Well, it’s Thursday.
So, let’s start there.
Today is a bit odd in the sense there is a potential major news story developing regarding Drew Doughty’s ankle injury; yet it’s hockey, so the show must go on, as well. Just a sad, but true fact when it comes to pro sports.
More specifically on the Doughty front, there really isn’t a lot of new news to report just yet. As noted in our original article last night, the team will have their star defenseman undergo further evaluation (imaging) in Los Angeles later today. Pending the results, GM Rob Blake and coach Jim Hiller will then formulate more of a ‘what’s next’ plan.
It isn’t worth spending a bunch of time speculating on where things go regarding Doughty. It could be anywhere from six weeks to six months, depending on the severity of the injury. Each scenario brings its own set of next steps. In the short-term, yes, Brandt Clarke and Jordan Spence could see additional minutes. There is also Kyle Burroughs.
Acquired by the Kings a few months ago in exchange for Carl Grundstrom, the 29-year-old right shot defender averaged over 19 minutes of ice time last season while playing a career-high 73 games for the Sharks. If LA wanted to keep Clarke paired with Joel Edmundson, to perhaps help ease him into the NHL, using Burroughs on the first or second pair could be a viable option for such an initial transition.
While it’s easy to say, ‘Clarke will now get a ton of playing time,’ that may not be the linear path here. Similar to it’s not very reasonable to suggest the Kings play an all-kids fourth line (that’s why Trevor Lewis is there, to bring some experience), Hiller may want a little more experience among his defensive group.
If the Kings need to look outside the organization, besides various trade options, veteran Justin Schultz is still without a contract. The 34-year-old has averaged over 70 games played each of the past three seasons and brings some size at 6-foot-2. Bringing him in short term would work for a variety of reasons, including the team’s salary cap restraints. There’s also MacKenzie Weegar, who the Flames are rumored to be open to moving in a trade. Given his contract runs through 2031 and carries a $6.25M AAV, that’s a much more difficult hill to climb.
First things first, though. More information on Doughty’s status should be available later this afternoon.
Training Camp Roster Moves
Per the plan that was shared a few days ago, the Kings are expected to send four of their drafted players back to the CHL later today:
Liam Greentree – Windsor Spitfires
Carter George – Owen Sound Attack
Jared Wooley – London Knights
Matthew Mania – Sudbury Wolves
Only Mania did not see preseason action with the Kings this week. Greentree and George played in Utah on Monday, then George and Wooley saw action on Wednesday in Vegas.
Each was impressive in their own way throughout camp, including during the NHL Rookie Faceoff earlier this month. Wooley looked especially smooth. He’s big, strong, and steady. Greentree also brings size and wasn’t afraid to shoot the puck during his time in LA, something that can’t always be said for first-year campers. In George, the Kings appear to have added another solid goaltender to their rebuilt pipeline. He’s expected to play a lot of hockey this season, including help backstop Team Canada at the upcoming World Junior Championships.
Ziemmer Update
As noted during last night’s postgame Twitter Space (online radio show), Mayor’s Manor has learned that forward Kohen Ziemer will stick around a bit longer. He will be joining AHL Ontario for camp beginning Monday.
Similar to defenseman Jakub Dvorak, the Kings have options with Ziemmer. He can return to the WHL but is also AHL eligible because of where his birthday falls. It’s most likely he’ll eventually end up back in junior hockey. However, he could still start the season with Ontario and get some pro games before being reassigned. For now, it’s more of a week-to-week situation.
More on the Dvorak dilemma below.
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