After celebrating her 10-year anniversary last season, and will shortly be hitting the 11-year mark, Staples Center sensibly improves its in-game experience for fans. The rumors swirling in Los Angeles about a brand new state-of-the-art scoreboard was installed this weekend. A building such as Staples Center, which hosts four professional sports teams, plus many other entertainment events, clearly needed an upgrade. The eight-sided jumbotron had the architecture of many of today’s scoreboards, but the quality didn’t satisfy today’s modern expectations. Staples Center will stick with the same eight-board design, with all eight screens enlarged and in high definition, plus an HD video ring on the bottom of the board, which has become common among sports venues these days. HD rings lining the 100 and 300 levels of Staples Center are being installed as well. The Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA were the first team to play under the brand new board, but configuration wasn’t completed, and the scoreboard remained blank throughout the entire game. In that contest, they were eliminated from the WNBA playoffs. This means the Los Angeles Kings will be the first team to play under the new scoreboard on September 23rd in a pre-season split-squad match-up against the Phoenix Coyotes.

The Los Angeles Kings reached an agreement with free-agent defenseman Willie Mitchell today. Mitchell signed for 2 years at 3.5 million a season. The 11 year veteran will be joining his 5th team since making his NHL debut with the New Jersey Devils in 1999. Known for his gritty, stay-at-home style of play, Mitchell is the perfect fit for the holes that have developed in the Kings defense this off-season.

Mitchell suddenly becomes an upgrade to late Kings defenseman Sean O’Donnell. I say that with a sigh of relief, as O’Donnell’s departure started to become worrisome with the lack of action from the Kings front office this summer. O’Donnell provided a solid veteran presence, but his defensive game was on the downhill, and had an offensive touch that was non-existent. So, I shouldn’t have said “had”. I’m going to keep it there anyway. As of yesterday, Kings fans, including myself, may have been missing O’Donnell more than they ever should have. Not anymore, the missing piece that is Willie Mitchell is the perfect fit.

With the loss of Matt Greene for a few months, the Kings were suddenly without a veteran to continue to shoulder the progress of Drew Doughty and Jack Johnson. No, I didn’t forget about Rob Scuderi, but two stay-at-home defensemen are needed to compliment the offensive abilities of Johnson and Doughty. Mitchell fills that void. Having Mitchell and Scuderi on the blue-line is almost as attractive as Doughty and Johnson.

Now let’s talk about Willie Mitchell. He’s not going to provide substantial offensive production, but has a knack for creating goals with wrist-shots from the point. Mitchell knows how to take advantage of slot traffic with well-placed shots. Many of his assists coming off of deflections or rebounds, Mitchell will fit well with forwards such as Ryan Smyth. Unfortunately, there is a risk that comes with the signing of the 33 year-old out of British Columbia. Prone to concussion, there were big question marks around his health and ability to play with the fear of post-concussion syndrome. The health and fitness tests were convincing enough for the Kings to feel confident, so only time will tell. What Mitchell can bring to the Kings on the ice overshadows the risks with his health. I’m not saying the tables can’t turn, but you can’t deny the boost Mitchell gives to this lineup on paper.

It was no surprise to see the Los Angeles Kings let Raitis Ivanans walk this summer, as he inked a one-year deal with the Calgary Flames. Known as the “tough guy” for Los Angeles the previous four seasons, his physical presence just wasn’t worth his liability offensively, and quite often as well, defensively. Sure, he was solid when it came to dropping the gloves, but did he provide much of anything else? No. Especially in the post-lockout era where physical play and fighting, especially, has taken a step-back in importance to a roster than speed and skill. Ivanans’ ability to fight came with a heavy price. Stupid penalties, coming far too often due to ignorant retaliation. There are few spots left in the NHL for players like Ivanans. Not only is the decrease in fighting in today’s NHL a factor, but the fact that these ‘enforcers’ must be two-way players. And, an efficient two-way enforcer is what the Kings need to replace Ivanans. The offense for the Kings may very well have taken a step-back this summer, although we have yet to see many forwards who will be battling for positions in Los Angeles out of Manchester of the AHL. However, the Kings can ill-afford to ice an enforcer who will not provide an offensive game. There are three clear prospects who can fill this void, I’ll break down each player below:

Richard Clune: I’ll start off with the player who has the most experience in a Kings uniform. Clune, who made his debut for Los Angeles last season, became a popular addition late in the year. Earning the nickname “Clunatic” for his intense and forceful play, the 23 year-old out of Toronto sidelined a struggling Ivanans. In 14 regular season contests, and dressing in four games in the Western Conference Quarterfinals, Clune only recorded two assists. The guy can move, has decent speed in both zones, and only stands at 5’11″, which helps his versatility. Clune will most likely start the season in Los Angeles, and try to continue his energetic presence he brought to the table last season. Clune hasn’t had staggering offensive numbers since his days in the OHL with the Sarnia Sting and Barrie Colts.

Kevin Westgarth: Reminds me of a Brian Boyle that knows how to drop the gloves because of his size, and his ability to move in the offensive zone with that stature. Westgarth made his debut for the Kings late in the 2008-2009 season, dressing in nine games. His short stint that season didn’t include eye-opening performances. Westgarth was left off the score-sheet throughout his nine contests, and only fought once. Westgarth was again in a Kings uniform during the pre-season, but left for the Manchester Monarchs where he had a very successful season. To be able to contribute with 11 goals and 14 assists, while leading the team in penalty minutes is impressive. There’s reason to be optimistic about the 26 year-old Canadian, as he has the ability to immediately make up for the loss of Raitis Ivanans, and more. He can fight when necessary, and also be a factor in the offensive zone. If Westgarth proves he can be the offensive/enforcer swingman he was last year in Manchester, he can quickly become a valuable asset to the third and fourth lines.

Kyle Clifford: Clifford may be the toughest to gauge out of this group. Still fresh out of the draft (35th overall in ’09), his promising start in the OHL with the Barrie Colts is enticing. However, like we’ve seen with Rich Clune, offensive success is on a complete different level once the jump is made to the American Hockey League. Seeing ice time in seven games with the Manchester Monarchs for the Calder Cup Playoffs last season, Clifford was held to just two assists. His strong effort has been touted by scouts who note the “edge” he brings to every shift, and see his work-ethic a good asset to a team. “Clifford’s maximum effort on every shift mentality can be contagious and make the players around him that much better.” Clifford’s weakness is his speed and foot movement, which is common among players who exceed a height of six feet and a weight of 200 pounds. The 19-year old out of Ontario should see time in the pre-season in a Kings uniform, and his progress this year with the Monarchs will provide a better feel of Clifford’s future in the Kings organization. There’s still some travel left on Clifford’s road to the NHL, a promising one at that.

Frozen RoyaltyGann Matsuda of Frozen Royalty continues his series of summer interviews with soon-to-be fan favorite Kyle Clifford. Many expect Clifford to make the team and be tough. But is there more there than just a tough guy?

EL SEGUNDO, CA — When the Los Angeles Kings selected left wing Kyle Clifford in the second round (35th overall) of the 2009 National Hockey League Entry Draft, it was because he was able to contribute offensively as well as play a tough, physical game and drop the gloves when needed.

The 6-2, 208-pound native of Ayr, Ontario scored just one goal with 14 assists for 15 points in 66 games in the 2007-08 season with the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League (his first season in the OHL) while racking up 83 penalty minutes.

Clifford improved in a big way after that, scoring 16 goals and adding twelve assists for 28 points with 133 penalty minutes in sixty games in 2008-09, and topping that in 2009-10 with 28 goals and 29 assists for 57 points with 111 penalty minutes.

Clifford’s play with the Colts last season earned him a call-up to the Manchester Monarchs of the American Hockey League (Kings’ primary minor league affiliate) on an amateur tryout agreement for the AHL playoffs once the Colts’ season was over. But, as Clifford discovered, having a bit of a scoring touch in Canadian junior hockey does not necessarily translate to higher levels.

Indeed, Clifford failed to score in seven playoff games, although he did record two assists with twelve penalty minutes and even spent some time on the Monarchs’ top line with Kings’ forward prospects Andrei Loktionov and Justin Azevedo.

“I was able to play with a couple of skilled guys like that,” said Clifford. “I just stuck to my game, mixed it up a little bit, threw some checks and tried to make a little bit of room for them.”

Despite his efforts, the Monarchs were eliminated in the Eastern Conference Finals by the eventual Calder Cup Champion Hershey Bears.

“You have to fight for every inch, especially at that high level, Clifford stressed. “It was a great group of guys. We really showed well the whole playoff run there—we were the underdogs for most of it. I felt like we put in a great effort against the Hershey Bears. It was a little disappointing, the way it ended, but I thought we really pulled through.”

Read the rest on Frozen Royalty.

Expectations haven’t been met, injuries have haunted him, Justin Williams is entering a season which is both huge for the Kings offensive success and his NHL future, as he is slated to become an Unrestricted Free Agent next season. Williams has more on his shoulders heading into the 2010-2011 season with the lack of off-season activity from the Kings front office. Chances are, Williams will be provided another shot to skate alongside Ryan Smyth and Anze Kopitar on the first line. Williams was a huge part of this trio’s success early last season, tallying 24 points in 33 games. However, after being struck by the injury bug, an obstacle he has been hit with more often than not, Williams struggled in his comeback to the lineup. Williams only played three games in the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Vancouver Canucks, and had little to no impact when in uniform. This was no surprise, as he provided little help to the offense in his return late in the regular season, recording a lowly 2 goals and 3 assists in 16 contests. When healthy, which hasn’t been the case most of his career, Justin Williams has produced numbers that fit the bill of a premier forward. Justin Williams was acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes on March 6th of 2009 in part of a three-team deal that has amounted to inconsistency with health and point production that have damaged his reputation in Los Angeles.

Early Success:
It’s unfortunate that most of my frustration toward Williams, and I’m sure with many others, is his history to being prone to injury. Williams hasn’t had too much luck escaping bad breaks, but survived to find glory in Carolina. Williams found himself on top of the 2005-2006 NHL season, netting the final goal in the clinching game of the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals, putting the nails in the coffin to the Edmonton Oilers, who had finally regained hope for the Cup for the first time since the late 1980′s. Williams was a force when healthy, playing complete 82 game seasons from 2005-2007. In two seasons at full force, Williams recorded 143 points, eclipsing the 30 goal mark in both seasons. He had labeled himself as a reliable first-line winger; And more importantly, on a team that won the Stanley Cup. In 2009, the Kings acquired Justin Williams for Patrick O’Sullivan and the Calgary Flames 2nd round 2010 Entry Draft Selection.

Career in Los Angeles: Dean Lombardi snagged the veteran winger, coming off of two productive seasons, and a third hampered by injury, in March of the 2008-2009 season. Williams resume had him noted as a forward who had success under his belt, and more importantly, a Stanley Cup. In an agreement that cost the Kings Patrick O’Sullivan, who had expressed frustration with the Kings, hopes and expectations were high for Williams as the Kings made their first serious push for post-season play in seven years. When healthy, Williams proved himself as a valuable asset to playoff-caliber rosters. Unfortunately, injuries have followed Justin to Los Angeles.

The Justin Wiliams Factor: There’s no question, especially with the lack of additions this summer, that Williams health and production will be a major factor in the Kings success this season. Williams never seemed to regain confidence after sitting out three months with a broken leg last season. The big question is how Williams’ off-season conditioning and training camp factor into his comeback. He proved to work well with Smyth and Kopitar, but his consistency in that department is the biggest worry. At only 28 years old, Williams still has the opportunity to rejuvenate his career. Whether he is able to do so this season is one of the biggest question marks the Kings face this season. Proven to be the most consistent line-mate with #11 and #94, a healthy, productive season is key.

Frozen RoyaltyGann Matsuda of Frozen Royalty is slowly dolling out the interviews he did at this summer’s prospect camp. Here are his quotes from Oscar Moller who’s had several cracks at the NHL roster. Enjoy!

EL SEGUNDO, CA — Two seasons ago, forward prospect Oscar Moller made the Los Angeles Kings’ roster out of training camp and after putting in some effective minutes where he showed a good scoring touch, it appeared that he could be on his way to solidifying a spot at the National Hockey League level.

Fast forward to 2010 and Moller now finds himself just trying to make the Kings roster.

The 5-10, 186-pound native of Stockholm, Sweden started the 2009-09 season with the Kings and showed some ability to finish right from the start, including his first multi-goal game in the NHL against Calgary on November 1, 2008.

Moller, who played in forty NHL games that season, also captained Sweden’s team in the 2009 IIHF World Junior Championships, but suffered a fractured clavicle during the tournament, forcing him out of the Kings’ lineup upon his return to the NHL.

For all intents and purposes, that injury finished Moller’s season.

Last Fall, Moller, 21, was assigned to the Manchester Monarchs of the American Hockey League, the Kings’ primary minor league affiliate, to start the 2009-10 season, a demotion of sorts. He played in 43 regular season games with the Monarchs, scoring 19 goals and adding 28 assists for 47 points with 26 penalty minutes.

Moller also scored two goals and tallied five assists for seven points in 16 AHL playoff games as the Monarchs advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals.

“The first year, when I made the [Kings], the team wasn’t as good as it was this year,” said Moller, who was selected by the Kings in the second round (52nd overall) of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. “Then I got hurt at Christmas my first year and I didn’t really make the lineup after I came back from injury. The year after, I didn’t make the team out of training camp.”

“It was tough,” added Moller. “It sucks to get sent down after playing up pretty much all year. But that’s the business, I guess.”

Read the rest on Frozen Royalty.

Alexander Frolov‘s tenure as a Los Angeles King officially came to an end yesterday, as he reportedly agreed to terms with the New York Rangers on a one year contract. The 20th overall pick of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft spent 10 seasons in the Kings organization, 7 of those years in a Kings uniform. Last season, the final year of his contract, was a huge disappointment. Held to his lowest point total since the 2005-06 season, Frolov became the centerpiece of criticism. Other than a couple of offensive spurts, Frolov never was the offensive powerhouse scouts and fans alike knew he could be. His drop from the first line to the third was well deserved by many, and his inefficiency to work with Terry Murray‘s offensive gameplan didn’t help his cause. His departure is no surprise, as Kings GM Dean Lombardi noted earlier in the off-season there was a “slim chance” Frolov would return as a King next season. However, there was an offer on the table for Frolov after the failure to lure in Ilya Kovalchuk. The meetings were short, with both sides understanding it was time to move on. The 28 year-old winger out of Moscow, Russia leaves a small imprint on Kings history, recording 169 goals and 217 assists for the franchise. Was I frustrated with him the majority of last season? Yes, as I’m sure most of you were. However, the contributions Frolov attributed to the Kings franchise cannot be ignored. Here is a look at the career of Alexander Frolov in a Los Angeles Kings uniform:

2000 NHL Entry Draft
: Alexander Frolov was selected 20th overall in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. A talented winger out of Russia, Frolov’s expectations weren’t low. His ability to handle the puck in the offensive zone was intriguing. Here, you had a player that was able to create chances for linemates, as well as finish opportunities himself. Frolov knew how to create a comfortable offensive presence, giving teammates ample opportunity to find open space, and always dependable with puck presence behind the goal line. The Kings had a sure winner, a skilled winger with offensive smarts, and the strength to do so. I’ll continue to say it, Alexander Frolov may have the best puck protection skills behind the goal-line I’ve ever seen. Frolov chose to play in Russia for two seasons instead of opting for the American Hockey League. Frolov joined the Kings in the 2002-2003 season.

LA Kings Debut: Alexander Frolov made his debut for the Los Angeles Kings in 2002, making the team out of training camp. In his seventh game, Frolov tallied his first career goal against…who else? The New York Rangers. Frolov immediately made an impact on struggling Kings rosters recording 31 points in his rookie season, and eclipsing that total in 2003-2004 with 48 points before the 2004-2005 NHL lockout sent him to CSKA Moscow to join them in the regular season and Dynamo Moscow for a short playoff stint.

2004-2009: Frolov came out with a vengeance after the lockout, with a 54 point season, again with a struggling Kings roster. His future always looked bright, as he often sparkled surrounded with a roster of average at-best players. He continued to grow into a blossoming NHL star, recording his career high in points with 35 goals and 36 assists. Frolov had stapled himself as a face of a Kings roster that was beginning to look toward a bright future full of young talent. Frolov’s point production went down the next two seasons, as the Kings began to dump veterans for young prospects. It may have not been obvious at the time, but Frolov didn’t seem to mesh well with the incoming core of young players. Frolov began to show signs of his nonchalant play that slowly began to turn heads. Heading into the 2009-2010 season, Frolov was playing for his contract. A one year option was up in the air with the Kings front office as well as his value to other teams if he was granted Unrestricted Free Agency.

2009-2010: You’d expect a strong season from Frolov, especially in a contract season coupled with the talent around him. Talk about playing under expectations, Frolov continued his trend of disappointing from seasons before. Lackluster effort may have been the biggest problem with the fan-base. With the organization? Terry Murray felt the need to bench Frolov out of frustration with his play, and Kings GM Dean Lombardi expressed a lack of communication between him and the Russian winger. The relationship between the team and Alexander was falling apart, even amidst a playoff season. Frolov showed signs of life in the second half with a couple of 4-game point streaks, even carrying the offense at times. However, he wasn’t consistent. That’s what you need if you’re going to be pay 4 million a season. The season ended in the 1st round of the playoffs and so did Alexander Frolov as an LA King. To have a gut feeling a player is gone before it actually it happens is not a good sign. It was clearly time to move on for this player and this organization. I wish the best of luck to Alexander Frolov with the New York Rangers, as well as hoping the signing of Alexei Ponikarovsky is a solid substitute. What do you think?

Frozen RoyaltyGann Matsuda of Frozen Royalty had an opportunity to sit down with new Kings assistant coach John Stevens at Development Camp this summer. Here’s his interview.

EL SEGUNDO, CA — While fans of the Los Angeles Kings are up in arms over their team’s inability to improve themselves to this point in the 2010 off-season, venting their frustrations in no uncertain terms on virtually every Kings-related forum on the World Wide Web, life does indeed go on.

With the departure of assistant coach Mark Hardy, who resigned on June 11 (see LA Kings Assistant Coach Mark Hardy Resigns), the Kings strengthened their reputation as “Flyers West” when they hired John Stevens as an assistant coach on June 24, 2010 (see Los Angeles Kings Name John Stevens As Assistant Coach).

Stevens, 44, earned a 120-109-34 record as head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers, a position he accepted on October 22, 2006, after the Flyers got off to a 1-6-1 start that season.

The native of Campbellton, New Brunswick began that season as an assistant coach and wound up leading the Flyers to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2007-08, before being fired on December 5, 2009, after the team was shutout in two consecutive games.

Coming from the Flyers, Stevens was familiar to Kings President/General Manager Dean Lombardi and Vice President/Assistant General Manager Ron Hextall, who both worked for the Flyers before joining the Kings.

Stevens should be able to mesh well with Kings head coach Terry Murray, who was a Flyers assistant coach under Stevens.

“Terry and I worked together for a couple of years,” said Stevens. “When you work with another coach for that length of time, you’re pretty comfortable with the way things are run.”

“It’s a great organization,” added Stevens. “Development Camp has been pretty neat for me to be involved with, to see how things are run. It’s only been a few days, but it’s been great.”

Although Stevens has only had a couple of months to get his feet wet with the Kings, so far, so good.

Read the rest on Frozen Royalty.

The push for Ilya Kovalchuk to become an LA King officially came to an end today. Kovalchuk reportedly agreed to terms with the New Jersey Devils, with an official announcement to come tomorrow afternoon at the Prudential Center. Fans held their breath for almost three weeks in hopes of acquiring the most coveted free agent on the market. Up until the first day of free agency, the Kings were considered the front-runner to sign the 27 year old Russian. However, Dean Lombardi and the front office never seemed to offer a contract to Kovalchuk’s satisfaction. Multiple times the Kings cut talks with the winger, and multiple times they were back in the hunt, even hosting Kovalchuk last week for negotiations in Los Angeles. In the end, Lombardi clearly wasn’t ready to commit the money or years Kovalchuk demanded. And why not? There’s a young core to build for the Kings, and that should be top priority. The Kings still need a top-caliber forward, and there’s no question that vacant space will be filled via free agency or a trade before the season starts. Below I’ll break down the possible free-agent options the Kings have to acquire the missing piece in their offense:

Frolov now an option? Before I start with the attractive free agents still on the market, and possible trade bait, Alexander Frolov suddenly becomes an interesting topic. Coming off of an average year, with a few bumps along the way, many feel he and the Kings are parting ways. However, does Kovalchuk’s decision to sign with New Jersey put Frolov back in the picture for the Kings? Maybe. Maybe not. His lackluster effort has been his biggest downfall, but have we taken his point production for granted? Terry Murray made a point in sitting him last season, stressing his need to follow the “system”. Frolov was mum on responses to his benching, but came back solid. You can expect 50 points from the winger, averaging near 20 goals and 30 assist a year. Bottom line: The KHL is appealing to Frolov, which would offer more money, a lengthier contract, and provide an opportunity to play in his home country.

Free Agents that could fit:

Alexei Ponikarovsky: Ponikarovsky, at 30 years old, is coming off of a pretty productive season. Dealt to the Penguins at the trade-deadline from Toronto, Ponikarovsky never really meshed well with his new team. He had a career high 61 points in 2009, and recorded a combined total of 50 points with Toronto and Pittsburgh last season. At 30 years old, a lengthy contract may be desired, which may scare Lombardi away. Ponikarovsky is a great fit to a 2nd or 3rd line, and has a very impressive two-sided game, recording 18 takeaways, 43 blocked shots and 146 hits.

Sean Bergenheim:
I like the guy. I see this as low risk, high reward. Bergenheim, only 26 years old out of Finland, is coming off of his third NHL season. Bergenheim, another winger who plays well on both ends of the ice, would be a great fit for the young roster we have. Many won’t find Bergenheim enticing, as he won’t provide instant star power, but his upside is very pleasing. In his three seasons, Bergenheim has hit the 20 point mark, and recorded 10 goals each year. A big plus, much like Ponikarovsky, are his stats in his own zone. Last year Bergenheim recorded 57 takeaways, 37 blocked shots, and 127 hits.

Ruslan Fedotenko: Yet another UFA winger out of the Ukraine from the Penguins. Fedotenko is about the same player you’re going to get out of Ponikarovsky. Physical, solid two-way game, and good for about 30 points. Fedotenko’s -17 rating is a bit scary. Quite frankly, there’s not too much to be excited about with Fedotenko, except being one of the best available UFA wingers still on the market.

As for Restricted Free Agents
, there are a few on the board, but the problem is acquiring them. The Nashville Predators have yet to agree on terms with Patric Hornqvist, who would be a great fit. Young in age, and coming off of a 51 point season. Steve Downie, who’s rights belong to Tampa Bay, would also be a spectacular fit. Also 23 years old, and coming off of a 46 point season, I’m surprised Tampa Bay has yet to agree on a contract. I’m only throwing a couple of RFA’s out there, because I could list them all day long. The big factor is the team who owns their rights. They hold the key, and players such as Downie and Hornqvist demand higher pay than their current club, and often times, draft picks as well.

Trade possibilities? Free agents may not be the option for Dean Lombardi and the front office. In fact, the possibility of acquiring a winger via trade could very well be a better deal. I want to hear your thoughts on possible trades. Who do you have your eyes on? Who would you be willing to give up? Any other free agents catch your eye? The page turns on Ilya Kovalchuk, let’s get chatting on new options.

The Los Angeles Kings have been active in the front office the past couple of days, re-signing five players. Are they the moves fans have been hopefully anticipating? No, but building a solid roster does not entail glamorous front office activity. What Dean Lombardi and Co. have done is extended the progress of young talent in the Kings system for one more year. More importantly, the Kings agreed to terms with RW Brad Richardson before taking the the route of arbitration to court. Below I’ll break down Richardson’s deal, and the four RFA’s who were recently granted new contracts:

Richardson Signed: On Saturday, the Kings announced the re-signing of Brad Richardson to a one-year deal, paying the right winger $900,000. Not a surprising move here, and I never expected the Kings to take this to court. In two seasons with the Kings, Richardson has recorded 11 goals and 27 assists. His first season was marred by a foot injury. However, Richardson proved to be a key player last season, contributing by finishing offensively and creating chances for others with his hard work low in the zone. You’re not going to find a better 2nd/3rd line winger who can grind to create opportunities like Richardson.

Reports have shown that the Kings recently signed Trevor Lewis, Rich Clune, Corey Elkins, and Marc – Andre Cliche to one year deals. In no position to negotiate a lucrative deal, each player is said to have taken Lombardi’s initial offer.

Trevor Lewis, the 2006 1st round Entry Draft selection, has the clock ticking on his development in the Kings organization. Lewis missed the majority of the season last year with Manchester with an upper body injury. However, his comeback was strong, and may have been the clincher for the Kings in holding on to him for one more season. Lewis had a solid post-season for the Monarchs, and needs to continue to build on that in training camp.

Rich Clune
provided some energy and intensity to the Kings roster for 14 games last season. Clune recorded a measly two points, but scoring isn’t his role. He quickly made his presence as an enforcer, and his quick uprise with the big club last year made it no surprise to me that the Kings allowed Raitis Ivanans to walk, especially with Kevin Westgarth developing as well. I’d bet on Clune making the team out of training camp as a 3rd/4th line enforcer. Westgarth is clearly his biggest competition.

Corey Elkins
is the oldest of the RFA’s, but showed plenty of promise last year with the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL. In his first year of professional hockey, Elkins recorded 21 goals and 22 assists. His post-season performance was impressive as well, tallying 8 goals in 14 games. His opportunity of making the Kings out of training camp is up in the air, although I fully expect Elkins to start the season in Manchester to continue to develop in only his second year of professional hockey.

Marc – Andre Cliche, the Alternate Captain for the Manchester Monarchs last season, has yet to separate himself from the rest of the talent in the AHL. I don’t expect Cliche to start the season in Los Angeles, but wouldn’t be surprised to see a lengthier NHL appearance (one game) than last season, to truly test his stature as a centerman.

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