Loktionov, to some degree, is a young playmaker version of Scott Parse: overrated in many circles, and just not big enough, physical enough, or frankly good enough to make an impact in the NHL. Neither wowed anyone at any previous level, either. This is not to say neither has talent, but in and of itself, that's just not enough.
I was big on Loki. I thought he couldve been the next Datsyuk in a few years. Too much depth on this team, its time to let the kid play. He's gonna be a star. Try to get a pick for him.
Sadly, we are going to see this more and more often in the next couple of years, it's one of the problems with DL's depth building, right now the Kings organization is not a great place to be if you are a talented player on the offensive side of the puck, at least on the D side you can look to Scuds and Mitchell retiring in the next couple of years.
I've seen absolutely nothing out of the guy that would indicate he will be a regular NHL'er, to say nothing of being "a star." He's going to be 23 soon. He's currently fifth in scoring on the Manchester roster, and even though he missed a few games, almost everyone above him is younger. And none of the guys above him project to be sure-fire "stars," and several will probably never make it in the NHL, so what does that say about Loktionov?
I don't think he's got the speed or the scoring touch to be a top-sixer and he's obviously not suited to be in the bottom six. Apparently, lots of scouts have noticed since no one is chomping at the bit to get at him. I think his future is in Europe, with bigger rinks and less hitting. He may bring back about what we he is - a fifth round pick.