Thursday, September 24, 2009

Kings Cut Down to 27

The Kings did some housecleaning on Thursday, putting three players down into the AHL. Kyle Clifford, Marc-Andre Cliche and Andrew Campbell were the three players sent to Manchester to play for the Monarchs and that leaves 27 players on the training camp roster, including one unsigned prospect. That unsigned prospect is Brayden Schenn, who is yet to sign his entry-level deal with the Kings this summer.

The Kings have a few more decisions to make in terms of their roster, as they'll want to cut four more from the team.

ForwardsDefenseGoaltenders
Anze KopitarDrew DoughtyJonathan Quick
Alex FrolovRob ScuderiErik Ersberg
Ryan SmythMatt GreeneJonathan Bernier
Dustin BrownSean O'Donnell
Michal HandzusJack Johnson
Jarret StollDavis Drewiske
Wayne SimmondsThomas Hickey
Teddy PurcellAlec Martinez
Justin Williams

Peter Harrold

Brad Richardson

Trevor Lewis

Raitis Ivanans

Kevin Westgarth

Richard Clune

Brayden Schenn


The Kings have a new aura about them when you talk about their offensive skills. Last season was a bit of a downer, but they have done well to acquire and sign some more talent to help out this summer. Ryan Smyth and Justin Williams are the most notable names that are new to the Kings' line-up this year, while there are some high hopes on Trevor Lewis and Richard Clune to help out from the third or fourth line. Dustin Brown (pictured) will also look to have a bounce-back year after being somewhat sub-par.

Salary CapThe Kings are also running as somewhat of a budget hockey team, but they are one of the higher-budgeted teams, as their 26 players that are signed above have a cap hit of $53.0 million. It isn't above or around the ceiling and with the cuts, they'll be about middle of the road. If Schenn can crack the squad, his bonuses to his deal will likely raise the cap number up a little bit, but there is a good chance that he'll be sent back to juniors to help his development for another year.

It's sounds like Jonathan Bernier has been having a good camp with the Kings, which could be making the Kings' goaltending decision a little harder going forward. Jonathan Quick did have the lead for the job heading into camp, but it will be interesting to see how that pans out. The Kings are desperate for a real number one goalie, like Bernier is supposed to be in his career.

I like Anze Kopitar and I'm sure he'll be ready to bounce back and have a great season. Look for him to improve his numbers from last season.

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