Ben Shelley: Projecting the Kings’ opening night roster

Looks great!!!

Good summary, Ben.

I think we will see the following opening night:

Fiala-Anze-Kempe
Moore-Danault-Vilardi*
Iafalo-Byfield-Kaliyev**
Lemieux-Lizotte-Grundstrom***

*I would be REALLY surprised to see Arvidsson back opening night.
**That third line could be interesting. Iafalo and Byfield will be a collective menace in the neutral zone. I could see Byfield really clicking with those two.
***The only way you take the 4C from Lizotte is if you rip it from his dead hands. Love that kid.

Mikey-Drew
Walker-Durzi
Bjornfot-Roy
7D: Edler

I would not be shocked, here, to see Clarke get a 9 game look. Spence really deserves a spot but there is so much congestion at RHD. My guess? He forces himself into the line-up by December.

The only thing I don't agree with is I think Iafallo will be on the 2nd line and Villardi on the 3rd. Really a shame about Turcotte, poor kid just can't stay healthy.

The only thing I don't agree with is I think Iafallo will be on the 2nd line and Villardi on the 3rd. Really a shame about Turcotte, poor kid just can't stay healthy.
- Earl Skakel

Moore all but outplayed Iafallo out of the top 6. And coach Todd is really into the having Iafallo with Byfield and Arty. If Arvidsson isnt ready for the opener. Fagemo and Gabe will fight for that spot.

I want to see JAD really challenge Lizzote for t hat 4th line center spot. JAD is much more talented. I have a real hard time seeing how Villardi fits into this roster. And hope he shows well enough that LA can make a trade happen.

I mean to me the candidates to fill in for #33 are
-Iafallo
-Villardi
-Kupari although he's waiver exempt so he goes down first
-Fagemo likely not NHL ready yet so I think he's the last option unless he proves otherwise.

I think when #33 comes back Iafallo would go to the 3rd line with the kids.

In terms of JAD at least at the NHL level in his brief callups I don't think he's impressed but since they would likely lose him to waivers he'll stay up and Kupari goes down. Lizotte is fast which you'll need with Grundstrom and Lemieux on the line who although not slow ain't fast either.

I mean to me the candidates to fill in for #33 are
-Iafallo
-Villardi
-Kupari although he's waiver exempt so he goes down first
-Fagemo likely not NHL ready yet so I think he's the last option unless he proves otherwise.

I think when #33 comes back Iafallo would go to the 3rd line with the kids.

In terms of JAD at least at the NHL level in his brief callups I don't think he's impressed but since they would likely lose him to waivers he'll stay up and Kupari goes down. Lizotte is fast which you'll need with Grundstrom and Lemieux on the line who although not slow ain't fast either.
- Earl Skakel

I really think if Arvidsson isnt ready. Its a challenge for Fagemo and Villardi to battle for. I love Lizottes compete lvl and his speed. Just wished he was on his feet alot more, rather than down on the ice. JAD showed in his first call up hes good. He was impressive with his speed and creativity. But his call ups after. It seemed like they (the coaching staff) asked him to be basic or something. Or he lost confidence. At the end of the day. I just really wanna see some youngsters take the next step. ESP for Byfield and Arty.

I mean JAD to me could be the new Mike Richards/Iafallo combo if all the cards align for him. it's going to be tough for any of the kids to make the team once #33 comes back because the likely lines are
Fiala Kopitar Kempe
Moore Danault Arvidsen
Aliyev Byfield Iafallo
Lemieux Lizotte Grundstrom

Barring injuries I don't know where JAD or Villardi fit in and either will most likely be picked up on waivers. should be a fun team to watch with the perfect blend of vets and a lot of youth coming:
Kupari
Fagemo
Turcotte eventually
Chromiak
Simontival

I thought Valardi looked very strong last night. Had a couple of good chances and battled for possession really well. It might be too little too late for him though.

I thought Valardi looked very strong last night. Had a couple of good chances and battled for possession really well. It might be too little too late for him though.
- Stu17

Just need him to have a strong showing so he can be traded. Unless he just outplays someone for a roster spot