Prior to leaving town, Canucks rookie Linden Vey made sure to stop by for a quick chat, so we could catch up. As most know, he was originally drafted by Los Angeles in the fourth round of the 2009 NHL Draft. Then, after winning the WHL scoring title in 2011, he went on to become one of the Kings top prospects. With no room for him at center on their NHL roster, Vey was dealt to Vancouver last summer – something discussed in greater detail via a previous article.
Here is what the young forward had to say on Saturday night…
On how important it was mentally to get this game out of the way and move on:
“It was one I was looking forward to. Obviously, it didn’t have the outcome I would have liked, but they’re a good team and they proved it tonight.”
On playing against Tyler Toffoli and Tanner Pearson:
“They got off to a really good start this year. They have a lot of chemistry, a lot of confidence playing right now. They’re playing really good hockey.”
On the disappointment of not being able to keep the White Line together, and play with Toffoli and Pearson in the NHL:
“That’s part of the business, I guess. You don’t know what’s going to come. Obviously, when we did play together, we really enjoyed it. We had some really good success at the American League level. You just have to move on, continue going forward.”
On how much he spoke with them during the game or the night before:
“A little bit last night, not a whole lot. We’ve kept in contact, we’re still pretty close friends, but you get on the ice and it’s a different story. We didn’t talk a whole lot [out there]. Obviously, we’ll catch up, but out on the ice you’re just trying to focus on the task.”
On the biggest adjustment he’s had playing in the NHL:
“It’s been good. We’ve got off to a pretty good start. For me, I think the biggest thing is consistently. You play so many games. You’re playing game, day off, game, day off and it’s just a lot of hockey. Compared to the American League level where you play three [games] in three [days] and you get time off. So, it’s that consistent factor, being ready every night.”
On if the best part of being in the NHL is not having to play those three-in-threes:
“Yeah, I’m definitely not too upset about not having to do those. It’s been good and I’m really looking forward to this year.”
On if he’s been able to show what he’s capable of so far (4 goals, 4 assists in 15 games this season):
“It’s been alright. Back to the consistency thing, I think it’s something I have to really bear down on over the next few weeks, few months, and the rest of the year. Making sure that I’m more consistent every night.”
On the most important thing he learned while being part of the LA Kings development system:
“I think it’s just becoming a complete player. When I first signed there and went to the American League level, I obviously- coming out of juniors, [where you] cut corners a little bit. They forced me to figure it out and be more of a well-rounded player. It’s definitely helped me out.”
RELATED CONTENT:
LA Kings prospect Linden Vey chirps Toffoli, talks Crosby
LA Kings 2014 prospect rankings – the top three (includes Vey, March 2014)
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Kopitar Out, Can Watch His Son Against Arizona
Per recent tradition, it will be the Kings and Coyotes in a pair of split-squad games to open up preseason on Tuesday night.
LA captain Anze Kopitar will not suit up, but he will get a chance to watch his son play.
Allow us to explain…
“Last season when [Jaret Anderson-Dolan] made the team out of camp and […]