Kings in Salt Lake

With the December 22nd deadline for finalized Olympic rosters fast approaching, there has been much speculation regarding what players will be named to each countries teams. The Los Angeles Kings are a team with only one player named to a team as of yet, but have a number of players from all over the world, who may be chosen to represent their countries come Feburary 9th, the opening day of the men’s preliminary round.

Kings defencemen Mattias Norstrom has already been selected along with the Wings Nicklas Lidstrom and Vancouver’s Mattias Ohlund to man the blueline for Team Sweden. Norstrom has not been exceptional so far this season, but has continued to be solid defensively and should play a fairly significant role on the Swedish team.

Jere Karalahti has also struggled a little bit this season, but may have the opportunity to be selected to play for Team Finland. The Finnish team has already named Janne Niinimaa, Teppo Numminen and Kimmo Timonen to the team, but Karalahti has to be considered a frontrunner for a remaining spot along with Calgary’s Toni Lydman and Dallas’ Jyrki Lumme due to a lack of quality Finnish defencemen.

The US team’s scouts must have watched a nmuber of Kings’ games this year because there are 4 players who could potentially play in the Olympics for Herb Brooks. Before Mathieu Schneider was forced on to injure reserve by a hernia, he was playing exceptionally well. He taken over the Kings’ powerplay from departed Rob Blake and remains 13th in defencemen scoring in the League, behind fellow Americans Brian Leetch and Brian Rafalski. He should be named to the team in December. Adam Deadmarsh has continued to be the Kings’ most consistent forward and has re-emerged as one of the league’s best power forwards. He should also make the American team. Longshots include Aaron Miller and Bryan Smolinski. Miller, has logged a lot of ice for the Kings but is not a likely choice for Team USA. Smolinski has also played fairly well thus far, but has to be considered an unlikely selection with the number of talented American forwards.

Team Slovakia should have Zigmund Palffy and Lubmoir Vishnovsky if they make it through the preliminary round. Palffy has nearly a point a game and should continue to increase his numbers as he becoems accustomed to playing with new addition Jason Allison.

Jason Allision, the LA Kings new star forward, was a glaring ommission from Team Canada’s roster selections. He was one of the league’s best forwards last season, and has began to return to form, although missing training camp did affect his play early.

It is obvious the LA Kings maybe well-represented in Salt Lake City. It should be an exciting time for hockey and hopefully these players are able to contribute to their respective teams. I can’t wait!