When Dave Taylor took over as the Kings GM, the job ahead of him seemed daunting to say the least. He had a terrible product on the ice, nominal fan interest, and a struggling farm system that he would likely have to rebuild twice to make the Kings better. His first rebuilding project was easier- the Kings had some prospects from the Sam McMaster era and some top draft picks. These factors allowed the Kings to make the Ziggy Palffy deal, one that looks brilliant right now, but one that left the Kings with virtually nothing. Combine that with the Scott Barney back saga and the stagnant development of Pavel Rosa, and the Kings officially had nothing in the cupboard.
The Palffy trade has helped the Kings right the ship- they are now offensively potent, have some depth at forward, and finally have the power play that seemed to have left with the great one. The Kings seemed poised to go to the playoffs for the third time in four seasons. Perhaps the best news is that the Kings are starting to find some depth in their system and next season, they will have their own AHL team to develop them.
The Kings have NHL caliber talent on the AHL level. They have players they can call up in the event of injury and still not damage their development. They have what could be considered potential superstars who are still very young and have time to develop. They have quality goaltending depth (Volkov, Campbell, Yeats), potentially solid defensemen (Rullier, Seeley, Crain) and some players who know how to find the net (McGratten, Lehoux, Frolov, Shefer.
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Power forward is a key position for any NHL team and one that the Kings have needed for some time. With the emergence of Steve Reinprecht, the Kings seems happy with their centermen, but a strong power forward still eludes the Kings wishes.
As most NHL teams know, the power forward with grit and scoring ability is paramount to achieving success in the pro game. With the emphasis moving away from the “goon” and to the power forward, players like Tie Domi, Chris Simon and Darren McCarty are the envy of the league. The Kings have no one in that mold, or at least until this season.
Kings prospect Brian McGratten is making a new name for himself. The former enforcer seemed more likely to punch a face than punch one past a goalie. This season however is another story. McGratten is still one tough hombre. His 57 PIM’s are still impressive, but not as much as his scoring line. McGratten has 17 goals and 6 assists for Missisauga this season. While the team is not what anyone would call a great one, Brian is the leading goal scorer. Perhaps most impressive is the 10 power play goals McGratten has posted.
Going into the season, McGratten seemed to be battling Kip Brennan for the right to be the next enforcer. With Brennan in Lowell still finding his game, McGratten has turned his game into something that the Kings need- a powerful game with a scoring touch around the net. Make no mistake, McGratten is not NHL ready, but the Kings have to be elated with his progress. He has the size and the grit to match this newfound scoring touch and the Kings will g Read more»
The Los Angeles Kings have has a pretty solid beginning to the new millennium. They have shown some flashed of brilliance, particularly on the offensive end. But with poor goaltending, a rookie on the top line, a top defensemen not getting playing time and a holdout, the season’s prospects are far from clear.
Aki Berg has already been scratched more than he has played this season. Granted, all the other defensemen are playing well, but aren’t the Kings better served to develop Aki and sit the older Modry? With Berg signing another one year contract, look for a trade soon.
The Kings are getting some solid play from their younger skaters like Lubomir Visnovsky. He is extremely slight in build, but skates like the wind and positions himself in a manner which allows him to play against bigger forwards. He is also a smart passer and seems to have a knack for knowing when to activate and when to stay back. Eric Belanger has shown some solid play. But he has not shaken the knock against him – he has an amazing game then disappears for the next couple games. If he can stay consistent, he may be a point-a-game player.
Down on the Farm—
Kip Brennan has adapted to the AHL – he has 29 PIM’s in 5 games.
Brian McGratten already has a two-goal game and a date with the AHL. He manhandled a linesman during a fight.
Alexey Volkov lost his first game in Lowell, allowing three goals in the defeat.
The Kings are coming off their most successful season in years and are looking for two things this season. Firstly, they would like to win a playoff game and perhaps move into the next round. Secondly, develop some of the young talent that is starting to replenish the Kings system. With that in mind, here are a few predictions and things to watch for the 2000 season.
Firstly, which Russian will progress the most? If it is Alexander Frolov, the Kings will have a bona fide top forward prospect. Andrei Shefer is back in Russia this season and you have to wonder how, after a season in Halifax, that will affect his development to the NHL game. Alexey Volkov moves to the AHL where his netminding talents will be showcased in a more NHL-like setting. His development will help the Kings make a decision at the NHL level- if he is a few season’s away, than the younger Storr will likely stay. If he can play sooner, than Fiset can hold down the fort until his arrival.
Look for Kings prospect Kevin Baker to have a big season. His game is well suited for the NHL game and his grit will complement his nose for the net.
Kip Brennan will lead the AHL in PIM’s. The only thing that can stop this is a call-up to the big club. Kip’s game will also develop and he will finish with 15 goals.
The Kings will officially give up on the talented Scott Barney. His back injury seems to be career threatening.
Eric Belanger will return to his top prospect form. Hopefully he will do it as a King.
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The Kings took on the Phoenix Coyotes on Thursday for their first preseason game of the 2000 season. The lineup featured several youngsters. Here is a rundown of their performance.
Kevin Baker- Baker did not receive alot of ice time but showed some promise. Kevin’s stocky build and aggressive play showed when he got his shot on the power play. He drove to the net several times and was not afraide to crash the net. He appeared tough to move and got his stick on a couple rebounds. Baker also did not back down from veteran Brad May, even throwing a nice check on the Phoenix forward. Kevin may be a year away, but I definitely like his game.
Mike Pudlick- Pudlick started out strong. It is amazing watching him skate and pass because he moves like a left handed Rob Blake. His decisions with the puck were sound, although he made some mistakes in the third period. Mike was paired with Rob Blake and didn’t show much in the way of physical play, but he has a shot at the roster this season.
Andreas Lilja- Lilja is definitely big. His size gives him a shot at the roster this season, but other than that he didn’t do much. I thought he was sleepwalking through the first two periods. He had better show more of a physical presence if he wants to make the team.
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