As August comes to an end and the calendar flips to September, that can only mean one thing — hockey is almost back! With that in mind, here are a few tidbits to pass along in preparation for what’s to come over the next few weeks…
Rookie Camp
Although many players have been in town over the past few months skating at TSPC, things will officially kick off in two weeks when a group of non-NHL players begin Rookie Camp. The roster is expected to largely be comprised of Kings prospects who were with the Ontario Reign last year (i.e. non full-time NHL players) — this includes Quinton Byfield, Tyler Madden, Akil Thomas, Andre Lee, Jacob Moverare, Jordan Spence, Helge Grans, etc.
Additionally, the roster will be rounded out with a few guys on AHL only deals and a small handful of invitees.
BTW – Germany goal was from Bennet Rossmy. As noted previously, he was at LA Kings Dev Camp last month and he's expected back at Rookie Camp next month. pic.twitter.com/vBEMZDbJUn https://t.co/JUmTSljfFa
— The Mayor (@mayorNHL) August 16, 2022
The full roster for LA Kings Rookie Camp will come together over the next 6 weeks or so. To get started, we've confirmed two guys will attend as a small handful of invitees:
Eric Alarie
19yr old, 6-foot-1 LW
WHL @MJWARRIORSRiley Fiddler-Schultz
20yr old, 6ft C
WHL @WHLHitmen https://t.co/ELWaNzhar4— The Mayor (@mayorNHL) July 30, 2022
Even More Prospects
Samuel Helenius and Kim Nousiainen are coming over from Europe as well, as both are expected to be with the Reign this season.
Top defensive prospect Brandt Clarke — who has at least a 50% chance of making the Kings NHL roster this season — is scheduled take part in Rookie Camp.
In goal, look for recently turned pro, David Hrenak, to get a look. With goaltending prospects Matt Villalta and Jacob Ingham already under contract, management needs to sort out the organizational depth chart; deciding which players will start the year in Ontario and who will be sent to ECHL Greenville.
Martin Chromiak, who is expected to play in Ontario this season, is on the mend from a virus earlier this summer (which caused him to miss the recent World Junior Championship) is possible, yet not confirmed at this time. He continues to train and recover after losing about 15 pounds while sidelined.
Also, in an interesting move, 2020 draft pick Aatu Jamsen will reportedly join the team for Rookie Camp this year.
Hearing it's all been cleared by his team back home – Jamsen will be coming over to play for LA Kings in the NHL Rookie Faceoff next month.
LAK tournament schedule: https://t.co/gmCyqeat6b
Meantime, enjoy him as Kid Jam$en (yes, it's real) https://t.co/ryzsAGLDRV#GoKingsGo https://t.co/XjPRxBO2Jy
— The Mayor (@mayorNHL) August 21, 2022
The entire group will participate in the annual NHL Rookie Faceoff tournament taking place in San Jose from September 16-19. More information about the event can be found here.
What About Turcotte?
In checking with several sources of late, there still isn’t a solid update on Alex Turcotte’s availability for training camp. Originally selected fifth overall at the 2019 NHL Draft, he’s had a tough go over the past two years as a pro player. Last season was marred by two concussions, the latter one resulting from a vicious cheap shot by a Colorado Eagles player. Turcotte has been spotted on his various social media channels working out this summer, so he’s putting in the work when and where he can. For now, his status remains TBD, despite being one of the three most offensively gifted prospects in the Kings organization.
LA Kings Training Camp
We’ll have more notes to pass along as main camp draws closer to opening on September 21. For now, there are at least two key items to keep an eye on:
UPDATE
Hearing the Arvidsson surgery went well today. All good. So, there's some positive news. https://t.co/elnfkpEzND
— The Mayor (@mayorNHL) May 18, 2022
— Word from our sources is, winger Viktor Arvidsson will be skating at Training Camp. However, he is not expected to be cleared for full contact. Exactly when he can join the team as a full participant remains to be seen.
— The contract status of defensemen Mikey Anderson and Sean Durzi remains a work in progress. As we understand things, GM Rob Blake and team have had discussions with both parties. The two sides have exchanged various proposals. Unfortunately, nothing has been locked down just yet. The team did provide Qualifying Offers to both players, so that framework is available as a foundation, should either situation move in the direction of a one-year deal. From a big picture perspective, the Kings have about $4 million total remaining in salary cap money that they can use to sign both players. We expect new deals for Durzi and Anderson to get wrapped up over the next 2-3 weeks. For more info on how the AAV and term might play out, see the article below.
RELATED CONTENT:
Kings Opening Night Roster Coming Together; Updates on Durzi and Anderson Contracts
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Awesome info as always! Without a doubt it will be an exciting month!