.

There’s always work to be done on the farm.

If it isn’t the development of young prospects, the AHL‘s a place for those newly-proven names to continue to progress when the NHL won’t allow it.

It’s the minor leagues, and it’s lockout-haven. Other than Europe, of course.

Many names from the Kings’ roster have taken refuge to Manchester, New Hampshire to stay in action in the American Hockey League during the NHL‘s current lockout.

The Kings have added another name to their list of assignments to Manchester. Goaltender Jonathan Quick will make an unlikely return to play hockey in the Granite State, although on an extremely limited basis.

The Manchester Monarchs have played eight regular season games so far this season, and are sitting pretty with a 5-2-0-1 record, tabbing them in first place position in the AHL‘s Atlantic Division.

Head Coach Mark Morris has continued his thriving success at the helm of Manchester’s bench, dressing not just a winning team – but an extremely disciplined one at that. The Monarchs are second-best in the AHL with only 118 penalty minutes, only behind the Milwaukee Admirals and their mark of 108.

As for their winning ways, the Monarchs have done so in maintaining success in close contests. Through the first eight contests, the Monarchs are averaging just under three goals per game, and are allowing just under two goals per game. That ratio certainly holds the recipe for success.

Martin Jones has been pleasantly solid between the pipes for the Monarchs. Jones has started and played in all eight contests for Manchester, allowing just 13 goals in total, while tossing two shutouts into the mix.

Jordan Nolan, Andrei Loktionov, Vyacheslav Voynov, and Dwight King have been playing in Manchester during the lockout, here’s a quick look into how each is faring.

Where you came from

Jordan Nolan #71

Not like Jordan: Nolan has had an unfortunate season thus far, or lack thereof. The Kings’ feisty left-winger has only appeared in one game for Manchester this season. In their opening contest in Rhode Island against the Providence Bruins, Nolan was injured in a fight against the Bruins’ Bobby Robins. Nolan reportedly suffered from a broken finger, and is expected to sit out a few more games. The Garden River, Ontario native exploded into the NHL scene last season, coupling with Dwight King to provided a bigger, more physical presence to the Kings’ offensive tandem. Nolan played in 26 regular season games for the Kings last season, chiming in with two goals, two assists, and 58 hits.

Andrei Loktionov #48

Andrei’s hot: After getting snubbed from the Kings’ Stanley Cup trophy engraving, Loktionov has kept his attention on playing good hockey – and it’s shown early on in Manchester this season. Loktionov is the second-highest scoring forward on the Monarchs roster with three goals and three assists for six points. Andrei hasn’t been shy to pull the trigger either, like we’ve seen in many of his NHL appearances. Loktionov has fired off 18 shots in seven games, which ranks fourth on the club. Loktionov, however, is getting the luxury of playing in his natural position at center in Manchester, something he’s been unable to do consistently when in a Kings uniform.

Vyacheslav Voynov #26

Slava’s house: Voynov has been a horse on the Monarchs’ blue-line this season, continuing to build on the promising skill and intelligence he’s shown first-hand in Los Angeles. He’s clearly shown an offensive knack in his defensive game, and has carried it over and further developed it in his return to Manchester. Voynov has tallied two goals and two assists in eight contests, but his shot-total (23) is what really stands out. Voynov will rarely score on a shot from the point, but he’s got the smarts to put the puck on net – to both ease pressure on the blue-line, and to create scoring and rebound opportunities.

Dwight King #74

Down from the throne: King was a late addition to the Monarchs roster, he wasn’t assigned until October 19th. In the four games King has played, he’s recorded two assists. King is continuing to make use of the lethal shot the NHL world was introduced to last season, ripping off over three shots per game with Manchester. His size and physical presence have continued to bode well also, King carrying a dependable +2 rating to his name. King has continued to play with a high-level of discipline, much like the entire Monarchs’ roster, and has stayed out of the penalty box. His partner in crime, Jordan Nolan, could’ve used that approach.

Safety Net

Not so Quick: For the Kings’ undrafted goaltending prospect Martin Jones, the 2012-2013 campaign has started out extremely well. Jones has started all eight games for the Monarchs, and is flying high with a 5-2-0-1 record attained by a flashy 1.62 GAA and .939 save percentage.

For a moment, the 22 year-old Jones saw his spectacular run in the Monarchs’ crease become quite threatened by the return of Jonathan Quick, who was reportedly allowed to re-join the Monarchs’ roster because of the nature and timing of his back injury.

Well, not the case. Jonathan Quick is only allowed to practice and train with the Monarchs per clarified NHL guidelines. Quite frankly, this is probably a better suit for Quick, who doesn’t want to push things too far coming off of minor, but complicated back surgery.

And, well, its a sigh of relief for Martin Jones, who survives amidst his own success in an organization that is extremely heavy in the goaltending depth chart.

Jonesin’ for Success

Touché, Martin Jones, touché.

And the Vancouver, British Columbia native does it all in the Canadian Heritage Night uni’s. A shutout performance if you will.

The Monarchs’ next contest is scheduled to be played Wednesday evening in Newfoundland, Canada against the St. John’s IceCaps. The IceCaps sit just one point behind the Monarchs in the Atlantic Division, holding a 5-6-0-0 record that accounts for 10 points in the standings.

Episode 174 *The Lockout Edition* – HERE
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