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About This Page: This is a discussion on News within the LetsGoKings.com forums, at Los Angeles Kings Hockey Fan Forum. Originally Posted by PowrrrPlay
KP, not sure if you saw the Kings prospect interview with Azevedo, but according to the interview his equipment did not show up on time so
KP, not sure if you saw the Kings prospect interview with Azevedo, but according to the interview his equipment did not show up on time so he was using someone else's skates for the first day. After he got his gear I think your post does proper justice even though he had to play catch up. I might add, was there anybody at camp better than him in the face off circle?
Cheers
Powrrrr:
thanks for your input.
obviously the challenge with these message boards is that most contributors have never played the game at a decent levl and do not know the finer points of the game.
Also, there is a HUGE difference between a 'practice player' and a 'gamer'
the practice player looks pretty in practice and doing the drills; but a gamer will perform no matter what the challenges are during a game.
practice players do look pretty in ptractice, but become invisible in games.
it is a good thing that the coaches are the ones picking the team!
I asked Lombardi if he feels that doing that is captain material (since asking outright if Brown will be captain will get a convoluted answer), and Lombardi said, "Absolutely."
That's a nice level of insight there. I'm sure there are a number of professional interviewers who wish they could get DL to just answer the question they ask.
Hats off to you also for having the sack to make these kind of projections/predictions with total assurance. You could've hedged your bets but did not.
Trevor Lewis Pre-camp thoughts: Was a bit of a disappointment last year. Initial Observations: Looks better Development: It's odd, but even though I say Lewis looks better, his game has not really changed at all. He's a forward who accelerates well, skates fast, is defensively responsible, and gritty. He has an improved shot from last year, but all in all, he made those subtle improvements in his game that I can't really specify what it is, but he just looks better out there.
If it's one thing he really needs to practice with, it's skating with the puck. He has great acceleration, but he moves a lot slower when making maneuvers with the puck. If he makes the NHL, he'll be: 3rd/4th line defensive forward. I know people don't like seeing a 1st round pick as a 3rd liner, but it's the game he plays. He's on a slow but steady developmental path.
Andrei Loktionov Pre-camp thoughts: Trained with Igor Larionov, so... does he play like him? Initial Observations: He played like, well, let's just say he was jet lagged. Development: The Russians were SO entertaining to watch, but admittedly it was really tough to watch them at first. Simply stating, the only explanation I could think of when I first saw Loktionov was jet lag. Even on game day, he just wasn't in sync.
Tuesday, he looked much improved. He has an unusual skating stance and style. At first, I thought it looked like Pavel Bure's technique, but maybe that's just fuzzy childhood memories, since re-watching Bure highlights now, it doesn't look like it. He has a very deep bend of the knees almost like he's skiing, and his feet move forward and backward like pistons, unlike a normal skating stride. I had seen it before, but now I can't recall who.
Anyway, he had a lot of obstacles to overcome with training camp; not really knowing anyone, jet lag, youth (remember he's an 18 year-old playing against 20+) and the language barrier. One drill, the forwards were supposed to strip the coach of the puck, play the puck off the board after retaining possession, then skating down the ice. Loktionov thought he could kill two birds with one stone by hitting the puck away from the coach so it would hit the boards, then he'd get possession and skate away. It was amusing.
Overall, though, he does look like a smart player. He has patience, waits to see how things develop, then usually makes a good play with the puck. Him and Dravecky really clicked on the drills they had to do together. His shot is very inconsistent, but he handles the puck really well. If he improves his leg muscles, his unusual stride may be a huge bonus where he could play with great speed... but at this point he's still a huge project. If he makes the NHL, he'll be: 1st/2nd liner. I'm teetering on whether or not he should go to his OHL team or Manchester, as he would definitely benefit from both. If he were to make the NHL, though, it would be as a playmaking forward.
__________________ It's a gift, and a curse. - Monk
Alec Martinez Pre-camp thoughts: Did well in Miami. Should be good here. Initial Observations: Disappointment Development: The biggest knock about Martinez last year is he needed to bulk up. You could see in his legs how thin he was. He has definitely added weight this year compared to last, you can see it in his legs. I'm not sure if he's adjusting to his growing body, or if it's just the level of players he's being compared to now, but he just didn't look very good out there. His stride and stance are normal, but he didn't have a good deal of speed. His passing wasn't there. His physical game is a work in progress. He didn't look awkward, but he was, if that makes sense.
I could have set the bar high with my expectations, and he underperformed, or he just didn't have a good camp. I'm sure he'll be okay by training camp, but he just didn't look that great out there. If he makes the NHL, he'll be: Mobile #5/6 d-man. He may be a decent PKing d-man long term as he's quick, but he still has a way to go before even making the NHL let alone being given crucial special teams time.
David Meckler Pre-camp thoughts: I was pulling for this guy last year Initial Observations: He made me look really smart Development: Last year, I said that Meckler had the most deceptive shot of all the forwards. This year, it's the most lethal of every player. Honestly, I was at this camp, last year's camp, and showed up a couple times at the camp two years ago. Of those three camps, I cannot think of one player who has a better shot, not even Kopitar or O'Sullivan. This was immediately apparent; he has a very quick release, whether it's a slap, snap, wrist, or backhand shot, and it gets a tremendous amount of velocity and accuracy. On top of this talent, he skates well, can get physical, and can handle the puck well.
In terms of what he needs to work on, he could develop his skating still, and he needs to compete consistently. It's not that he's lazy, but he can disappear. He could also work on his passing, and he's a bit of a puck hog. If he makes the NHL, he'll be: Top 6. His talents necessitate him being in that type of role.
Scott Parse Pre-camp thoughts: Had lots of assists, so he's a playmaker Initial Observations: Not the scorer I thought he was. Development: Parse is one of those players who just feels like he's been in the system for so long, you are naturally predisposed to thinking he should be one of the leading players on this team. After all, he was drafted 4 years ago, and so being a "veteran prospect" you'd think he'd be some type of leader.
He wasn't in the slightest.
He made one play that even reminded me that he was originally a playmaker. His skating is at the same level of everyone... which isn't excusable, in my opinion, since he has been in the system for so long. He should be more refined. His shot is still of junior/collegiate level. I'm trying not to say that he's bad, but he's a 13 year-old in the third grade. Is it impossible for him to graduate from high school? No, but he still has a long ways to go, and right now he's behind the learning curve. If he makes the NHL, he'll be: 2nd line playmaker. At this rate, I'd be very wary about expecting him ever to show up at the NHL level, but he's a passer, and he can pass well... which would make him a good supplemental scorer.
Joe Piskula Pre-camp thoughts: Aaron Miller Initial Observations: Aaron Miller Development: Piskula stepped in, met expectations, and has pretty much become a "what you see is what you get" type of player. He's not as mean as Miller, but he is willing to play the physical game. He's not going to fool you into thinking he's some offensive defenseman. He's not. His skating speed is a little below average, but he's a strong guy who can push the opposition out of the way. Passing is still an issue, but when he screws up, at least he'll be staying back to make up for his mistakes. If he makes the NHL, he'll be: #5/6 stay-at-home d-man.
KP, this is awesome, every time I read another post, I think I'm done and then I scroll down and see a new one and get excited. :D Keep up the great work!
__________________ your: your book | you're: you are ||| its: possessive! | it's: it is
their: their book | they're: they are | there: over there
to: going to the store | too: too much | two: 2!
lose: opposite of win | loose: your mom
Wayne Simmonds Pre-camp thoughts: He would be the most impressive player out of this group Initial Observations: Not a disappointment. Development: Simmonds has added a little bit of weight, but he's still lanky (particularly in the legs). Other than that, he was simply one of the best players out of this group.
There's really very little this kid does wrong. He drives to the net, skates hard, stickhandles well, is creative, and consistently punks the goalie if given enough time. One particular drill, he scored three goals in a row shooting in the exact same corner. He's also very gritty; he won't throw a heavy check, but he has that physical presence.
The biggest thing holding him back is his weight. He still needs to bulk up, but he's very close to being a very steady pro. If he makes the NHL, he'll be: 1st/2nd/3rd line gritty winger. He has that top end talent, but even if it doesn't work out, he can play an energy role and succeed.
Vjateslav Voinov Pre-camp thoughts: Intriguing, dirty SOB Initial Observations: Jetlagged Development: Voinov, like Loktionov, looked like he was suffering from jet lag. His performance at the game wasn't very noticeable. However, the next day, he started coming into his own. He quickly became the most amusing player to watch on my last day, Wednesday.
During drills, he tripped over the blueline, just trying to skate back in line, and slid all the way to center ice. He was laughing about it. Jamie Kompon then made the "safe" gesture like an umpire in baseball. He got the most praise from the coaches, where Kompon on several occasions would yell "All right Slava!" and slam his stick. One drill, the d-men were practicing reversing the puck... the d-man is supposed to say "reverse!" Voinov surveyed the ice, as he was supposed to, then tried mumbling something. Kompon was amused, repeating the word "reverse" a couple times for Voinov so he knew how to say it right. Still, I think Voinov was discouraged, since he wasn't saying it right, because he didn't try to say it after that. The d-men who was supposed to reverse it to him just did it anyway.
Another time, he messed up the play, and he gave his defensive partner an apologetic tap on the shinpad.
Ultimately, this is a kid who is facing a lot of adversity and he always seems to enjoy the time. He usually makes a mistake with his drills, and there aren't any other Europeans in the d-men group who might have a taste of the Russian language to try and explain things to him. Still, with a little bit of time, he usually catches on to the drill, and he is usually the most fluid skater and accurate passer of these d-men. If he makes the NHL, he'll be: Bottom 4 d-man. He's got potential to be good at both ends of the ice, and he learns quickly where he can pick up the game at a pro-level.
Kevin Westgarth Pre-camp thoughts: Enforcer Initial Observations: Enforcer Development: There's not really anything to be said about Westgarth. He's slow, has a bad shot, bad pass, and can't handle the puck. Seems like a good guy, but he was having a bad camp even for an enforcer. If he makes the NHL, he'll be: An enforcer. I really don't think this is breaking news to anyone.
Unfortunately, that's going to be it. I didn't get a good read on the Gold group goalies, mostly because the first two days I had a hard time distinguishing Quick and Taylor, but also because of the limited time I saw them in the game and in camp. I can't really pretend to give you any informed analysis there.
Thank you, I thought it up myself, essentially. I pretty much detailed all my interaction with DL in this thread already, so no, he didn't tell me how to format it. I have read a few different scouting service publications (McKeen's, Future Considerations, ISS), and tried picking out things that I liked and things that were practical. For example, I like the rating system of ISS, but it wasn't a practical tool for my limited experience, when you have up to 35 guys on the ice you're using as a relative comparison.
Like I said, this development camp was for me as well as the players; At this point, I wanted to detail the thought process and experiences when watching these guys, hence why I have "pre camp thoughts" and "first impressions." I wanted those very brief, because I didn't want them to be confused with the actual evaluations.
The "development" section needs a lot of work, because there are facets of the game I still need to pick up on and notice. Like board battles and face-offs (as was brought up). They're things that people see, but don't notice, know what I mean? I completely overlooked them.
And finally, with the "If they make the NHL" bit, it's something I like from Future Considerations, when their draft guide has potential roles for their top players. As a fan, the evaluations mean nothing unless you can imagine some type of role or fit for them, especially on the Kings. It's also my fall back on my evaluations; if people think I'm ranting and raving about a player, they might assume I feel he's locked in for a top line role. Similarly, if he's not very talented, people assume he sucks and needs to be traded, without realizing that even the Red Wings didn't have 4 forward lines and 3 defensive pairs of hall-of-famers.
Anyway, sorry for the rant. I'll start working on some of the evals now, but won't be done until late tonight. I've been away from family all week, so they may actually be happy to see me again and want to spend time with me
And yes, Simmonds was part of the Gold Group.
Dude, you answered my question like a true D Lombardi disciple. Not complaining, though. I actually like Lombardi's detailed explanations cause I'm detail oriented (another term for 'anal retentive') myself. From these thorough explanations, I fully get where you and the Sith Lord are comming from when describing all the Kings prospects. Keep 'Em Comming, KP.
It was nice to see that you think that Simmonds potentially can be a 1st or 2nd liner, rather than just being a 3rd line "energy-type" player that he was penned as last year.
adgy-san
I'm sure I'll make a trip to LA a couple times this season. I'll let you know what games I plan to go to! 
