For the fourth time in five years, six NHL teams will compete in a Rookie Faceoff event just prior to training camps opening up in September. As previously reported, the 2022 edition of this now annual tournament will be hosted by the San Jose Sharks at their new AHL arena.
Mayor’s Manor has previously noted that next year’s Rookie Faceoff will be held at the newly remodeled Toyota Sports Performance Center. More on those 2023 festivities later, let’s stick to the 2022 plans for now.
This year’s event will follow a similar format to the schedule used in September 2021 when it was hosted by the Arizona Coyotes — highlighted by a slate of three games per day, with each team playing a total of three games spread over a four day period.
2022 ROOKIE FACEOFF SCHEDULE
Friday, September 16
Los Angeles Kings vs. Colorado Avalanche (2:00 pm)
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Arizona Coyotes (4:30 pm)
Anaheim Ducks vs. San Jose Sharks (7:00 pm)
Saturday, September 17
Kings vs. Golden Knights (2:00 pm)
Ducks vs. Coyotes (4:30 pm)
Avalanche vs. Sharks (7:00 pm)
Sunday, September 18
Off day for all teams
Monday, September 19
Coyotes vs. Avalanche (10:00 am)
Ducks vs. Golden Knights (12:30 pm)
Kings vs. Sharks (3:00 pm)
ADDITIONAL ROOKIE FACEOFF NOTES
Last year, the Kings finished with a record of 2-1 at the Rookie Faceoff, picking up wins over the Avalanche and Coyotes.
Here's some parting thoughts on the weekend…
Just ponder the LA Kings prospects who weren't even here…
Akil Thomas
Brandt Clarke
Brock Faber
Samuel Helenius
Kim Nousiainen
Etc.The pool is deep. #confirmed
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) September 20, 2021
While nothing is official, the Kings are expected to ice a roster largely comprised of the group featured at Development Camp this week, along with prospects from the 2018 and 2017 NHL Draft classes – including Akil Thomas, Aidan Dudas, and Jaret Anderson-Dolan. Meanwhile, Rasmus Kupari and Gabe Vilardi would be considered questionable, as they’ve played 64 and 89 NHL games, respectively. The usual cutoff is about 50 NHL games. However, some teams have slid a few of their more experienced prospects into the lineup.
Ticket information and further details regarding the 2022 event will be released at a later date.
For a look back at the first three Rookie Faceoff tournaments, see links below.
RELATED CONTENT:
Kings v Avs at 2021 Rookie Faceoff Tournament – Recap and Photo Gallery
10 Tidbits (and Opinions) from 2021 Rookie Faceoff Tournament
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