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LA Kings Need to Make Quick Roster Decisions in Next Few Days

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With word now circulating that the NHL and NHLPA are on the brink of finalizing their agreement to play the 2020-221 season, NHL teams will have some quick decisions to make. From what we understand, only about 36 players will be allowed to training camps.

We’ve heard two dates for a possible start to the Kings training camp, both December 30 and 31st. Regardless of which date ends up being official, LA management is expecting camp rosters to be limited to about 36 players.

Here’s a quick look at the players they’ll have on the board… and it’s more than 36 at the moment:

Forwards

Alex Iafallo – Anze Kopitar – Dustin Brown
Adrian Kempe – Gabriel Vilardi – Martin Frk
Carl Grundstrom – Blake Lizotte – Jeff Carter
Austin Wagner – Jaret Anderson-Dolan – Matt Luff
Michael Amadio, Trevor Moore

Defensemen

Olli Maatta – Drew Doughty
Mikey Anderson – Matt Roy
Kurtis MacDermid – Sean Walker
Kale Clague, Tobias Bjornfot

Goaltenders

Jonathan Quick
Cal Petersen

The above list is comprised of what is believed to be LA’s projected roster for the 2020-21 season (with Clague and Bjornfot rotating between the NHL and AHL rosters). That was put together prior to any notion of a taxi squad or expanded rosters. And that total number comes out to 24 players; which would only allow for 12 additions if the Kings camp roster needs to be at 36. Thus, the following players would most likely be in consideration:

Forwards

Lias Andersson
Quinton Byfield
Aidan Dudas
Mikey Eyssimont
Sammy Fagemo
Arthur Kaliyev
Rasmus Kupari
Akil Thomas
Alex Turcotte
Tyler Madden
Johan Sodergran

Defensemen

Mark Alt
Daniel Brickley
Sean Durzi
Cole Hults
Jacob Moverare
Markus Phillips
Austin Strand

Goaltenders

Troy Grosenick
Jacob Ingham
Matt Vilalta

That’s another 21 players. However, one aspect that will at least make things a little easier to whittle that list to 12 is the fact a handful of players are tied up until early January at the World Junior Championship — namely Byfield, Kaliyev, Turcotte, and Bjornfot (from the initial list of players above).

Then, as we reported last week, there’s the fact several European players are already on their way to Los Angeles to begin their mandatory 8-day quarantine. Adding them into the mix brings things into focus.

Take the initial list above (23 = 24 – Bjornfot), add one additional goaltender to it. That’s 24.

Then add Lias Andersson, Aidan Dudas, Mikey Eyssimont, Sammy Fagemo, Rasmus Kupari, Akil Thomas, Tyler Madden, and Johan Sodergran. That’s a total of 32 players.

Which would most likely leave room for four more defensemen in camp; probably Mark Alt, Sean Durzi, Jacob Moverare, and Austin Strand.

12/19/2020 UPDATE – Additional information regarding the Kings roster, including which 36 are coming to camp and key plans for their top prospects, was posted here.

Now, about those divisions…

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Comments

  1. So the Kings sit out since last March. The last two teams finished in September. Most others finished in August. The king’s and the other 6 teams only get 3 days extra ? What happened to the 1-2 weeks that was mentioned earlier. Until the owners cried for more $ and wasted a few weeks.

  2. You slept on Jordan Spence. He quietly made team Canada and looked sharp in the red vs white scrimmages. Anothet mid round pick that speaks to the phenomenal work Mark Yanetti & staff have done with scouting .

    • How did we sleep on him? We’ve hyped him in nearly every radio interview over the past six months and discussed him in detail on KOTP multiple times. He was also listed as making Team Canada in every roster projection we tweeted. If I mentioned him any more, may have needed to collect a referral fee.

      One year ago at this time, he wasn’t a Top 15 prospect in the organization. Perhaps that’s what you’re referencing? See here – http://mayorsmanor.com/2020/01/la-kings-2020-prospect-rankings-honorable-mentions/

      Credit to him. He’s made huge strides since then, as can happen in a short period with young players.

      The last paragraph in that scouting report linked above stated:

      This is definitely a player to watch over the next two seasons. He has a high hockey IQ, above average puck movements, can read coverage well, and locate his options. Spence provides quickness to play with his transition game. One of his key strengths is his play from within the offensive zone blueline, especially on the power play. Like most prospects his age, he’ll need to find another step in his skating, add some speed, and needs to build strength (which will also enhance his skating). As one scout noted to us, ‘If Spence can find half the skating improvement that Aidan Dudas found after being drafted, he’s a sure-fire NHL player.’