Evaluating the Rookies with Jonathan Bernier

Over the next 24 hours MayorsManor will provide a multi-part series on the Kings' Best Rookie of the 2010-11 season, as determined by the players.

The four most likely candidates to win this award are (in alphabetical order) - Jonathan Bernier, Kyle Clifford, Trevor Lewis and Alec Martinez.

I've spoken with all four, plus coach Terry Murray and the captain, Dustin Brown. While there were some similarities in who they selected, it wasn't a consensus and each offered a slightly different take on the pool of players.

First up, let's see what Bernier thought...

On Clifford - "Amazing for a 19-year old kid to join the league and come out and fight some tough guys. He's been really good at giving us that energy sometimes. I think that's what they (management) wanted from him and he's done a tremendous job."

On Lewis - "Trevor has been tremendous. I feel like his game got better every game. He was the same in Manchester, just a solid player who can play any time in the game, any position, if it's the power play or penalty kill, you can put him out there."

On Martinez - "He's been a big part of our power play, obviously. He has great foot work on the blue line and a great shot. I think he came in with good confidence and he's been really good for us."

MM: You can't vote for yourself, so who would you pick as the best rookie this season?

JB: I think it would be Lewie. I really like his game, good defensively, good offensively, good skater too. For me, he's probably the one who's improved the most this season.

That's one for Elvis.

Next up will be Kyle Clifford.



The Mayor
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