Thoughts from LA Kings GM Rob Blake, covering a myriad of topics, including the 2021 NHL Draft, pending contracts, trades, and more…
On what was happening at the Kings Draft table as they were getting closer to pick No. 8 on the board:
We were in a position where we were looking, whether we would try to maybe move up a spot or two, but as it unfolded, we were set to pick where we were at. We’re very excited about getting what we needed.
On what it was about Brandt Clarke that separated him from other players on their list:
I think as far as [finding] a defenseman with the offensive ability; that’s the deception, the poise with the puck, the subtle plays he makes to bring a defender to him and either get a forward in stride or else get the puck through the net a certain way. So something we’ve definitely needed and glad to have added that.
On how impactful it was that Clarke went over and played in Slovakia last season:
Obviously, we got a little further video, but also playing against older players, and men, in that division and everything. It’s like everyone is talking about with this Draft, everybody kind of played in different spots. If they stayed over in North America, they probably didn’t get nearly the normal amount of games as they would have in a normal season. Players from the Ontario Hockey League had to go to different spots to play. It’s an unusual circumstances there, but we got to see him against men.
On how many calls he received about moving out of the eight spot in Round 1:
Nothing really of interest in that aspect. We were looking more as the Draft was unfolding to see if there was a need to move on our part.
On the loss of Kurtis MacDermid via the Seattle Expansion Draft earlier in the week:
Asked @LAKings GM Rob Blake about losing Kurtis MacDermid to the #SeaKraken … pic.twitter.com/ykVak4NXYp
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) July 24, 2021
On ongoing contract talks with Trevor Moore:
Rob Blake on Moore negotiations — He's a focus, that's why we protected him in Expansion. We feel he's in an important part in our lineup, but also w/ leadership and culture. You could see him adapt & very much become a prominent figure for us in that aspect during 2021 season. https://t.co/tIvFQ2aopW
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) July 24, 2021
https://twitter.com/mayorNHL/status/1418413571281604612
On the developing trade market and potential to acquire players for LA:
Translation — Ideally, we love the idea of short term bridge deals and salary cap dumps (w/ short term) from other teams. We're looking to be opportunistic, yet not interested in going nuts and absorbing/adding 6+ year deals via UFA or trade. https://t.co/j2jsLHL66c
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) July 24, 2021
On if there were specific games where Clarke was scouted and/or the interview process that attracted them to Clarke:
I think all of that combined. Obviously, Mark and his staff go into great detail. I would say there was more emphasis put on video this year, due to the restrictions and [limited] live viewings. He’s been adding that to his staff over the years, but I would say it was in greater detail. They were very high on Brandt right from Day One when we were discussing things and the possibility that he may be available for us. So it worked out that way.
On the status of a potential Development Camp this summer:
We have a certain range, between I think the first week of August until Rookie Camp [in early September], where we can inform the league we’re going to do a five-day Development Camp or a Conditioning Camp, that’s the way they’ve named it this year. They’re in the process of looking at that. Some of the European players will be playing [overseas] and college players should be back in college, depending on the timing of all that. It’s a fluid situation; we’re still getting a full understanding of when we’re going to do it.
On if Clarke playing overseas in 2021 instead of the OHL will allow him to play in the AHL next season, or if we will be bound by the normal CHL-NHL player agreement:
I think he has to go back to Barrie. I have to check on that. I know there’s some speculation of underage CHL players and if they played a certain amount of games in the American League last season…
Re: Clarke — As I understand things, told he needs to go back to the OHL. Even though he played in Europe this year, there doesn't appear to be a loophole there that woukd allow him to play on the AHL.
Now, World Juniors, that's still on the table.
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) July 24, 2021
On the addition of Viktor Arvidsson earlier this month and if he has any thoughts on adding more in the weeks ahead:
We would like to and we’re gonna explore all the options, as we did probably from the time we were allowed to start doing so. We zeroed in on Viktor early in that sequence. In talking with Nashville and understanding that the type of deal that was in front of us, we thought it was important to be able to add that type of player – with the work, the speed, the scoring ability, and the ability to play in the top-6 on our team.
UPDATE: Clarke, Moore, and Yannetti are scheduled as Kings Of The Podcast guests this week. Arvidsson was on recently and other related articles are linked for your reference.
RELATED CONTENT:
Fitting Arvidsson Into the Kings Opening Night Lineup, Plus Other Trade Fallout
Kings Of the Podcast: Ep. Q16 with Mark Yannetti, LA Kings Director of Amateur Scouting
Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news or interviews from this site please remember to include a link to www.MayorsManor.com
so we have the most draft choices – I have tet to see a draft choice score a goal. What we need is an inspirational coach , not another retread loser like we have now. He openly despises Quick but doesnt look at the only statistic that matters wins and losses – Quick was 11-9 while Peterson was 9-18. His stats fook so good because he doesnt control rebounds causing the sog to be inflated. I’m sure our present coach will not be invited to Quick’s inauguration into tne hall of fame