Wednesday marked the midpoint of LA’s 2021 Dev Camp and it included Kings prospects going through more drills, a surprise goalie appearance, and another round of quotes.
CAMP NOTEBOOK
— Alex Turcotte (non-injury, non-COVID) and Quinton Byfield (foot) were absent from on-ice activity again today. From what we’ve gathered, it sounds like the former could be back on the ice tomorrow and team staff appears optimistic that the latter will return in time for Sunday’s showcase event at Staples Center. Will he play in Friday morning’s scrimmage? That’s the first question and we should know more on Thursday afternoon. Both remain listed as day-to-day.
— Both the forwards and defensive groups began their individual sessions with about 30 minutes of testing for the training staff. Each player went through a “Sprint Profile,” where they are tethered and skate forward in a straight line. The purpose is to get a 30m reading to evaluate how the player accelerates over short distances. For returning players, those numbers will be measured against their numbers from 2019 Dev Camp. For newer players, this will establish their baseline. In general, the Kings have been building up their database with similar info for about 5-6 years now, we’re told.
— Among the forwards, we hear Martin Chromiak ‘tested’ at or near the top of the group, while Jordan Spence and Ben Meehan were the stars among all defenseman.
— It should be noted that 2021 first round selection Brandt Clarke had an interesting approach to the skating test. His form and style just looked completely different than everybody else. And not really in a good way. It was as if he was trying to run on the ice, rather than skate. We can’t imagine his initial numbers will be impressive. However, the Kings have had plenty of guys who came to their first camp needing to work on skating who went on to become solid NHLers, with Tyler Toffoli and Tanner Pearson quickly coming to mind. Clarke is 18 years old. He’ll figure it out.
— If you’re looking for the counterpoint on Clarke’s skills… hot damn, he’s smooth with the puck. When you watch him in drills, he’s almost effortless with the way he passes the puck or protects it. Additionally, he seems to be thinking the game a step or two ahead of nearly everybody else on the ice. It will be very interesting to see how he performs in Friday’s scrimmage.
— Andre Lee, who looks every bit the part of his 6-foot-5 frame just continues to impress. Not only do we continue to like what we’ve seen from the big Swede in camp, several Kings execs have shared similar feelings this week, and then Ontario Reign coach John Wroblewski joined us on MayorsManor Live today and — unprovoked — name dropped Lee as one of the players he’s been impressed with over the past few days. Lee is scheduled to return to UMass Lowell this upcoming season. He led that team in points during his sophomore campaign in 2021 and will again be expected to help carry the load offensively in 2021-22.
— From the clarification department, the official pronunciation of LA Kings prospect Ben Meehan is with a silent H in his last name. Now you know.
— Goaltender Matt Villalta made a surprise appearance in the afternoon session on Wednesday. We believe this was to replace John Lethemon, who appeared to be run over in one of the sessions yesterday. This hasn’t been confirmed yet.
— Akil Thomas, who isn’t participating in Dev Camp this year, as he’s coming off of double shoulder surgery this summer. However, he took to the ice early this morning. It was said to be the first time he’s strapped on the skates since surgery.
https://twitter.com/mayorNHL/status/1430558987074764800
Here's what we've learned about Jordan Spence today…
He doesn't miss the net. Ever.
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) August 25, 2021
Has grown 4 inches since Monday, can confirm.
— LA Kings (@LAKings) August 25, 2021
Pinelli says his nickname is Franky.
So, Franky it is. #BreakingNews
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) August 25, 2021
Some more action from today's @LAKings Dev Camp… pic.twitter.com/J5ffPP68zf
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) August 25, 2021
MM Photog Daniel Stopani in the house today! pic.twitter.com/Ql33sOMQM6
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) August 25, 2021
— Thursday’s schedule will only feature the two morning sessions (10:15 a.m. – Defense Group; 11:15 a.m. – Forward Group). The Kings Development staff will take all players to the beach in the afternoon.
WEDNESDAY QUOTES
Frankie Pinelli (Kings 2021 second round pick) on his overall impressions of Dev Camp thus far
Flying in, meeting all of the staff and the players, and then the facilities, they’re all unbelievable. Everything around me is top notch and professional. So, I couldn’t be happier with where I landed and it’s been a great three days so far — a really good experience — and I can’t wait for the next few days. Overall, I feel great. The practices they run and the program they have us on is incredible. I’m liking how the first three days have unfolded. I’m just looking forward to continuing to get better and better. I feel really good right now.
Pinelli on some of the challenges he sees ahead
Getting bigger and better every day. I think it starts in the gym. Speed and strength, all that kind of stuff, plays such a huge role in today’s game. I think to get to that next level, you have to continue working on all those things and even little details.
Pinelli on how the staff has been helping him
Through practice, we do battle drills, we battle on the wall — we did that today. The first day was about scoring. So, I think every practice has a new theme and a new thing to focus on. Whatever they ask, I made sure I do it; make sure I’m picking puck’s properly off the wall or focusing on scoring when that was the topic in practice. I just continue battling and competing at the highest level I can.
Doyle is PUMPED to be here at camp. Had one of the bigger smiles among guys today. Even with all the new faces, he feels more comfortable this time around, noted that he may have been the youngest player at Dev Camp in 2019.
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) August 25, 2021
Defenseman Ben Meehan on returning to Dev Camp, after being here in 2019
It’s been awesome. It’s a lot different coming to this camp compared to the first one. I think I was the youngest guy here last time. So, I had some nerves going. But this place is awesome. And the development staff too; I’ve been talking to them — obviously, not in person because we haven’t had camp — but I’ve talked to them over the phone. It still helps a ton. It’s just great to be here and be working with these guys, see everyone in person. … Greene and O’Donnell are great to work with, defensive-wise. We’ve been having meetings with them and they’re working with us on a lot on our positioning; working on d-zone positioning. It makes the game easier and it makes you more effective when you’re out there. They just know the game, so you listen to them and learn from them. It’s already helped me a lot.
On the past year and now transitioning to Boston University for the upcoming season
I look forward to being at BU this year. I’ve been waiting for a while now, but excited to get going and into college. … The past year or so has been a challenge and an opportunity. I just decided to take a step back, play another year of junior (USHL). Why rush my development? I’m still pretty young, so take another year just to work on my defense game. That’s the big part of my game that I’ve been working on over the past year. It was a challenge but I believe I got something out of it and now I’m just excited for the opportunity ahead.
Doyle just laughed when I first asked about his time with @Parik302 last year. 'Great guy' was something he said repeatedly. Talked about how he introduced himself to everybody right away and really helped put @fightingsaints on his back with incredible saves every night.
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) August 25, 2021
If you missed Mark Yannetti’s recent visit to Kings Of The Podcast, be sure to check in out below. It’s packed with a plethora of context and background info on Kings prospects you won’t find anywhere else.
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Lead Photo via MM Photog Daniel Stopani
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