80 games, leading the team in goals scored. He also led the team with 15 power play goals and 206 shots. The 5-9, 185-pound native of Richmond Hill, Ontario was selected by the Kings in the second round (49th overall) of ther 2001 National Hockey League Entry Draft. In his first three seasons with the Kings, Cammalleri has scored 40 goals with 38 assists for 78 points with 92 penalty minutes in 139 regular season games. Last spring, Cammalleri also represented Canada at the 2006 World Championship in Latvia, scoring a goal and adding four assists for five points in eight games. | |
| 7-23-06 | |
| The Los Angeles Kings announced on Monday that they have re-signed restricted free agent left wing Sean Avery to a one-year contract that is rumored to be worth $1.1 million.
Avery, 28, scored 15 goals with 24 assists for 39 points (all career-highs) in 75 games last season. He also led the league with 257 penalty minutes--the second consecutive season he has led the National Hockey League in penalty minutes. "I'm excited about returning to the Kings for another year and a chance to play for the great fans in LA," said Avery. "I'm looking forward to getting back to work with my teammates and, through our hard work and determination, having the opportunity to reach my ultimate goal of winning a Stanley Cup." The 5-9, 185-pound native of Pickering, Ontario, was acquired from the Detroit Red Wings with defenseman Maxim Kuznetsov, a first round pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft (Jeff Tambellini), a second round pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft (later transferred to Boston) for defenseman Mathieu Schneider. Avery has scored 32 goals and 54 assists for 86 points with 739 penalty minutes in 238 NHL regular season games with the Kings and Red Wings. With the new contract, Avery and the Kings will avoid salary arbitration. | |
| 7-19-06 | |
| The Los Angeles Kings announced on Wednesday that they have re-signed restricted free agent center Eric Belanger to a one-year contract.
Financial terms were not disclosed, but the deal is rumored to be worth $1.3 million. In 65 games last season, Belanger, 28, set career-highs in goals (17), points (37), penalty minutes (62) and shooting percentage (14.3%). The 6-0, 180-pound native of Sherbrooke, Quebec also matched a career-high with twenty assists. Belanger was selected by the Kings in the fourth round (96th overall) of the 1996 National Hockey League Entry Draft. In 323 NHL regular season games, all with the Kings, Belanger has scored 63 goals and has added 87 assists for 150 points with 169 penalty minutes. In twenty NHL playoff games with the Kings, Belanger has a goal and four assists. With the signing the Kings and Belanger avoided salary arbitration. | |
| 7-17-06 | |
| The Los Angeles Kings announced on Monday that they have re-signed goaltender Mathieu Garon and right wing prospect Tim Jackman to one-year contracts. Both were restricted free agents.
Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed, but Kingshockey.com has learned that Garon will earn $1.216 million. Last season, Garon, 28, set new National Hockey League career-highs for games played (63), wins (31) and shutouts (4). He was 31-26-3 last season with a 3.22 goals-against average (GAA) and a .894 save percentage. The 6-2, 195-pound native of Chandler, Quebec ended the 2005-06 regular season ranked tenth in the NHL in wins and he was named the NHL's Defensive Player of the Month for December with a stellar 9-3-0 record, a 2.40 GAA and a .924 save percentage. Garon was also just the fourth goalie in Kings history to win thirty games in a single season, joining Rogie Vachon, Mario Lessard and Felix Potvin. In 106 NHL regular season games with the Montreal Canadiens and the Kings, Garon is a 47-46-3 record, a 2.93 GAA and a .902 save percentage with eight shutouts. Last season, Jackman, 24, played in 18 regular season games for the Manchester Monarchs of the American Hockey League (AHL), the Kings' primary minor league affiliate, last season, scoring two goals with three assists for five points and 33 penalty minutes. The 6-4, 210-pound native of Minot, North Dakota also contributed three assists with twenty penalty minutes in seven playoff games. Jackman was acquired by the Kings from the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for center prospect Yanick Lehoux on March 9, 2006. He was immediately assigned to Manchester. Jackman was selected in the second round (38th overall) by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. He was traded to Phoenix on October 8, 2005, along with Geoff Sanderson for Jason Chimera, Cale Hulse and Mike Rupp. | |
| 7-14-06 | |
| On Friday, the Los Angeles Kings signed center prospect Trevor Lewis to a three-year, entry-level contract.
Financial terms were not disclosed. Lewis, 19, was selected in the first round (17th overall) of the 2006 National Hockey League Entry Draft last month. An earlier story here on Kingshockey.com (6/24/06) has more details about Lewis. | |
| 7-13-06 | |
| On Thursday, the Los Angeles Kings signed unrestricted free agent forward Raitis Ivanans to a one-year contract.
Financial terms were not disclosed. Ivanans, 27, spent the majority of the 2005-06 season with Hamilton of the American Hockey League (AHL), scoring two goals while racking up 120 penalty minutes in 43 games. The 6-4, 263-pound native of Riga, Latvia also played in four regular season games with the Montreal Canadiens last season. Ivanans has also played for Milwaukee and Hershey of the AHL, Baton Rouge, Toledo and Pensacola of the ECHL, Rockford, New Haven and Flint of the United Hockey League; and Tulsa and Macon of the Central Hockey League. | |
| 7-12-06 | |
| On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Kings announced their 2006-07 regular season schedule.
The Kings will begin the season "on the road" for the third consecutive year, although that game is just down the road at Anaheim on October 6. The following night, the Kings host the St. Louis Blues in their home opener, the beginning of a six-game homestand. The season ends with the Phoenix Coyotes coming into town on April 7, 2007. The television schedule for the 2006-07 season will be announced at a later date. ALL TIMES PACIFIC Home Games Indicated in CAPITAL Letters September 2006 (pre-season) 09/18/06 - Mon. - Anaheim, 7:30 PM, Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim 09/19/06 - Tue. - SAN JOSE, 7:30 PM, Staples Center 09/23/06 - Sat.. - Colorado, 7:30 PM, MGM Grand, Las Vegas 09/25/06 - Mon. - ANAHEIM, 7:30 PM, Staples Center 09/29/06 - Fri. - San Jose, 7:30 PM, HP Pavilion 09/30/06 - Sat. - Colorado, 6:00 PM, Pepsi Center October (8 home games, 6 away, 6 back-to-back) 10/06/06 - Fri. - at Anaheim, 7:00 PM 10/07/06 - Sat. - ST. LOUIS, 7:30 PM 10/10/06 - Tue. - NEW YORK ISLANDERS, 7:30 PM 10/12/06 - Thu. - DALLAS, 7:30 PM 10/14/06 - Sat. - DALLAS, 7:30 PM 10/16/06 - Mon. - DETROIT, 7:30 PM 10/18/06 - Wed. - MINNESOTA, 7:30 PM 10/19/06 - Thu. - at Phoenix, 7:00 PM 10/22/06 - Sun. - ANAHEIM, 3:00 PM 10/23/06 - Mon. - at Colorado, 5:00 PM 10/25/06 - Wed. - at Minnesota, 5:00 PM 10/27/06 - Fri. - at Columbus, 4:00 PM 10/28/06 - Sat. - at Dallas, 5:00 PM 10/30/06 - Mon. - NEW YORK RANGERS, 7:30 PM November (8 home, 5 away, 2 back-to-back) 11/01/06 - Wed. - PITTSBURGH, 7:30 PM 11/04/06 - Sat. - at Phoenix, 6:00 PM 11/07/06 - Tue. - at Colorado, 6:00 PM 11/09/06 - Thu. - SAN JOSE, 7:30 PM 11/11/06 - Sat. - MINNESOTA, 7:30 PM 11/13/06 - Mon. - SAN JOSE, 7:30 PM 11/16/06 - Thu. - PHILADELPHIA, 7:30 PM 11/18/06 - Sat. - PHOENIX, 1:00 PM 11/22/06 - Wed. - at San Jose, 7:30 PM 11/24/06 - Fri. - at Dallas, 5:30 PM 11/25/06 - Sat. - CALGARY, 7:30 PM 11/27/06 - Mon. - NEW JERSEY, 7:90 PM 11/30/06 - Thu. - at Phoenix, 6:00 PM December (7 home, 7 road, 4 back-to-back) 12/02/06 - Sat. - ANAHEIM, 1:00 PM 12/03/06 - Sun. - at Anaheim, 5:00 PM 12/07/06 - Thu. - NASHVILLE, 7:30 PM 12/09/06 - Sat. - COLORADO, 7:30 PM 12/12/06 - Tue. - SAN JOSE, 7:30 PM 12/14/06 - Thu. - at San Jose, 7:30 PM 12/16/06 - Sat. - DALLAS, 1:00 PM 12/19/06 - Tue. - CALGARY, 7:30 PM 12/21/06 - Thu. - at St. Louis, 5:00 PM 12/23/06 - Sat. - at Nashville, 5:00 PM 12/26/06 - Tue. - PHOENIX, 7:30 PM 12/28/06 - Thu. - at Edmonton, 6:00 PM 12/29/06 - Fri. - at Calgary, 6:00 PM 12/31/06 - Sun. - at Detroit, 4:00 PM January 2007 (6 home, 6 road, 2 back-to-back) 01/03/07 - Wed. - COLUMBUS, 7:30 PM 01/06/07 - Sat. - DETROIT, 7:30 PM 01/08/07 - Mon. - EDMONTON, 7:30 PM 01/11/07 - Thu. - SAN JOSE, 7:30 PM 01/13/07 - Sat. - at St. Louis, 11:00 AM 01/15/07 - Mon. - at Dallas, 1:00 PM 01/16/07 - Tue. - at Atlanta, 4:00 PM 01/18/07 - Thu. - ST. LOUIS, 7:30 PM 01/20/07 - Sat. - PHOENIX, 7:30 PM 01/26/07 - Fri. - at Vancouver, 7:00 PM 01/27/07 - Sat. - at Edmonton, 7:00 PM 01/30/07 - Tue. - at Calgary, 6:00 PM February (4 home, 6 away, 2 back-to-back) 02/01/07 - Thu. - CHICAGO, 7:30 PM 02/03/07 - Sat. - at Florida, 4:30 PM 02/06/07 - Tue. - at Tampa Bay, 4:30 PM 02/08/07 - Thu. - at Washington, 4:00 PM 02/10/07 - Sat. - at Nashville, 5:00 PM 02/13/07 - Tue. - at Carolina, 4:00 PM 02/17/07 - Sat. - ANAHEIM, 7:30 PM 02/18/07 - Sun. - at Anaheim, 5:00 PM 02/22/07 - Thu. - VANCOUVER, 7:30 PM 02/24/07 - Sat. - COLORADO, 7:30 PM March (7 home, 8 road, 8 back-to-back) 03/01/07 - Thu. - ANAHEIM, 7:30 PM 03/03/07 - Sat. - NASHVILLE, 1:00 PM 03/06/07 - Tue. - at Chicago, 5:30 PM 03/07/07 - Wed. - at Columbus, 4:00 PM 03/09/07 - Fri. - at Detroit, 4:30 PM 03/11/07 - Sun. - at Dallas, 12:30 PM 03/12/07 - Mon. - EDMONTON, 7:30 PM 03/15/07 - Thu. - CHICAGO, 7:30 PM 03/17/07 - Sat. - COLUMBUS, 7:30 PM 03/18/07 - Sun. - at Anaheim, 5:00 PM 03/21/07 - Wed. - DALLAS, 7:30 PM 03/23/07 - Fri. - at Chicago, 5:30 PM 03/24/07 - Sat. - at Minnesota, 5:00 PM 03/27/07 - Tue. - at San Jose, 7:30 PM 03/29/07 - Thu. - VANCOUVER, 7:30 PM April (1 home, 3 road) 04/01/07 - Sun. - at San Jose, 3:00 PM 04/03/07 - Tue. - at Vancouver, 7:00 PM 04/05/07 - Thu. - at Phoenix, 7:00 PM 04/07/07 - Sat. - PHOENIX, 1:00 PM | |
| 7-12-06 | |
| On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Kings signed unrestricted free agent center Gabe Gauthier to a two-year contract.
Financial terms were not disclosed. Gauthier, 22, just completed his fourth season with the Denver University Pioneers, scoring 15 goals (nine coming on the power play) and 24 assists for 39 points with 35 penalty minutes. The 5-9, 200-pound native of Buena Park, California, played on Denver's national championship teams in 2004 and 2005. He led all 2005 NCAA tournament scorers with 11 points (six goals and five assists) in four games and he scored the game-winning goal against the University of Maine in the 2004 NCAA National Championship game, giving Denver its first national title in thirty-five years. Gauthier set career highs for goals (26), assists (31), points (57) and games played (43) in 2004-05. He also led the team in face-off percentage (58%), multi-point games (20) and power-play goals (12) while finishing second on the team with a plus-32 plus/minus rating. Gauthier was named to the 2005 Frozen Four All-Tournament Team and to the All-WCHA Second Team that same season. He was also named to the 2005 Frozen Four All-Tournament Team and to the All-WCHA Second Team. Gauthier was also the recipient of the Leading Scorer Award as the Pioneer's Best Offensive Player and the Bill Masterton Award as Denver's Most Valuable Player. Prior to joining the Pioneers, Gauthier played three seasons with the Chilliwack Chiefs of the British Columbia Hockey League (1999-2002), and was the BCHL Rookie of the Year in 1999-00. | |
| 7-11-06 | |
| On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Kings released their 2006 Pre-Season schedule, which includes six exhibition games, two of them at Staples Center.
Tickets for the "Frozen Fury 9" pre-season game against the Colorado Avalanche on September 23, will be played at the MGM Grand Garden Arena at the MGM Grand Hotel Tickets for this game are on sale now and are priced at $68.25, $36.25 and $26.25, and can be purchased at the MGM Grand Garden Arena box office or by calling the Kings at (888) 546-4752. Tickets can also be purchased at select Las Vegas TicketMaster locations (Tower Records/WOW!, Smith's Food and Drug Centers, Ritmo Latino and Robinson's May stores). To charge by phone, call Las Vegas TicketMaster at (702) 474-4000. Tickets can also be purchased online at the MGM Grand web site, and at the TicketMaster web site. There is a limit of eight tickets per person. Tickets for the two games at Staples Center will go on sale at a later date. ALL TIMES PACIFIC Home Games Indicated in CAPITAL Letters September 2006 (pre-season) 09/18/06 - Mon. - Anaheim, 7:30 PM, Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim 09/19/06 - Tue. - SAN JOSE, 7:30 PM, Staples Center 09/23/06 - Sat.. - Colorado, 7:30 PM, MGM Grand, Las Vegas 09/25/06 - Mon. - ANAHEIM, 7:30 PM, Staples Center 09/29/06 - Fri. - San Jose, 7:30 PM, HP Pavilion 09/30/06 - Sat. - Colorado, 6:00 PM, Pepsi Center | |
| 7-10-06 | |
| On Monday, the Los Angeles Kings announced that they have signed Mike Johnston as Associate Coach, Jamie Kompon as Assistant Coach, Bill Ranford as Goaltending Coach and Nelson Emerson as Video and Player Development Consultant.
In addition, Kingshockey.com has learned that former general manager Dave Taylor will stay on as a consultant and a liaison with Kings prospects, and that former Kings forward and head coach Bob Berry, who was a long-time scout for the St. Louis Blues, has been hired as a pro scout. Johnston, 49, served as Associate Coach under then-Vancouver Canucks head coach Marc Crawford for six seasons, and now follows Crawford to Los Angeles. Johnston also worked for Team Canada from 1994-99 as an assistant coach with Crawford at the 1998 Olympic Winter Games in Nagano, Japan, and at the 1996 World Cup of Hockey, where Canada won the Silver Medal. Before joining the Canucks, Johnson was the Head Coach and General Manager of Team Canada in the 1998-99 season. His team was 21-17-8 and won the Gold Medal at the Spengler Cup. He also won Gold Medals as an assistant coach with Team Canada at the 1994 and 1996 World Junior Championships. Johnston has also coached at the collegiate level, first a Camrose Lutheran College, where he began his coaching career in 1982. He then coached at the University of New Brunswick. "Mike Johnston is a great thinker and he understands what it takes to win at all levels," said Crawford. "He's dealt with all kinds of players and he's very good with the technical aspects of the game." Kompon, 39, was Video Coach for the St. Louis Blues for nine seasons starting in 1997, and added the duties of Strength and Conditioning Coach in 2002-03. Kompon was an Assistant Coach with the Baltimore Bandits of the American Hockey league in 1996-97 before he joined the Blues. He was also Co-Head Coach at McGill University in 1994-95 after being an assistant coach there for three seasons. Kompon was also a defenseman at McGill from 1985-89 and then played one season each in the ECHL and the German Elite League. "Jamie Kompon has been with the coaching staff in St. Louis for the past nine years and, like Mike, he has a lot of experience and strengths," said Crawford. Former Edmonton Oilers great Bill Ranford, 39, helped lead the Oilers to two Stanley Cup Championships (1987-88 and 1989-90), and won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player in the post-season (1989-90). In 647 National Hockey League regular season games with the Boston Bruins, Oilers, Washington Capitals, Tampa Bay Lightning and the Detroit Red Wings, the 15-year NHL veteran earned a 240-279-75 record, a 3.40 goals-against average (GAA), a .888 save percentage and 15 shutouts. In 53 NHL playoff games, Ranford was 28-25 with a 3.06 GAA and four shutouts. Ranford has worked as the Goaltending Consultant with the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League for the last two seasons. He has also worked as a Goaltending Consultant with the Burnaby Express of the British Columbia Hockey League (Tier II Junior), of which he is a part-owner. "Our staff will be well-complemented by the addition of Bill Ranford," said Crawford. "I am very impressed with him and how much he's worked at his craft." Emerson, 38, played with the Kings from 2000-02 and recorded 16 goals and 13 assists for 29 points and 79 penalty minutes in 119 regular season NHL games. He also played in 19 playoff games with the Kings and had two goals and three assists for five points and six penalty minutes. He was acquired along with Kelly Buchberger from the Atlanta Thrashers for Donald Audette and Frantisek Kaberle on March 13, 2000. Emerson was selected by the Blues in the third round (44th overall) of the 1985 NHL Entry Draft. In 771 regular season NHL games with the Blues, Winnipeg Jets, Hartford Whalers, Thrashers and Kings, Emerson scored 195 goals and 293 assists for 488 points with 575 penalty minutes. In forty NHL playoff games, Emerson scored seven goals and fifteen assists for 22 points with 33 penalty minutes. "Nelson Emerson, who Kings fans know well, is not only a product of the Kings but he also coached the Junior Kings which won a state championship last year," said Crawford. "I am very pleased with the staff that Dean and I have put together." | |
| 7-10-06 | |
| On Monday, the Los Angeles Kings signed unrestricted free agent defensemen Kevin Dallman and Brendan Buckley to two-year contracts.
Financial terms were not disclosed. Dallman, 25, played in 21 games with the Boston Bruins last season, recording an assist with eight penalty minutes before he was waived. The St. Louis Blues him on December 3, 2005. With the Blues, the 5-11, 195-pound native of Niagara Falls, Ontario scored four goals and added nine assists for 13 points with 21 penalty minutes in 46 games. Dallman was originally signed by Boston as a free agent on July 18, 2002 after playing four seasons with the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League from 1998-2002. He became Guelph's all-time leader in games played (268), points (260) and penalty minutes (246). In 2000-01 and 2001-02, he led the OHL in defenseman scoring. Buckley, 29, played in 73 regular season games for the Peoria Rivermen of the American Hockey League this season, scoring two goals and nine assists for eleven points with 104 penalty minutes. The 6-1, 205-pound native of Boston, Massachusetts was originally selected by Anaheim in the fifth round (117th overall) of the 1996 National Hockey League Entry Draft. | |
| 7-10-06 | |
| Late Monday, the Los Angeles Kings announced that they have added a scrimmage game to their annual Development Camp, currently underway this week at the Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo, California.
The game is scheduled for Thursday, July 13, 2006. Face-off is at 7:00 PM PDT. Tickets for the game are free and can be picked up at the Toyota Sports Center administrative offices on Wednesday, July 12, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. There is a limit of two tickets per person and they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. | |
| 7-7-06 | |
| On Friday, the Los Angeles Kings re-signed restricted free agent defenseman Mike Weaver to a one year contract.
Financial terms were not disclosed. Weaver, 28, played a career-high 53 games for the Kings last season, contributing nine points (all assists), also a career-high. The 5-9, 182-pound native of Bramalea, Ontario also blocked 48 shots and had 52 hits in his first season with the Kings. | |
| 7-6-06 | |
| On Thursday, the Los Angeles Kings released the schedule for their annual Development Camp for their younger prospects. The camp will be held July 9-14, 2006 at the Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo, California.
Thirty players will participate in this year's camp and as in previous years, all on-ice workouts are open to the public at no charge. But unlike previous years, there will be no scrimmage game. "It will be the first opportunity for me and some of the other new people in this organization to see many of these players up close and on the ice," said Kings head coach Marc Crawford. "I am very much looking forward to seeing our prospects." "Hopefully all of these guys realize that every opportunity you have on the ice is an opportunity to impress someone and to leave a lasting impression." KINGS DEVELOPMENT CAMP ATTENDEES (subject to change) Andersen, Niclas, Defenseman Baier, Paul, Defenseman Bernier, Jonathan, Goaltender Boyle, Brian, Center Braun, Constantin, Left Wing Brust, Barry, Goaltender Harrold, Peter, Defenseman Hersley, Patrik, Defenseman Hogeboom, Greg, Center Holloway, Bud, Center Kanko, Petr, Left Wing Kopitar, Anze, Center Lewis, Trevor, Center Lukacevic, Ned, Left Wing McGinnis, Ryan Defenseman Meckler, David, Center Mormina, Joey, Defenseman Munce, Ryan, Goaltender Murray, Brady, Center Nolet, Martin, Defenseman O'Sullivan, Patrick, Center Petiot, Richar, Defenseman Pushkarev, Konstantin, Right Wing Quick, Jonathan, Goaltender Roussin, Dany, Left Wing Ryan, Matt, Center Ryan, Joe, Defenseman Taylor, Daniel, Goaltender Zaba, Matt, Goaltender Zatkoff, Jeff, Goaltender KINGS DEVELOPMENT CAMP SCHEDULE (subject to change) Monday, July 10 - Thursday, July 13 SKATERS 7:45am - 8:15am: Warm-up 8:30am - 9:05am: Power skating 9:15am - 9:45am: Skills session 9:45am - 10:00am: Power skating 1:00pm - 1:45pm: On-ice practice (all) GOALTENDERS 7:45am - 8:15am: Warm-up 9:45am - 10:00am: Power skating 10:00am - 11:30am: Goalie session 1:00pm - 1:45pm: On-ice practice (all) Friday, July 14 SKATERS & GOALTENDERS 7:45am - 8:00am: Warm-up 8:15am - 9:00am: Power skating 9:15am - 10:15am: On-ice practice | |
| 7-5-06 | |
| On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Kings acquired goalie Dan Cloutier from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a second round pick in the 2007 National Hockey League Entry Draft and a conditional pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
Cloutier, 30, played in just thirteen games last season for the Canucks after suffering a season-ending partial tear of his anterior cruciate ligament. In those games, Cloutier was 8-3-1 with a 3.17 goals-against average (GAA) and a .892 save percentage. "Dan is a proven number one goaltender who gives us stability at a critical position," said Kings President and General Manager Dean Lombardi. "His game has continued to evolve and I believe his best years are ahead of him. Most importantly, he brings leadership and a competitive fire that translates through to his teammates," said Lombardi." "I think it's important to have an established goaltender,'' added Lombardi. ''I think some of his best hockey's ahead of him. This kid's a competitor.'' "When I was in San Jose, I liked bringing in a Mike Vernon so that a [Steve] Shields could establish himself," added Lombardi. "Then [Evgeni] Nabokov comes up. We talked of the importance of putting some young goalies in the pipeline." The 6-1, 195-pound native of Mont-Lauier, Quebec has a career record of 131-124-33, a 2.66 GAA and a .902 save percentage in 318 NHL regular season games with the Canucks, Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Rangers, who selected him in the first round (26th overall) of the 1994 NHL Entry Draft. In 25 NHL playoff games, Cloutier is 10-13 with a 3.21 GAA and a .872 save percentage. In the 2003-04 season, Cloutier set career highs for minutes played (3,539) and GAA (2.27), and he matched career highs in wins (33) and save percentage (.914). ''I think Dan's a top-15 goaltender in the league, and when he's on top of his game, he's better than that,'' said Canucks general manager Dave Nonis. Kings head coach Marc Crawford, who coached Cloutier in Vancouver until last season, certainly knows his "new" goalie. "I really like Dan," said Crawford. "I'm really impressed with how hard he works on his game. He's an emotional, battling goaltender who has really worked at his position. He's become a really, really good goaltender." "This is solidifying the goaltending position here in Los Angeles," added Crawford. "Dan is a great competitor. He's worked extremely hard at his game. You need a real good technical base and you need the passion that Dan exhibits so well in his game. We're pleased to have him in the fold here in Los Angeles." Newly-re-acquired defenseman Rob Blake said that Cloutier brings experience in goal to the Kings. "He's a battler, he's a competitor, he's been around a long while, faced a lot of shots," said Blake. "It just gives you that experience in net a lot of teams don't have." ''I'm looking forward to it,'' said Cloutier. ''I think it's gonna be good for me. I'd been in Vancouver for a few years now. I think it was good timing for a change of scenery.'' | |
| 7-5-06 | |
| On Wednesday, Kingshockey.com learned that the Los Angeles Kings have hired Mike Johnston as an assistant coach and former Edmonton Oilers great Bill Ranford as their goaltending consultant.
Johnston, who has extensive coaching experience for Canada at the international level, joined the Canucks' coaching staff in 1999 as an associate coach with then-Vancouver head coach Marc Crawford, and he now joins Crawford with the Kings. Ranford helped lead the Oilers to two Stanley Cup Championships (1987-88 and 1989-90), and won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player in the post-season (1989-90). In 647 National Hockey League regular season games with the Boston Bruins, Oilers, Washington Capitals, Tampa Bay Lightning and the Detroit Red Wings, Ranford earned a 240-279-75 record, a 3.40 goals-against average (GAA) and 15 shutouts. In 53 NHL playoff games, Ranford was 28-25 with a 3.06 GAA and four shutouts. | |
| 7-4-06 | |
| On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Kings signed unrestricted free agent right wing Brian Willsie to a two-year contract.
Financial terms were not disclosed, but the deal is rumored to pay $800,000 in 2006-07 and $900,000 in 2007-08. Last season with the Washington Capitals, Willsie had a career year, scoring 19 goals while adding 22 assists for 41 points with 77 penalty minutes (all career-highs) in 82 games. The 6-1, 185-pound winger was the only Capitals player to play in all 82 games last season. Willsie, 28, was selected by the Colorado Avalanche in the sixth round (146th overall) of the 1996 National Hockey League Entry Draft. The Capitals acquired him from Colorado in the 1996 NHL Waiver Draft. In 200 regular season NHL games with the Avalanche and Capitals, Willsie has scored 36 goals with 35 assists for 71 points with 124 penalty minutes. In ten NHL playoff games with Colorado, Willsie has a goal and an assist with four penalty minutes. "At 28 years of age, Brian has a lot of productive years ahead of him," said Kings President and General Manager Dean Lombardi. "He began his NHL career with Colorado, a winning organization, and he elevated his overall game while in Washington." In junior hockey, Willsie played three seasons with the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League, scoring 95 goals with 83 assists for 178 points and 96 penalty minutes in 186 regular season games. He led his Guelph to two Memorial Cup appearances in 1996 and 1998. Willsie also represented Canada at the 1998 World Junior Championship, where he posted two assists in seven games. | |
| 7-2-06 | |
| On Sunday, the Los Angeles Kings announced that they have made qualifying offers to the following players:
Sean Avery - Center Eric Belanger - Center Dustin Brown - Left Wing Michael Cammalleri - Center Mathieu Garon - Goaltender Tim Gleason - Defenseman Tim Jackman - Defenseman Mike Weaver - Defenseman Avery, Belanger, Cammalleri, Garon and Weaver are eligible for salary arbitration. The Kings also announced that defenseman Brad Fast, goalie Adam Hauser and center Connor James were not tendered qualifying offers. They are now unrestricted free agents. In addition, the Kings announced that they did not pick up their team option on the contract of defenseman Nathan Dempsey, making him an unrestricted free agent. | |
| 7-2-06 | |
| On Sunday, the Los Angeles Kings once again dipped into the unrestricted free agent market by signing center Alyn McCauley to a three-year deal rumored to be worth $2 million per season.
Last season, McCauley, 29, scored twelve goals with 14 assists good for 26 points with 30 penalty minutes in 76 regular season games with the San Jose Sharks. In six playoff games, the 5-11, 200-pound native of Brookville, Ontario contributed one assist. "Alyn is a solid two-way hockey player whose competitiveness and leadership abilities makes him a good fit for our hockey club," said Kings President and General Manager Dean Lombardi. McCauley was selected by the New Jersey Devils in the fifth round (79th overall) of the 1995 National Hockey League Entry Draft. He was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs on February 25, 1997, along with Jason Smith and Steve Sullivan in exchange for Doug Gilmour, Dave Ellett and a third round pick in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. Toronto sent McCauley to San Jose on March 5, 2003 with Brad Boyes and a first round pick in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft in exchange for Owen Nolan. In the 2003-04 season, McCauley set new career highs in goals (20, assists (27), points (47), power play goals (5), game-winning goals (4), plus/minus rating (+23) and games played (82). He also was a finalist for the Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded each year to the NHL's best defensive forward. In 478 regular season NHL games with Toronto and San Jose, McCauley has scored 68 goals with 97 assists good for 165 points, 114 penalty minutes and a +25 rating. In 52 NHL playoff games with the Maple Leafs and Sharks, McCauley has seven goals and twelve assists for 19 points. "I was impressed with how the Kings organization, Dean Lombardi and Marc Crawford in particular, pursued me," said McCauley. "The Kings have a real commitment to win and to win now. We will have a competitive club this year and I am looking forward to the start of the season." | |
| 7-1-06 | |
| On Saturday, the Los Angeles Kings made a big splash--and a surprising one--in the unrestricted free agent market by signing star defenseman Rob Blake to a rumored two-year deal worth $6 million per season.
Before they signed Blake, the Kings were talking to star defenseman Zdeno Chara, formerly of the Ottawa Senators, who also become and unrestricted free agent. Various sources have reported that the Kings were in the running for his services until Chara decided that he wanted to stay in the Eastern Conference and signed a five-year, $32.5 million deal with the Boston Bruins. Sources also reported that the Kings made an offer to star forward Patrik Elias, who re-signed with the New Jersey Devils. Last season, Blake scored 14 goals and added 37 assists for 51 points with 94 penalty minutes in 81 regular season games for the Colorado Avalanche. In nine playoff games last season, Blake scored three goals and added an assist for four points. Blake, who was traded by the Kings along with center Steven Reinprecht to Colorado in exchange for Adam Deadmarsh, Aaron Miller, a player to be named later (Jared Aulin), and Colorado's first round pick in the 2001 National Hockey League Entry Draft (David Steckel), returns to the Kings after spending three-plus seasons with the Avs, winning the Stanley Cup in 2001. "Rob Blake is a special player and more importantly a special person," said Kings President and General Manager Dean Lombardi. "He belongs in a Kings uniform." "There are a lot of things that make Rob attractive to us," added Lombardi. "This is a player I've always admired. He totally understands now what a winner is. This guy is the whole package." Blake, 36, is the highest scoring defenseman in Kings history. He was drafted by the Kings in the fourth round (70th overall) of the 1988 National Hockey League Entry Draft. In twelve seasons with the Kings, Blake, who is 6-3 and weighs 225 pounds, scored 138 goals with 291 assists good for 429 points in 662 regular season games, ranking tenth on the Kings' all-time scoring list. Blake is also tenth all-time in playoff scoring for the Kings, with eight goals and 16 assists for 24 points in 57 playoff games. In 984 NHL regular season games with the Kings and Avalanche, Blake has 200 goals and 437 assists for 637 points with 1,329 penalty minutes and a +2 rating. In 127 playoff games with the Kings and Avalanche, Blake has scored 24 goals and 43 assists for 67 points. Blake was also the only Kings defenseman to win the James Norris Trophy as the NHL's best defenseman in the 1997-98 season. "He represents a player, with the position he plays and the way he plays it, that is not easy to find," said Lombardi. "The important thing is to get quality hockey players and quality people who are winners." At this point in his career, why would Blake want to sign with a team that appears to be rebuilding and not close to being a contender? "The process going forward was something that intrigued me," said Blake. "[He understands] the program [Lombardi] wants to put forward and the level he wants this team playing at and where he wants to take it." "Anytime you start with a franchise, your ultimate goal is to win the Stanley Cup," added Blake. "Part of the decision coming back was to bring that attitude and carry that over to Los Angeles." And playing at home is certainly a plus. "I enjoyed my time here in LA," said Blake. "Coming back here with my wife and family being here and all that, it was something that I wanted to do. For my family and my wife, and everything I have associated with the area, it was a logical choice." The Blake signing begs the question...are the Kings really rebuilding? After all, signing an older, high-priced veteran does not seem to fit a team that is rebuilding. "This franchise is committed to winning, but [salary] cap space has value and we will only use it for the right player," Lombardi explained. "We have other options, but if they don't work out we'll move on to the next thing. We're not going home thinking our work is done." | |
| 7-1-06 | |
| Kingshockey.com has confirmed that the Los Angeles Kings have signed unrestricted free agent checking left wing Scott Thornton to a two-year contract rumored to be worth $1.5 million per season.
Thornton, 35, scored ten goals and eleven assists for 21 points with 84 penalty minutes in 71 regular season games last season for the San Jose Sharks. In the 2005-06 playoffs, Thornton, who is 6-3 and weighs 220 pounds, played in eleven games, scoring two goals. In 836 National Hockey League regular season games with Toronto, Edmonton, Montreal, Dallas and San Jose, Thornton has scored 132 goals and 132 assists for 264 points while racking up 1,335 penalty minutes. In 79 NHL playoff games with Edmonton, Montreal, Dallas and San Jose, Thornton has scored 13 goals with 14 assists for 27 points with 82 penalty minutes. "Scott brings grit, character and competitiveness to our team and a great veteran presence that we want our younger players to emulate," said Kings President and General Manager Dean Lombardi. | |
| 6-30-06 | |
| On Friday, the Los Angeles Kings exercised their one-year team contract option on left wing Jeff Cowan.
Cowan, 30, scored eight goals and one assist for nine points with 73 penalty minutes in 46 games last season. Cowan misssed 28 games last season with various injuries. | |
| 6-30-06 | |
| The Los Angeles Kings and the Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), headed by Philip Anschutz and Tim Leiweke, the entertainment and real estate conglomerate that owns the Kings, sure have a lot of nerve.
On Friday, the Los Angeles Times reported that the Kings will be raising season ticket prices by an average of 7.5% (see Kings To Raise Ticket Prices). Prices for individual game tickets will be announced later this summer, but it is a foregone conclusion that those prices will rise as well. This is yet another mistake by a franchise known for making more than its share of bad decisions over its nearly forty-year history. One example is their trading away one first-round draft pick after another (a practice that for all intents and purposes did not change significantly until 2000), only to see the other team use the pick to select players who would become, at the very least, solid National Hockey League players. The most notable could-have-been-Kings are likely Hall-Of-Fame defenseman Phil Housley and goalie Tom Barrasso. And then there was superstar defenseman Raymond Bourque, who went to Boston with the eighth pick in the 1979 NHL Entry Draft--one that belonged to the Kings--after the Kings traded that pick to the Bruins for goalie Ron Grahame. Speaking of bad decisions, in the 1984 draft, the Kings wasted a fourth-round pick (69th overall) on Major League pitching great Tom Glavine, who had stated that he was a virtual lock to choose baseball over hockey. Even more laughable, the Kings selected him ahead of future Hall-Of-Fame left wing Luc Robitaille, who was a ninth-round pick (171st overall). Without a doubt, the Kings have made quite a few monumental blunders over the years that have hurt them dearly. So much so that they would likely have had much greater success--maybe even winning the Stanley Cup. To be fair, the Kings have made numerous solid player personnel decisions over the years, and they have made good decisions off the ice as well. One of those decisions came last season when the NHL returned after the lockout. As a way of thanking fans for sticking with them and enticing those disgruntled with the NHL and its labor strife, the Kings lowered ticket prices across the board for season seat holders and froze prices on individual game tickets. This was one of the Kings' big announcements at an obviously made-for-television "press conference" that was aimed far more at their fans than the media. "We have the most passionate and loyal fans in the National Hockey League and our goal is to continue to provide them with affordable ticket prices," said then-Kings Chief Executive Officer Tim Leiweke. "We intend to be in the bottom third in ticket prices going forward," said Leiweke. And when the NHL finally returned to the ice, the Kings, like most teams in the league, enjoyed increased attendance figures. Lowering ticket prices for last season clearly was the right move. But now the Kings have gone back into blunder mode. Although it is not on the same level as their biggest blunders, raising ticket prices for the 2006-07 season is another mistake. Indeed, raising ticket prices is the wrong move after a season where the team self-destructed on the ice and off and wound up out of playoff contention for the third consecutive season, once again disappointing their long-suffering fans who had been promised much more by Leiweke prior to the start of the 2005-06 season. And in light of what appears to be rather a dismal outlook for the immediate future, this decision could not be more ill-conceived. To be sure, the Kings are in a major rebuilding mode, as their trade of forward Pavol Demitra, their leading scorer and best player, to the Minnesota Wild indicates. The Kings are cutting salary and it looks like they will be relying mostly on young, inexperienced players with a few veterans and possibly some cheaper unrestricted free agents who they can sign beginning tomorrow (July 1, 2006). That formula certainly does not add up to a playoff team, let alone a Stanley Cup contender in 2006-07. Rather, it adds up to what will likely be another long, disheartening season for Kings' fans. Although the Kings do need to build from the ground up as they are doing in order to build a Cup contender for the long-term, it is fairly obvious that the 2006-07 season is likely to be a struggle, at the very least. The product on the ice will be lacking in terms of skill and talent, and will probably be tough to watch at times. Fans are being asked to pay MORE to watch that? And regarding the message this sends to the Kings' loyal fans, the question is: Do the Kings and AEG really care? Not likely. After all, given the fact that they set new attendance records last season, the Kings and AEG know they can make this move because the fans will continue to fill the seats at Staples Center anyway. Although the Kings under President and General Manager Dean Lombardi are likely making the right moves in terms of rebuilding the on-ice talent, they are clearly making the wrong move in asking Kings' fans to pay more for what is likely to be a lot less. That being the case, unless the Kings make moves to dramatically improve the team this off-season, they certainly do have a lot of nerve. | |
| 6-29-06 | |
| Late Thursday, Kingshockey.com learned that the Los Angeles Kings gave qualifying offers to seven restricted free agents.
Forwards Sean Avery, Eric Belanger, Dustin Brown and Michael Cammalleri, along with defensemen Tim Gleason and Mike Weaver, and goalie Mathieu Garon all received qualifying offers. | |
| 6-24-06 | |
| DRAFT DAY: LOMBARDI ERA STARTS WITH A B-O-O-M! (UPDATED 9:30 PM PDT, 06/25/06)
by Gann Matsuda Over the last thirteen years, Las Vegas has seen one new mega-resort after another come up in place of resorts of days long past. Indeed, the Las Vegas Strip has seen the Dunes, Sands, Hacienda, Aladdin, and the Desert Inn fall victim to spectacular implosions, to be replaced by the Bellagio, Venetian, Luxor, the new Aladdin, and the Wynn. Even the venerable Stardust will be blown up sometime after November, 2006 to make room for an even larger meta-resort. Although explosives will not be used, the Los Angeles Kings are unmistakably following the lead of Las Vegas casino owners. No, they will not be imploding Staples Center. But Kings President and General Manager Dean Lombardi has begun the process of blowing up his team and replacing it with a new one. That became all too clear on Saturday, when the National Hockey League held its annual Entry Draft in Vancouver. After the Kings selected Jonathan Bernier, the top-ranked North American goalie in the first round (11th overall), Lombardi sent forward Pavol Demitra, their best player in the 2005-06 season, to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for the 17th pick in Saturday's draft and center prospect Patrick O'Sullivan, the top prospect in the Wild organization. The Kings suffered an implosion of their own in the latter half of the 2005-06 season, plummeting in the standings due to internal problems and other serious issues. They finished their less-than-dismal season out of the playoffs. Knowing that they are not close to being a Stanley Cup contender and having a roster that was very thin up front in terms of legitimate scoring threats going into the 2005-06 season, Lombardi clearly felt that it was time to blow up the team and start over. "This move was made to get younger players in a critical age group that I have feel needs to be upgraded before this franchise gets on solid footing," said Lombardi. "We have evaluated the last couple of days, and this was a decision that was difficult to make, but the reality is that structurally, our reserve list needs to be upgraded in certain areas and we have to make deals like this." "Obviously, we're giving up an established player in Pavol Demitra, a very good player," added Lombardi. "But in order to set this franchise up for being something structurally sound, I felt we had to make a move such as this and acquire more young assets." "We can continue puttering around, trying to be just good enough, or we can make some moves like this which might hurt short term, but hopefully pay off down the road." But the Kings had their eye on specific young assets as well. "In order to make that deal, we had to get the two players we wanted," Lombardi explained. "We weren't making the deal unless we got those two players." Despite the fact that the Kings chose to rebuild, evidently, it was not their first choice. In fact, it appears that they were hoping to add talent to fill the gaping holes in their roster and try to build a team that could be a Cup contender rather quickly. Indeed, over the last week, the Kings were consistently being named as one of the top teams in the running for then-Florida Panthers star goalie Roberto Luongo. The Kings were rumored to be offering wingers Alexander Frolov and Dustin Brown, and goalie Mathieu Garon in exchange. But according to sources, the Kings bowed out of the wheeling and dealing when they determined that there was no way Luongo, who is in the final year of his contract, would sign a new, multi-year deal--he will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2006-07 season. "With what we have to do with this franchise, it would have been impossible for us to take Roberto on a one-year deal," said Lombardi. "So to take that deal, it just didn't make a lot of sense for us considering the direction we want to go." Once the Kings determined that acquiring a franchise goalie was not going to happen, they went ahead with Plan B. Blow it up and rebuild. "It's very difficult, but it depends on your philosophy and where we have to go," said Lombardi. "And that's what the difficult thing the past few weeks has been--to define what we are and how we want to get to the top, and unfortunately, you have to make moves like this and try and get some young players." The Kings used the 17th pick in the draft obtained in the deal to select center Trevor Lewis. "The move that our new GM orchestrated helps us get a guy that we are very excited about," said Kings Assistant Director of Amateur Scouting Grant Sonier. "He's been compared to a Rod Brind'Amour-type player. We like his character and he is a top-end skater." "Obviously, there has been a switch of players with Patrick O'Sullivan coming to us for Pavol Demitra," added Sonier. "Patrick O'Sullivan just came off his rookie season in the American Hockey League, where he scored 47 goals and was third in the league in scoring. To give the fans an idea of what that means, he's outscored Michael Cammalleri in his rookie year. So we've gotten ourselves a good player." The deal also wiped Demitra's $4.5 million salary off the Kings' books for next season, clearing space under the salary cap. "Part of the deal that's attractive is picking up a kid like Patrick O'Sullivan, who is tremendously talented and has already proven that he can play at a high level in the minors," said Lombardi. "His play this year in the minors for a player born in 1985 was pretty special. He's a talented kid and we picked up another first-round choice where we drafted Lewis. Another component of this trade is that we cleared some cap space." One of the key re-building blocks will be O'Sullivan, who was the Wild's second round pick (56th overall) in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. O'Sullivan, 21, played for the Houston Aeros of the American Hockey League last season, scoring 47 goals and 46 assists good for 93 points in 78 games, earning the AHL's Dudley "Red" Garrett Memorial Award as the Rookie of the Year. Prior to joining the Aeros, O'Sullivan played four seasons for Mississauga of the Ontario Hockey League, leading the Ice Dogs in scoring in three of his four seasons with the team and last season, matching the most points by any AHL rookie since 1994-95. He also scored at least thirty goals in each season, reaching a high of 43 goals in the 2003-04 season. He was also the Canadian Hockey League Rookie of the Year in the 2001-02 season. O'Sullivan, who is 5-11 and weighs 195 pounds, also represented the United States in the World Junior Championships three times, scoring six goals with eight assists good for 14 points in 20 games. "I think he's elevated his game in the AHL," Houston head coach Rob Daum, told minorleaguenews.com. "We need for him to continue to do that. But things will get tougher. He's going to have to continue to excel offensively, but he's going to be consistent and solid defensively, too because your [scoring] numbers are only going to take you so far." Lombardi is hopeful that O'Sullivan is ready to make the jump to the NHL. "I think we got a real good one in Patrick O'Sullivan who might be able to come in and play for us right away." For more information on O'Sullivan, please check out the following: Patrick O'Sullivan Player Profile from Hockeysfuture.com Q & A WIth Patrick O'Sullivan (2004) from Hockeysfuture.com O'Sullivan OK With Playing For Team USA KINGS DRAFT ROUNDUP When the ice chips settled on draft day, the Kings wound up with nine picks and they seemed to be quite pleased with their selections. "Very successful and a actually a little better than we expected to come out," said Kings Director of Amateur Scouting Al Murray. "It's a terrific day for us. We've added some pieces into the organization. A great young goalkeeper, and a tremendous center to come along with Anze Kopitar. So right off the bat, when the first round goes good, the rest of the day seems to roll for you and we thought today rolled pretty good." FIRST ROUND - Jonathan Bernier (11th overall) Goalie 6-0, 177 pounds. Glove Hand: Left. Born: August 7, 1988. Birthplace: Laval, Quebec. Ranked #1 among North American goalies by the NHL's Central Scouting Bureau (CSB). Last season, Bernier, 17, played in 54 regular season games for Lewiston of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), earning a 27-26-0 record with a 2.70 goals-against average (GAA), a .908 save percentage and two shutouts. In six playoff games, Bernier was 2-4 with a 2.84 GAA and a .914 save percentage. Bernier also played in the 2006 CHL Top Prospects Game and represented Canada in the 2006 Under-18 World Championships, the 2005 Under-18 World Championships and the 2005 Under-18 Junior World Cup. He also played for Team Quebec in the 2004 Under-17 World Hockey Challenge. "This is an unbelievable goaltender with great skill," said Lewiston head coach Clement Jodoin. "Jonathan was the top-ranked goaltender by us all year long," said Murray. "He started off that way in August, and he carried on that way through the whole season. He was the top-ranked goaltender by Central Scouting all year long." "He's not necessarily a butterfly goalie," added Murray. "He does stand up. I don't want to tell people that he's Martin Brodeur, but think Martin Brodeur when you think style-wise. He's very quick side-to-side and very agile. His biggest strength is that he can get side-to-side and the puck hits him." "We have Bill Ranford who we're talking to. Bill had been a goalie consultant with the Canadian World Junior Under-18 teams, and Bill had a chance to work with him and he spoke very highly of him." CSB on Bernier: "A very strong skater with excellent balance...has both quick reactions and recovery...has very quick feet and pads with excellent, controlled lateral movements...very good post-to-post...does a good job of blocking a pass from behind the net...very good angles and net coverage...challenges at the top of the crease and square to the shooter...good rebound control deflecting shots out of danger with his stick and blocker...uses paddle down technique on wrap around attempts...goes behind the net well to stop the puck on dump ins and is smart at moving it...communicates well with his defense...does a very good job of reading and reacting to the play...has an excellent well balanced butterfly stance...shows excellent determination...very solid and strong in the crease...battles hard for any loose pucks and holds his ground when players cut hard to the net...very quick recovery to get set for a rebound opportunity...very aggressive and competes hard...very confident and doesn't get rattled...capable of making big saves to keep his team in the game or to hold a lead." "I like Bernier and I like putting a good, young goaltender in our system," said Lombardi. "We have some areas on defense that we are working on and a goaltender is a big key to that." "We believed that we need to have more depth at that position and Jonathan has proven to be just an exceptional goaltender within his peer group," said Sonier. "After watching tape of all the games this year, we just think there is great upside to this kid." "Our reserve list lacks depth on defense," said Lombardi. "I like some of the guys we now have in that age group and we can watch them grow together. Putting a top goaltender prospect in the mix with a forward like Anze Kopitar will only help the Kings going forward." For more on Bernier: Top 30 Draft Prospects (scroll down to Bernier) Jonathan Bernier Player Profile from Los Angeles Kings Draft Coverage (scroll down to Bernier) FIRST ROUND - Trevor Lewis (17th overall; from Minnesota) Center. 6-1, 192 pounds. Shoots: Left. Born: January 7, 1987. Birthplace: Salt Lake City, Utah. Ranked #30 among North American skaters by CSB. Lewis, 19, played in 56 regular season games for Des Moines of the United States Hockey League (USHL) this past season, scoring 35 goals and 40 assists for 75 points with 69 penalty minutes. In eleven playoff games, he scored three goals and 13 assists for 16 points with a +9 rating. Lewis also played on the USHL Viking Cup team last season as well as the 2006 USHL All-Star Game. He won three USHL awards, including player and forward of the year. He was also selected to the USHL First All-Star Team in 2006. Lewis will play for the University of Michigan in 2006-07. "For us, getting Trevor Lewis is huge," said Murray. "We like Trevor Lewis a lot. This is a name that not a lot of people know, but all the hockey scouts know. We've had several teams come up to us who would've picked after us in the first round, indicating they were disappointed he wasn't [available]." "He's a terrific skater, he plays a two-way game," added Murray. "I'm not going to say he's Rod Brind'Amour, but if people want to think style, that's the style he can play. He's very good offensively in addition to defense." CSB on Lewis: "Has excellent acceleration and quickness and can intimidate defensemen with his ability to change direction at top speed...can shoot the puck on the fly, and does not hesitate to pull the trigger every chance he gets...has good puck skills and maneuvers very quickly in traffic...a good passer...scores big goals...makes big plays and has been a 'go to guy' for his coach playing in all situations last season...good on face-offs...very effective when forechecking, forcing turnovers that create scoring opportunities...comes to play with a lot of energy and grit...takes the body well and stands up to a challenge...plays a solid all-around game and comes back hard to cover his man...supports his defensemen down low in his own zone...has very good poise...is a team player with good leadership qualities." "[Lewis] won just about every award he possibly could win in the USHL," said Sonier. "He tallied 75 points in 56 games, won MVP of the league, was named Forward of the Year, was a first team All-Star and even won the Humanitarian Award. He's going to Michigan and its been told by the Michigan coaches that they believe they haven't had a player like this in a long, long time." For more on Lewis: Top 30 Draft Prospects (scroll down to Lewis) Trevor Lewis Player Profile 2006 Prospects: Q & A With Trevor Lewis USHL Top 30 Prospects For The 2006 Entry Draft Los Angeles Kings Draft Coverage (scroll down to Lewis) SECOND ROUND - Joe Ryan (48th overall; compensatory pick for not signing 2001 first round pick Jens Karlsson) Defenseman. 6-1, 189 pounds. Shoots: Right. Born: October 19, 1987. Birthplace: Winchester, Massachusetts. Ranked #31 among North American skaters by CSB. Ryan, 18, played in 61 regular season games for the Memorial Cup Champion Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL last season, scoring six goals with eighteen assists for 24 points. He is reported to be a strong skater and not afraid to play a physical game, as his 202 penalty minutes last season would seem to indicate. "I'm going to play tough, protect my teammates if I have to," added Ryan. "I'm going to keep my game the way it is." "Joey is a Boston boy, playing up in the Quebec junior league," said Murray. "Not a lot of American players come up to major junior hockey, but Joey knew that was the place for him." "He's in your face, he's rugged, he's a very good skater for a guy who plays his style," added Murray. "And he fights all comers. In the Quebec junior league, people don't mess around with anybody on the Quebec Remparts because Joey Ryan takes it upon himself to be the policeman." "He was in their top three defenseman on the team that won the Memorial Cup playing for Patrick Roy." The Kings felt they were fortunate that Ryan was still available to them. "We were a little surprised that Joey Ryan slid as far as he did," said Sonier. "Joey is a kid that is from the Boston area and not very typically do those kids leave and go play in the Quebec Major Junior League." "As a 17-year-old, he helped lead his team to win the Memorial Cup, the QMJHL championship. He's a 6-foot-2, very good skating defenseman, who has got lots and lots of jam, to the point where he was told to calm down and not to be fighting as much as he was. He's a really gritty kid that we're really excited to get." For more on Ryan: Top 30 Draft Prospects - Honorable Mentions Joe Ryan Player Profile 2006 Prospects: Q & A With Joey Ryan Los Angeles Kings Draft Coverage (scroll down to Ryan) THIRD ROUND - Jeff Zatkoff (74th overall) Goalie. 6-1, 150 pounds. Glove hand: Left. Born: June 9, 1987. Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan. Ranked #3 among North American goalies by CSB. Zatkoff played in twenty games for Miami (Ohio) University, earning a 14-5-1 record, a 2.82 GAA, a .928 save percentage and two shutouts. For more on Zatkoff: Jeff Zatkoff Player Profile Los Angeles Kings Draft Coverage (scroll down to Zatkoff) THIRD ROUND - Bud Holloway (86th overall; from Philadelphia as part of the August 4, 2005 trade that brought Jeremy Roenick to the Kings) Center/Right Wing. 6-0, 190 pounds. Shoots: Right. Born: March 1, 1988. Birthplace: Wapella, Saskatchewan. Ranked #40 among North American skaters by CSB. In 72 regular season games with Seattle of the Western Hockey League (WHL), Holloway scored 21 goals (second on the team) and 13 assists for 34 points with 18 penalty minutes. In seven playoff games, Holloway scored three goals and added two assists for five points. "Bud plays a real intense style," said Murray. "He's a good skater who plays with a lot of passion. He's in the other team's face." "We didn't think of Bud as much of a scorer, but he scored twenty-one goals this year, so Bud has some offensive ability," added Murray. "He's going to be a good two-way player. Right now, he probably projects more as a third or fourth line player than as a top two line forward." "A solid pick in the third round," Sonier said about Holloway. "Bud is a kid out of Seattle who came on really strong late in the year. He scored 21 goals in his rookie season in the WHL." For more on Holloway: Bud Holloway Player Profile Los Angeles Kings Draft Coverage (scroll down to Holloway) The Kings then traded their fourth round pick (104th overall) to the New York Rangers in exchange for the Rangers' fourth round pick (114th overall) and their fifth round pick (144th overall). FOURTH ROUND - Niclas Andersen (114th overall; from the New York Rangers) Defenseman. 6-1, 207 pounds. Shoots: Left. Born: April 28, 1988. Birthplace: Grums, Sweden. Ranked #41 among European skaters by CSB. In eight regular season games with Leksand of the Swedish Elite League, Andersen did not record a point and had eight penalty minutes. In 36 games with Leksand Jr. of the Swedish Junior League, he scored five goals with six assists for eleven points while racking up 214 penalty minutes. With Team Sweden in the 2006 World Junior Championships, Andersen scored a goal and added an assist for two points with twelve penalty minutes in six games. He also played for Sweden's Under-18 team in the 2005 World Junior Championships. "He's another rugged guy," said Murray. "If you think size and build, think Matty Norstrom. He had 217 penalty minutes in the Swedish junior league. That's a lot of minutes in any league. But they don't come much tougher than Niclas Andersen. He's in your face, he plays rea good gaps. Players have a difficult time beating him one-on-one. He doesn't put up a lot of points, but he's a real solid defensive defenseman with some bite to him." "[Andersen is] kind of a poor man's Matty Norstrom," said Sonier. "He skates well and is very physical. Over 200 penalty minutes in the Swedish League is almost unheard of." For more on Andersen: Niclas Andersen Player Profile FIFTH ROUND - David Meckler (134th overall) Center. 6-1, 184 pounds. Shoots: Right. Born: July 9, 1988. Birthplace: Highland Park, Illinois. Ranked #205 among North American skaters by CSB. Last season, Meckler played in 31 games for Yale University, scoring seven goals with three assists for ten points with 28 penalty minutes. His seven goals led all freshmen on the team in goal scoring. In 2004-05, Meckler played with Waterloo of the USHL (junior hockey), and was third in the league with 30 goals and 15 assists for 45 points and was a USHL All-Star in 2005. "David is a center, but we think he can be just as good a right winger as he can a center," said Murray. "David had over thirty goals in the US junior hockey league which is a real accomplishment. [There are] very few thirty-goal scorers in the US junior hockey league." "David went to Yale this year and had an off-season, but he was playing the whole year with a broken wrist," added Murray. "The biggest thing he does is that he's a shooter. And if you've got a broken wrist, it's pretty hard to be a shooter." "His coaches and the staff [at Yale] kept that quiet all year to protect him from further injury," Murray elaborated. "But we think he might really blossom next year. He's one of those guys, if he comes back to the style of player that we saw as a US junior hockey league player, we're going to have a good shooter and a good finisher there." "[Meckler] was a thirty-goal scorer in the USHL who went undrafted last year," said Sonier. "We think there is some tremendous upside in him. David has a cannon of a shot, which is a real asset with him." For more on Meckler: NCAA Top 40 Prospects For The 2006 Entry Draft FIFTH ROUND - Martin Nolet (144th overall; from the New York Rangers) Defenseman. 6-3, 209 pounds. Shoots: Right. Born: October 2, 1986. Birthplace: Quebec City. Quebec. Ranked #100 among North American skaters by CSB. In 19 games with Champlain in the Quebec AAA Junior Hockey League, Nolet scored five goals and seven assists for twelve points with 26 penalty minutes. Nolet, who is reported to be a good skater, will play for the University of Massachusetts, Amherst next season, joining Kings' goalie prospect Jonathan Quick. "Very good skater," said Murray. "I'm not sure how much offense is in him yet, but he is a good guy. He's going to be four-year guy in college and has a lot of time to develop his offensive game. He's a very easy skater." For more on Nolet: Six To Join UMass Hockey In Fall Of 2006 SIXTH ROUND - Constantin Braun (164th overall) Left Wing. 6-3, 198 pounds. Shoots: Left. Born: March 11, 1988. Birthplace: Lampertheim, Germany. Ranked #132 among European skaters by CSB. Braun played for the Berlin Junior Polar Bears of the German Junior League last season, scoring 13 goals and 10 assists for 23 points in 24 regular season games. He also played in six games with the Berlin Polar Bears of the German Elite League. "He's a very good skater and another guy who can really shoot the puck and plays a physical style," said Murray. "Constantine has a lot of upside. He's a little time away yet, but we think he's a good prospect to have in the system." For more on Braun: Constantin Braun Profile The Kings traded their seventh round pick (194th overall) to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a seventh round selection in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. | |
| 6-19-06 | |
| On Monday, the Los Angeles Kings hired former Boston Bruins general manager Mike O'Connell as a pro scout and player development consultant.
O'Connell, 50, was the Bruins' Vice President and General Manager for the last six seasons. In his twenty years in the National Hockey League, he played for 13 years as a defenseman for the Chicago Blackhawks, the Bruins and the Detroit Red Wings. In 860 regular season games, O'Connell scored 105 goals with 335 assists for 440 points while racking up 605 penalty minutes. In 82 playoff games, he scored eight goals with 24 assists for 32 points and 64 penalty minutes. O'Connell also served as the head coach of the Providence Bruins (Boston's AHL affiliate) for two seasons from 1992-94, and then re-joined the parent club in 1994 as assistant general manager, a post he held for six seasons before being named as Boston's general manager on November 1, 2000. "Mike brings us a strong presence on the East Coast where scouting and development are critical to our franchise," said Kings President and General Manager Dean Lombardi. "As a former general manager, he brings a broad perspective that allows him to see the present as well as the future." "Mike did an outstanding job with the Bruins as he guided his club to the best record in the Eastern Conference in 2003-04, while putting in place a solid nucleus of young talent," added Lombardi. "Additionally, he recently demonstrated under tough conditions at the trade deadline that he always puts the health of the franchise first by not trading his young players or top draft picks." | |
| 6-17-06 | |
| On Saturday, the Manchester Monarchs of the American Hockey League (the Los Angeles Kings' primary minor league affiliate), announced that they have fired head coach Jim Hughes and assistant coach Derek Clancey.
"We certainly wish Jim and Derek the best in their future endeavors," said Kings assistant general manager and Monarchs general manager Ron Hextall." However, coming into the situation recently and evaluating it, I, though it was a difficult decision to make, felt we needed to make this change to help strengthen the franchise going forward." "Winning and the development of our top prospects remains the goal here with the Monarchs," added Hextall. "The search for a new coaching staff begins immediately." | |
| 6-13-06 | |
| As Kingshockey.com reported last week, the Los Angeles Kings have named Ron Hextall as their new Assistant General Manager. He will also serve as the General Manager for the Manchester Monarchs of the American Hockey League, the Kings' primary minor league affiliate. Kingshockey.com has also learned that the Kings are talking to former Boston Bruins general manager Mike O'Connell about joining their staff..
Hextall, 42, has served as the Director of Pro Hockey Personnel for the Philadelphia Flyers for the last four years after joining the Flyers' front office as a Pro Scout in 1999. Hextall's responsibilities will include assisting Kings President and General Manager Dean Lombardi in all facets of the Kings' Hockey Operations department, including contract negotiations and player personnel, and overseeing the organization's top prospects. "I am honored and extremely excited to be a part of the Los Angeles Kings organization," said Hextall. "I look forward to working closely with Dean Lombardi and the entire Kings staff toward the ultimate goal of bringing a Stanley Cup to Los Angeles." "It was a difficult decision considering my history with the Flyers organization, but moving forward with my career I thought it was the best move for myself and my family." In a thirteen-year National Hockey League career with the Flyers, New York Islanders and the Quebec Nordiques, Hextall won the Georges Vezina Trophy in 1986-87, his rookie season, and went on to win the Conn Smythe Trophy that same season as the Most Valuable Player in the Stanley Cup Finals, despite the fact that the Edmonton Oilers went on to win the Stanley Cup that year. At the time, Hextall was just the fourth player in the 23-year history of the Conn Smythe Trophy to win the award while being a member of the losing team in the Finals. In 1987, Hextall became the first NHL goalie to score a goal by shooting the puck into the net, and in 1989, he became the first goalie to score a goal in an NHL playoff game. In 608 regular season games, Hextall earned a 296-214-69 record, a 2.97 goals-against-average (GAA) and a .895 save percentage with 23 shutouts. In 93 playoff games he had a 47-43 record with a 3.04 GAA, a .897 save percentage and two shutouts. Hextall's playing experience and his time working with Lombardi with the Flyers were key factors in him being courted by the Kings. "Having worked with Ron the last few years in Philadelphia, I am extremely pleased that he is joining us here in Los Angeles," said Lombardi. "He was an integral part of the Flyers' success the past several seasons, and we expect him to be a leader in our efforts with the Kings as we build a strong and successful franchise here for years to come." "Ron represents a unique blend of a former player who excelled at a high level and in his post-playing career has shown a tireless commitment toward learning the personnel and operations functions of a franchise," added Lombardi. "Most importantly, he has a sharp mind and there is no doubt in my mind that he is a rising star in the management field." Unlike when the Kings hired Lombardi away from the Flyers, no compensation went to the Flyers for hiring Hextall. Sources close to the Kings are saying that O'Connell, who was fired by the Bruins late in the 2005-06 season, is being considered for the Director of Hockey Operations position. | |
| 6-8-06 | |
| Early Thursday, Kingshockey.com learned that the Los Angeles Kings will name former Philadelphia Flyers goalie Ron Hextall as their new assistant general manager, as soon as early next week.
Hextall has served as the Flyers' Director of Pro Hockey Personnel, and has been talking with Kings' President and General Manager Dean Lombardi about joining the Kings. Flyers General Manager Bobby Clarke confirmed that Hextall was going to the Kings. "We didn't want to lose Hexy, but I think it's a move in the right direction in his career," said Clarke. "He was very important to us, but he was also in our organization behind [assistant general manager] Paul Holmgren." "I think it's good for his career," added Clarke. "He came to us and wanted to try for the assistant position in Los Angeles, we gave him permission and Dean Lombardi hired him. We wish him the best. He was a good man for us and we hate to lose him, but if it's best for his family and his life then I think he's got to do it." Clarke also praised Hextall's abilities as a front office executive. "He is the type of guy that you want working in your organization because the things that are important on a club and to a club, he has," added Clarke. "He helped us find players, he helped Paul, and he helped our scouting staff and was the head of the pro scouts. He was very important to us." At press time, the Kings had not yet announced the hiring, and there has been no word regarding compensation going to the Flyers, in similar fashion to how the Flyers demanded compensation when the Kings hired Lombardi, who was a Flyers' scout. | |
| 6-1-06 | |
| On Thursday, the Los Angeles Kings signed forward prospect Ned Lukacevic and goalie prospect Daniel Taylor to multi-year, entry-level contracts. In other news, the Kings also announced that tickets for Frozen Fury 9, their annual pre-season game in Las Vegas, will go on sale on Saturday.
Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed. Lukecevic, 20, played for the Swift Current Broncos of the Western Hockey League (WHL) last season, scoring 25 goals and 28 assists for 53 points in 63 games, leading the Broncos in goals, assists and points. The 6-1, 205-pound native of Podgorica, Serbia also scored a goal in seven playoff games with the Manchester Monarchs of the American Hockey League, the Kings' primary minor league affiliate, last season. In 238 regular season games in the WHL, Lukacevic has scored 63 goals with 74 assists for 137 points. Lukacevic was selected by the Kings in the fourth round (110th overall) of the 2004 National Hockey League Entry Draft. Taylor, 20, played in 57 games for the Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League last season, earning a 32-15-6 record with a 3.11 goals-against average (GAA), a .911 save percentage and three shutouts. In five playoff games, Taylor, who is 5-11 and weighs 186 pounds, was 2-3 with a 2.80 GAA, a .918 save percentage and one shutout. The Plymouth, England native was selected by the Kings in the seventh round (221st overall) of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. In 114 regular season games with the OHL's Frontenacs and Guelph Storm, Taylor has a 61-33-12 record, five shutouts, a 2.89 GAA and a .909 save percentage. The Kings will host the Colorado Avalanche in Frozen Fury 9, the Kings annual pre-season game in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday, September 23, 2006. Tichets for the game, which will be played at the MGM Grand Garden Arena at the MGM Grand Hotel, will go on sale this Saturday, June 3, 2006, at 10:00 AM PDT. Tickets are priced at $68.25, $36.25 and $26.25, and can be purchased at the MGM Grand Garden Arena box office or by calling the Kings at (888) 546-4752. Tickets can also be purchased at select Las Vegas TicketMaster locations (Tower Records/WOW!, Smith's Food and Drug Centers, Ritmo Latino and Robinson's May stores). To charge by phone, call Las Vegas TicketMaster at (702) 474-4000. Tickets can also be purchased online at the MGM Grand web site, and at the TicketMaster web site. There is a limit of eight tickets per person. | |
| 7-31-05 | |
| On Saturday, the National Hockey League held its 2005 Entry Draft, and the Los Angeles Kings selected the top European prospect available as one of their eight draft picks.
In the first round, the Kings selected center Anze Kopitar, a Slovenian who played in the Swedish Junior League last season. The following is a wrap-up of the Kings' selections: FIRST ROUND - Anze Kopitar (11th overall) Center. 6-4, 220 pounds. Left-hand shot. Born: August 24, 1987. Birthplace: Jesenice, Slovenia. Ranked #1 among European skaters by the NHL's Central Scouting Bureau (CSB). Kopitar played for Sodertalje SK in the Junior 18, Junior 20 and Elite league teams. For the Junior-18 team, he scored a goal and added two assists for three points in just one game. He them moved up to the Junior-20 team, where he spent most of the season. In thirty games, he scored 28 goals and contributed 21 assists for 49 points, making him the league's top scorer. He also earned a +29 rating and had 26 penalty minutes. He also appeared in two playoff games, scoring a goal and adding an assist. He was then promoted to the Elite League team, where he did not get on the scoresheet in five regular season games and ten playoff games. In the 2005 World Junior Championships, Kopitar led the tournament in goals and points with 10 goals and 3 assists for 13 points in five games. Rated in the top ten among all prospects (often in the top five) by many hockey experts and publications, the Kings were not expecting Kopitar to be available. "We were surprised to see him there," said Kings Senior Vice President and General Manager Dave Taylor. "We expect him to develop into a number one center. He has a great package of tools." International Scouting Services on Kopitar: "Big center is a stud prospect. Has the physical tools and instincts. Doesn't need much room to operate. Scores in a variety of ways; can beat defenders off the rush or use accurate shot and great touch around net. Always seems to get open in scoring territory at the right moment. Was a dominating force in the SuperElit league, leading the league with 45 in only 29 games. Good character both on and off the ice. Humble and has no ego problem. Great teammate." The Red Line Report said, "Anze Kopitar is the top European this year at any position. He's the first top-flight prospect ever produced by Slovenia, and quite possibly the best pure sniper in this year's crop. He's deadly from the circles in and wants the puck on his stick at crunch time. With a big-time shot and explosive, game-breaking abilities, he'll be off the board early." Kopitar, who reportedly speaks English very well, should not have a hard time making the transition to the North American style of hockey. "Kopitar hasn't really played a physical North American-style game-- ever," said Ryan Woodlief of the Red Line Report. "But he's big and strong, and not real shy about contact, so again, it shouldn't be a huge transition." "Dany Heatley is the player we compared him to in Red Line, though Tomas Vanek is also a good comparison," added Woodlief. Several scouts also had high praise for Kopitar. "His hockey sense and reads on the ice are very good," said Greg Malone, an amateur scout for the Pittsburgh Penguins. "That's the thing that's most impressive about the kid. You're like, 'Wow, where did he pick this up?'" "He's got a lot of upside, because of his size and his work ethic," added Malone. "He's a determined kid." "He's a hockey player," said Goran Stubb, one of CSB's European scouts. "A player. He has very good vision, a very good understanding of the game. His technical skills are very, very good. He's very good with the puck. He can score goals, and he can set up goals." "He played against the US and against Canada in the World Championships and did well," added Stubb. One thing the scouts agree on is that with the relative poor quality of hockey in Slovenia, Kopitar was clearly at a disadvantage in terms of his development. "I believe he'd be a better player right now if he'd been in [Sweden, Russia, Finland or the Czech Republic], for sure," said Willy Lindstrom, a scout for the Phoenix Coyotes. "The hockey in Slovenia is not that great." "He made a wise decision to play in Sweden," said Stubb. "He improved a lot." The one knock on Kopitar is his skating. "His skating is something you may look at and want to question," said Malone. "But he's the type of guy who, with his work ethic, that will come, probably." "The bottom line is that, down the road, this kid should be a pretty good hockey player, added Malone." The question now is...where will Kopitar play in 2005-06? Prior to the draft, the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League selected him in the second round (61st overall) of the 2005 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft. "Anze is one of the top players in his age group in the world," said Pats General Manager Brent Parker. But the Pats do not even know if they can get their hands on Kopitar. "There is no question that this pick is a bit of a flyer, but if he comes over we have hit a grand slam. We didn't feel drafting an average European to take away ice-time from our younger players made much sense at this point in time. We believe it made more sense to go after a player of his magnitude then to pick a player from the Prague phone book." In fact, unless the Kings can convince Kopitar to play in North America, he will likely stay with Sodertalje. "I will stay in Sodertalje for the [2005-06] season," said Kopitar prior to Saturday's draft. That's hundred percent sure." For more on Kopitar: NHL.com: Kopitar Tops European Prospects IIHF World Championships Official Website: Anze Kopitar: Slovenia's Teen Sensation Hockeysfuture.com: ISS Prospect Profile - Anze Kopitar Daily News: More Offense Is Kings' Goal Los Angeles Times: Crosby Is New Penguin Star (LA Times Article on the Draft) SECOND ROUND - Dany Roussin (50th overall) Center/Left Wing. 6-2, 200 pounds. Left-hand shot. Born: January 9, 1985. Birthplace: Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. Roussin was selected by the Florida Panthers in the seventh round (223rd overall) in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He became draft-eligible again because he was not signed by the Panthers, who missed the signing deadline after negotiations with Roussin's agent, Pat Brisson. Both sides had agreed on an entry-level contract before the deadline, and a FAX was sent to the NHL offices at 5:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time. However, the FAX was not received by the NHL in time, just missing the deadline by a few minutes. Roussin has played the last three seasons with Oceanic de Rimouski in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), where he scored 54 goals and added 62 assists for 116 points in 69 games. He earned a +61 rating and had 66 penalty minutes and was named to the QMJHL's Second All-Star team. In the 2004-05 playoffs, Roussin scored 11 goals and had 9 assists for 20 points in 13 games. Roussin's best season in the QMJHL was with Rimouski in 2003-04, when he scored 59 goals and had 58 assists for 117 points in 66 games. He was named to the QMJHL's First All-Star team that season. In 272 regular season games with Rimouski and Sherbrooke (QMJHL), Roussin has scored 143 goals and has contributed 168 assists for 311 points, with a +64 rating and 261 penalty minutes. In 22 playoff games with Rimouski, Roussin has scored 13 goals with 19 assists for 32 points. At Rimouski, Roussin was a teammate of Sidney Crosby, the touted first pick in Saturday's draft (Pittsburgh Penguins). For more on Roussin: Hockeysfuture.com: Dany Roussin Dany Roussin: The Overlooked Oceanic SECOND ROUND - T.J. Fast (60th overall) Defenseman. 6-1, 190 pounds. Left-hand shot. Born: September 2, 1987. Birthplace: Calgary, Alberta, Canada. This was a compensatory pick for center David Steckel becoming an unrestricted free agent; he signed a contract with the Manchester Monarchs of the American Hockey League for last season) Ranked 119th by CSB among North American skaters. In 58 games last season with the Camrose Kodiak |