10 Tidbits on Jeff Carter - Welcome to the LA Kings

Jeff Carter, LA debut (photo: M. Zampelli)

The trade winds aren't the only weather related activity surrounding the LA Kings these days, as there was a flood of information on Jeff Carter to dig up and get to the bottom of this weekend. Here are 10 Tidbits on LA's new forward, using a hodgepodge of notes and quotes...

- He was drafted in the first round of the OHL and NHL drafts. His dad was also taken in the OHL draft - between Mike Gartner and Dino Ciccarelli in 1976 (both are in the Hall of Fame). At just 5-foot-8, Jim Carter played one season for the Oshawa Generals and gave up hockey. By the way, Jeff's listed at 6-foot-4.

- Carter on why he chose jersey #77: "I wore seven all the way up until I got to Philly. Seven is obviously retired there (Bill Barber). So, I was given 17. I've worn 77 a few times here and there. So, I thought I'd switch it up for a bit...I asked for it. Darren (Granger), the equipment guy, said he had to ask a few people. Then, he came back and said it was alright. I told him I'd wear 17 if it as going to be a problem though."

- Represented Canada twice at the World Junior Championships. In 2004 he had Richards as a teammate (when the U.S. beat Canada for the goal medal) and Colin Fraser was with him in 2005. Carter was named a first team all-star at both tournaments.

If Murray goes, list of possible replacements for LA Kings

When a tweet appears from a Hall of Fame hockey writer saying 'Kings may be preparing to fire Terry Murray as coach,' you click the link.

And according to a report filed with the LA Times by Helene Elliott and Lisa Dillman here late last night, that may be the course of action in progress at the moment.

Murray's Kings are one game above .500 and have lost four games in a row.

They're in Boston today, preparing for tomorrow night's game with the defending Stanley Cup Champion Bruins. Currently, it's not known if Murray will be behind the bench for that match-up.

If a move is made this week though, here's a quick look at some of the names that may replace him - starting with five known commodities (NHL and AHL coaches), followed by the five leading candidates from junior hockey and wrapping up with five candidates you may hear about - but aren't likely to get the gig.

NHL and AHL Coaches:

John Stevens - LA Kings assistant coach - he may be the short-term solution while a replacement is secured...however, he isn't considered to be a finalist for the job...Stevens is said to coach the same (or very similar) system to Murray and his results while leading the Flyers were mixed

Randy Carlyle - former Anaheim Ducks coach - he's available, due to recently being fired from the Kings Pacific Division rival...supposedly, his players tuned him out a long time ago and he is thought to be extremely hard on players (which may not be such a bad thing for the Kings right now)...his familiarity with the division could be a plus, but according to the Times' article, the 'Kings are not thought to be interested in Carlyle'

Craig MacTavish - another former NHL head coach (Edmonton), he's now coaching Chicago's AHL team...if there is one other team the Kings are most often linked to besides the Flyers, it's the Oilers...so, Mac T has that going for him...he knows several of the current Kings from their days in Edmonton...also another coach thought to be extremely hard on his players and not well liked

OHL vs. Russia - a Super Series report from Tyler Toffoli

On Thursday night, game three of the six-game Super Series took place in Ottawa. It's an annual junior hockey showcase, featuring an All Star team from the three CHL junior leagues (WHL, OHL and QMJHL), each playing a pair of games against a Russian squad of similar aged players.

You can also think of it as a tune-up for the World Junior Championship (WJC) and/or a preview for the upcoming NHL Draft. Just don't make the mistake of thinking the games don't count. Russia won the series last November and went on to win gold at the WJC a few months later.

For the third year in a row, Tyler Toffoli - one of the Kings top rated prospects - participated with the OHL group. Going into the game this year though, something interesting happened.

"My trainer in Ottawa was organizing everything and when he received all the jerseys, the 'C' was on mine. He let me know, but I didn't really believe him at first," said Toffoli, always mindful of the many pranks being played within the world of hockey.

"A couple of equipment guys and other people said it was true. Then, after it came out on the OHL website, that's when everybody starting texting me."

As if being named Captain wasn't enough pressure, the game was also being played at his home arena in Ottawa.

Los Angeles Kings Prospect Report - November 10, 2011

It's been another busy week for the LA Kings prospects. This time around, we have an almost broken foot, some expanding facial hair, a Russian invasion and much more. Take a look...

Manchester Monarchs

It was another rough weekend for the Monarchs, as they went 1-2 in their back-to-back-to-back games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The lone victory came on Saturday in a 2-1 win, with goalie Martin Jones in net and Brandon Kozun picking up a goal. Sunday's loss came via the shootout, so they still picked up a point.

Then, last night, Linden Vey (last year's WHL scoring champion) picked up his third goal of the season late in the game and gave the Monarchs a win in the rematch with Portland.

Left wing Ray Kaunisto, who sat out a pair of games over the weekend after fearing he broke his foot while blocking a shot on Friday night (no break, just swelling), was back in the line-up last night ans scored his second goal of the season.

Brett Hextall, a Phoenix Coyotes draft pick and son of Kings asst GM Ron Hextall, scored for the Portland Pirates in both games against the Monarchs this week (an interview with him can be found at the bottom of this article).

- Other notes: Goalie Jeff Zatkoff was in goal last night for the win, it was his second victory of the season...Grinder Jordan Nolan continues to play well, he now has seven points in 14 games - he was also suspended for two games this week, due to an elbowing incident on November 4...Andrei Loktionov leads all forwards with 14 points (3goals, 11 assists) and Jake Muzzin is tops among defensemen with eight points (3G, 5A) in 13 games played.

Los Angeles Kings Prospect Report - November 2, 2011

So, what's been going on with the LA Kings prospects since we checked in last week? Let's take a look around North America at the various levels of hockey...and as an added bonus, this week's report includes some quotes from a goaltender selected at the 2009 NHL Draft and a defenseman taken in 2010.

Manchester Monarchs

Things continue to be a struggle for the guys in the American Hockey League right now. They went 1-2 in their three games last week and only scored a single goal in the two losses.

- Martin Jones was in net for both losses...Jordan Nolan continues to have a fine season thus far, picking up another goal and an assist (six points total through 11 games played...Linden Vey, who was on MayorsManor last week after scoring his first goal as a professional, netted another one in last Saturday's win...Robbie Czarnik, who's been in Manchester all season, finally made his debut on Saturday - and picked up an assist for his efforts...goalie Jeff Zatkoff also picked up an assist in that game, something Jones had done a few games prior...Brandon Kozun, who is off to a slower start than expected, picked up the lone goal (his second of the season) in Sunday's loss...Andrei Loktionov still leads the team in points (three goals, nine assists) and has a plus-5 rating.

- Starting tomorrow night, the Monarchs will play one of those Manchester specials - a three-fer - with games back-to-back-to-back, Friday through Sunday.

Weal and Toffoli will be the only Kings representatives

Over the last few seasons, the LA Kings have been rated as having one of the top prospect pools among NHL teams. However, many of those players with high-end potential are starting to age out of junior hockey.

When it comes to Team Canada at the World Junior Championships (WJC), the Kings have also been well represented in recent years, with Thomas Hickey, Martin Jones, Brandon Kozun, etc.

Besides their annual summer evaluation camp, for the last eight years, Canada has tuned up for that event with a warm-up against a team of Russian players each November.

Dubbed the Subway Super Series, it's six games total, with the team of Russian all-stars playing twice against each of the three major junior leagues - the QMJHL, OHL and WHL.

Last year, the Kings were represented in every game - wtih Maxim Kitsyn (Russia), Nic Deslauriers (QMJHL), JF Berube (QMJHL), Tyler Toffoli (OHL), Jordan Weal (WHL) and Linden Vey (WHL) participating. Each of those players also appeared on MayorsManor during the tournament, offering their perspective on the games (links below).

With all six of the Kings' draft picks this past June being ineligible - three of the picks are playing college hockey, Andy Andreoff is too old, Michael Schumacher is from Sweden and Christopher Gibson will likely play for Finland at the World Juniors - only two of LA's prospects were available for the Super Series this year and both were selected.

LA Kings coach Murray evaluates Tyler Toffoli's 2011 camp

Tyler Toffoli at Kings camp (photo: C. Ikiri)

Coming into Rookie Camp the headline was clear - Tyler Toffoli vs. Brandon Kozun, which prospect would make the biggest impact?

Kozun fired the first shot, being the star of the two-game Rookie Tournament against the visiting Phoenix Coyotes. Days later, Toffoli responded by scoring a goal and assisting on another one during the Kings first pre-season game.

Now, considering they both were cut from camp on Sunday, we're probably left without a definitive answer.

It was announced last night that Toffoli would be heading back to his junior team, the Ottawa 67's, to defend his OHL scoring title.

Kings coach Terry Murray didn't get a chance to meet with the talented right winger before he headed back to Canada. However, he did share a few thoughts after practice earlier today...

"He was one of the better players on the ice (during the Kings pre-season game in Phoenix last Wednesday). He played tremendous hockey," Murray stated. "He was looking like a real pro, right from the very first day of rookie camp, through the rookie camp and on into the main camp. He's never missed a beat. His play making, his attitude about taking pucks to the net and playing in the hard areas are tremendous. I think he's going to be a real top pro."

High / Low with Terry Murray... on players cut from roster

Schumacher in rookie game (photo: CIKIRI)

Just before game time last night, the Kings released the names of 11 players who had been cut from their list of 60+ players in camp.

Eight of them were camp invitees and the other three were former LA draft picks - Christopher Gibson, Michael Schumacher and Jordan Weal.

Interestingly, the latter group will be heading to three different junior hockey leagues - Gibson to the QMJHL, Schumacher the OHL and Weal goes back to Regina in the WHL.

After the first round of practice today, I asked coach Terry Murray for some highs and lows that each experienced in camp this month.

The normally positive, or at least even-keeled, Murray actually had some pointed criticism of Gibson. Apparently, the five goals he gave up in the third period last week vs. a team of Phoenix Coyotes prospects left a lasting impression...

Murray on Gibson - "Clearly (after) the game that he played, he has a lot of improvement that's needed. First of all, he has to be able to handle his emotions. You're going to be put under the spotlight as a pro player. So, get used to it kid. You have to find a way to get into a game where all your management and coaches are fans are watching and have high expectations of a second round pick. So, you have to get through that and then you take it from there. Working on your game never goes away. He left here with a lot of information from our goalie staff and they'll follow up with him in junior and keep pushing his game along."

Rookie Camp Report: Coach Murray on Andy Andreoff

So far today, we've posted comments from Kings coach Terry Murray on prospects Michael Schumacher (forward, 2011 draft) and Nicolas Deslauriers (defenseman, 2009 draft).

Now, he shares a few thoughts on forward Andy Andreoff, selected by the team in the third round of the this past June's draft.

As you may recall from a recent interview posted with Andreoff, he's an over-age player, meaning he can turn pro this season or go back to the OHL for one more year.

And where he might end up is apparently already on Murray's mind...

"I've asked that question myself already coming into camp because I liked what I saw in the Development Camp in July. He's a pretty gritty guy. He's in everybody's face right away - 'You want to try me out, let's go!' Physically, he's a pretty mature kid. I don't want to talk in-house secrets, but he might be penciled in to be a player who gets a look here in Manchester at the start - go to the (main) camp, get into a couple of exhibition games, see what happens. Then, we can always make a decision from there. To me, he's right on the cusp of being able to make that jump."

Leave it to Murray to change the question. Just when it looked like the majority of attention for the games against Phoenix could be placed on Brandon Kozun and Tyler Toffoli, the coach stirs things up.

Tomorrow night should be fun.

To read Andreoff's interview posted a few days ago, click here.

For thoughts from Murray on some of the other campers this week, use these links - Deslauriers and  Schumacher...and to see what Kozun and Toffoli had to say after day one of camp on Saturday, click here.

Finally, just a reminder - we'll be on hand with live updates and interviews from the Rookie Camp Tournament against the Coyotes tomorrow night and Thursday afternoon.  Be sure you're following along at one of the links below to get all the real-time info.

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Rookie Camp Report: Coach Murray on M. Schumacher

Los Angeles Kings coach Terry Murray spent some time with me yesterday to provide insight on what he's seen from several of the attendees from Rookie Camp.

First up, we take a look at Michael Schumacher. He's the tallest kid in camp and is the only player who came over from Europe to participate. Drafted in the seventh round of this year's NHL Draft, he's scheduled to play in the OHL this season for the Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds.

Murray - "I think keeping up with the pace of the play in the camp right now is very demanding for him. So, it's going to be interesting to see how he rebounds. This is kind of a hump day for him and all these young kids, it's a very demanding skate to finish it off. I think when we get into the games (against Phoenix on Wednesday and Thursday), I'm going to watch him very closely. He's a nifty guy and he has lots of skill. I like what I saw in the Development Camp. He's a player who's the perfect example of what a process is all about. He's 6-foot-5. He's going to take time to mature, to get stronger, to catch up with where some of the players already are at this rookie camp. When you start comparing him to the NHL players, clearly on the physical strength and maturity side, he has a long way to go. But, he has skill - and that's something a lot of players don't have.'

After being selected by the Kings in June, Schumacher stopped by MayorsManor for an interview - you can read that conversation by clicking here.

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Kings no longer using Yellow Pages to find defenseman

Deslauriers - Rookie Camp, day one

During the 2006-07 NHL season, Dean Lombardi's first year at the helm in Los Angeles, Kevin Dallman and Mike Weaver combined to play 92 games on the Kings blueline.

While I'm sure that wasn't what Lombardi was thinking about as he stood and watched part of Rookie Camp today from the Kings bench, he almost assuredly was smiling inside watching Jake Muzzin and Nic Deslauriers.

They're two of the brightest young stars in the organization. Entirely different players on the ice, they share the same problem away from it.

With a solid six d-core at the NHL level, when will they ever get their shot to make the big club?

That remains to be seen. However, it hasn't kept either from coming to camp with the right attitude. Here are comments from both following tonight's on-ice session...

LA Kings 2011 Rookie Camp Primer - the goaltenders

Given Dean Lombardi's mandate to 'build from the net out' when he took over as GM of the Los Angeles Kings five years ago, perhaps we're doing this in reverse order.

Earlier today we posted key news and notes on the 13 forwards and eight defensemen who will attend tomorrow's Rookie Camp.

Let's now head to the crease and take a look at the four netminders who will try to stop the barrage of pucks thrown at them over the next five days...

Jean-Francois Berube - 6-foot-1, 168 lbs - some might say he's exceeded expectations since being drafted in the fourth round of the 2009 NHL Draft - he had an exceptional year last season, posting a 2.60 GAA and .902 save percentage in 50 games - he was near the top of all key statistics in the QMJHL and was even better in the playoffs - nicknamed 'Hollywood,' he's most likely bound for Ontario (ECHL) for the upcoming campaign - we've featured his mask designs several times on MayorsManor (I personally liked the one with UFC fighter Georges St-Pierre on it) - if you'd like a sneak peek of the brand new mask he'll be debuting this weekend, click here - plus, here are some thoughts from JF earlier this summer, including notes on his recent hip surgery - check my twitter tomorrow for updates on his health

Robbie Czarnik, the somewhat forgotten LA Kings prospect

Czarnik at Kings DevCamp (photo by K. Spatz)

Earlier today we took a look at Kings prospect Andy Andreoff and his possible move from the OHL to the AHL this season.

You can definitely count on fellow Kings prospect, Robbie Czarnik, leaving the OHL though - he's out of junior eligibility.

The 6-foot center was originally selected by Los Angeles in the third round of the 2008 NHL Draft.  He began playing college hockey at the University of Michigan - who gave him a full scholarship at 15 years old - before moving on to play for the Plymouth Whalers.

Last season you didn't hear much about him though, given that Tyler Toffoli was running away with the goal scoring title and Russian superstar-to-be Maxim Kitsyn came over to play in the OHL after the World Junior Championships in January.

So, I asked him, does he feel like the forgotten prospect?

"No, not really," he said. "I don't really look at it that way. They're goal scorers, but I put up points too and I have another side of my game. I'm excited that I’m a two-way forward."

When he was in LA for Development Camp in July he says there wasn't one particular part of his game he was trying to show off. Instead, he wanted the coaching staff to see that he's continued to make improvements in his all-around game - including "puck protection, competing at all times and defensive-zone coverage."

Once Dev Camp was over though, he headed to Miami for a little R&R.

"My girlfriend lives down there," he explained. "So, I went and visited her for a little bit. She goes to Michigan with me. I had never been down there before, but it was a good time. We went to the beach and spent time in downtown Miami, South Beach and then went to the Keys for a few days."

Yes, even though he took his hockey game to the OHL, he still takes classes at Michigan.  Czarnik says he has no ill feelings towards the school - in fact, he loves it. He just felt he could better develop his skills in the OHL.

Czarnik also likes to pester his girlfriend on twitter. Earlier this summer he tweeted quite a few 'Go Mavericks' blats during the NBA Finals.

"I don't really care that much for basketball," he admitted.  "I was constantly giving her a bad time when they were playing Miami and she wasn't too happy about it. I went against the Heat because she's obsessed with the team. So, it was just a funny thing I would play with her about."

He also likes to tweet about some of his favorite TV shows - like Curb Your Enthusiasm, Dexter, American Idol and Gossip Girl...wait, what?

LA Kings prospect Andy Andreoff pushing for Manchester?

Andreoff at Kings DevCamp (photo: K. Spatz)

Kings GM Dean Lombardi had a bit of a reputation for loving guys from the WHL just a few years ago. Yet, the tide has turned.

Most recently, he's been stocking up on American-born players and more specifically, U.S. college players.

Then there's the OHL factor. Three of the team's prospects to not only make the club over the last few seasons, but have a significant impact, all come from the Ontario Hockey League - Drew Doughty, Wayne Simmonds and Kyle Clifford. And Tyler Toffoli is right behind them (more on that later though).

Hoping to soon follow in their footsteps is Andy Andreoff, a 6-foot-1 center the Kings picked up in the third round of the NHL Draft this past June.

While it's unlikely he'll make the main roster out of camp, Andreoff is in a bit of a unique position compared to most other junior players who will be attending Rookie Camp this weekend - he already has four years of OHL experience under his belt.

He was first draft eligible two years ago, but went unnoticed by NHL teams.

Digging into his stats, it's not hard to figure out why. Let's just say, he takes 'slow starter' to a whole new level. During his first year in the OHL he registered one point, an assist, in 25 games.

Over the next few years, he picked up his game dramatically, to where he served as an assistant captain last season for the Oshawa Generals, while posting 75 points (33 goals, 42 assists) and earning a plus-34 rating.

Some scouts project him as a future power forward and he certainly showed a nice level of grit and determination when he attended the Kings Development Camp in July.

Original King bookened his HOF career with Fox and Toffoli

A Killer goodbye (photo by: TotalPhoto.ca)

In October 1967, Brian Kilrea scored the first goal in Los Angeles Kings history.

He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2003.

Make no mistake about it though, it had nothing to do with his time in the NHL, where he played a grand total of 26 games and scored three goals.

Killer, as he's affectionately known in hockey circles, has largely spent the past 35-plus years either behind the bench or in the front office of the Ottawa 67's, one of the OHL's most successful teams.

He began his coaching career in 1974-75 and three years later his roster included a short whippersnapper from Coniston, Ontario ...and knowing Foxy now, he probably had the best hair on the team, even back then.

Jim Fox honed his craft under the tutelage of Kilrea for three seasons, before being selected in the first round by the Kings in the 1980 NHL Draft.

When it was announced on Wednesday that Kilrea was stepping down from his day to day activities with the 67's, Fox was eager to speak out on the man who guided him early in his career.

Mike Richards on Corey Perry and not doing stupid things

Corey Perry and Mike Richards

Now, that may not be the best title for an article, but it will all make sense in just a few minutes...

Back in December, readers of MayorsManor voted Anaheim's Corey Perry as their least favorite NHL player, among guys still in the league.

Perry certainly didn't do anything to quell those feelings a few months later when the Kings and Ducks met up for the 100th time in their collective history. Tied 1-1 after three periods on Staples Center ice, Perry scored the game-winner in overtime.

On June 22nd Perry was named the league MVP at the annual NHL Awards in Las Vegas.

The very next day, Kings GM Dean Lombardi pulled off a huge trade, bringing center Mike Richards to LA.

It didn't take fans and media long to connect the dots on Richards and Perry. The two had several battles during their junior hockey days in the OHL, Richards in Kitchener and Perry in London.

Is there still a little bad blood left over?  Probably not.

Mike Richards talks leadership and wearing a letter in LA

Earlier today we posted comments from Kings coach Terry Murray regarding the leadership styles of Dustin Brown, Mike Richards and Simon Gagne.

Now, Richards is back to weigh in with some thoughts on the whole subject...

While other guys may have the letters on their jersey, how long will it take you to establish a leadership role in the locker room?

"Leadership is not just one person," Richards explained. "There's one guy with the 'C' on his jersey and (others) with the 'A's, but I've always felt that it was a team effort. You can't have enough experience in a dressing room. Everybody's been in that position at some point. You don't make it to the NHL without being some sort of leader. It might be somebody one night, Brownie the next night (or) Kopitar. It's not always the same person voicing their opinion. If something needs to be said, I'm sure they'll say it."

And the role he'll play in that process? "I just want to come in and focus on hockey. If something needs to be said or if somebody asks me a question, I'll definitely I'll answer," said Richards.

For those who like to look for something that isn't there, Richards made one thing perfectly clear - he doesn't have any expectations of wearing the 'C' in Los Angeles...this season or anytime in the near future.

"Dustin's done a great job of captaining this team for a couple of years now," Richards said with great enthusiasm and conviction. "I've talked with a lot of players and I know how hard how he plays - I played against him for (two) years in Kitchener, when he was in Guelph (OHL). I've played against him a bunch of times during the regular season and at the Olympics last year. So, I know what type of leader he is and how hard he plays the game. I have no plan on doing anything other than coming in here and playing hockey."

With or without a letter, does he feel pressure coming to Los Angeles with such a huge spotlight on him being shown on him this summer?

Kings prospect Tyler Toffoli gets Hockey Canada do-over

Tyler Toffoli (Hockey Canada)

WHL scoring champion Linden Vey had 116 points for the Medicine Hat Tigers last season, more than any other player in major-junior hockey.

Tyler Toffoli netted 57 goals for the OHL's Ottawa 67's last season, more than any other player in major-junior hockey.

Both players participated in Team Canada's World Junior evaluation camp last summer. Yet, neither player made the final cut when rosters were released, just prior to the tournament getting underway in December.

Would Canada, a country who doesn't measure its success on the ice in silver or bronze, have won gold at the 2011 World Junior tournament with either player?

We'll never know.  Russia beat Canada in the finals and now Vey has aged-out, as the tournament is for the best under-20 players.

Toffoli is back though and when Team Canada opens its evaluation camp later this morning he'll be looking to right a wrong.

Given all that's happened in the last year, you'd have to think it would be an absolute shock if Toffoli didn't make the team. However, he says he's not thinking that far ahead. He just wants to come into camp and show off his skills, play his game.

The attendees will be split off into two groups, Canada's familiar team white and team red. Toffoli's team white squad will also include the first player selected at the 2011 NHL Draft, Edmonton's Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. They'll also have defenseman Dougie Hamilton (Boston Bruins) and Devante Smith-Pelly (Anaheim Ducks).

Windsor's Jeff Brown on the 'other side' of dev camp

Jeff Brown and Martin Jones (photo: C. Spatz)

For every Tyler Toffoli at the Kings recent Development camp you had a Rob Mignardi. For every Jake Muzzin there was an Alex Roach. And for every Martin Jones there was some European goalie who had everybody asking 'How do you spell his name?'

The point being - camp rosters weren't only filled with high end prospects and top draft choices. There were also more than a dozen invitees, aka 'the other guys.'

After the bigger names went home on Wednesday that week, camp continued for a few more days. This is the story of one of those guys, Jeff Brown of the Ontario Hockey League.

Prior to camp I spoke with his General Manager, (former Kings tough guy) Warren Rychel of the Windsor Spitfires, who described him as "tenacious up and down, two-way winger, in your face type player."

Naturally, I wanted to know if that was a fair assessment. "Yes, especially come playoff time," Brown proclaimed. "You need guys like that on your team. You need the skill guys, but you also need the second/third line grinder guys who are going to where down the other team's top players. I was playing top minutes in the playoffs against the other team's top line. So, it's one of the unsung roles. But, if you do it, the team wins. I'd say it's something I grew into later in my career and it's something that will stick with me from this point forward."

One of the specific players he had the task of shadowing earlier in the season was Toffoli, the reigning OHL Scoring Champion and a second round Kings draft pick in 2010.

LA Kings prospect Linden Vey chirps Toffoli, talks Crosby

Linden Vey at Kings camp (photo: C. Ikiri)

Linden Vey was drafted by the Kings in the fourth round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, coming off a season in which he scored 24 goals and 48 assists for the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL.

There's nothing wrong with those numbers. They just don't scream of a future offensive powerhouse.

A statement that was confirmed the following year when he posted near identical numbers, 24 goals and 51 points.

However, he was on MayorsManor immediately following the Super Series in November - a prestigious junior hockey event that pits Canadian players against a team of Russian all-stars. Midway through that interview he said "I don't think you ever stop improving at any part of your game."

It wasn't just some cliche, throw away answer to another interview question. He meant it. And backed up his words by going on to score 46 goals and 70 assists. His 116 point total last season was better than any other player in Canadian junior hockey.

“Last summer, I spent a lot of time training with Tim (Adams, the Kings' strength and conditioning coach) here in Los Angeles. I think that was one of the things that benefited me the most," claimed Vey. "I've always struggled a little bit, conditioning and strength wise. Last year, I think I took big strides in that department, and it really helped me to be more consistent throughout the whole season.

"I could play each and every night. When we would have three games in three nights, I could play at a high level each night, whereas a couple seasons before, I would have a good first game and then I'd have to take the next couple games a little bit slower," said Vey. "I think when you're in condition, you can play more consistent throughout the whole season."

Despite posting staggering numbers though, sites like HockeysFuture still don't have him ranked among the top ten prospects in the Kings pipeline.

Compounding the perceived lack of respect, along with fellow Kings prospect (and OHL scoring champion) Tyler Toffoli, he was left off the Team Canada squad at last winter's World Junior Championship.