Post by LAKingsGM on Jul 2, 2023 13:05:26 GMT -5
Los Angeles, Ca.- The Los Angeles Kings organization had a very successful 2022-2023 season. The Kings made it to the Western Conference Quarter Finals in the playoffs and the Oakland Seals (AsHL affiliate) won the AsHL Cup. It appears that the organization is at the top of their game but major changes are coming to the organization. Longtime defensemen Keith Yandle announced his retirement from the NsHL and Sami Vatanen left for Europe leaving a huge hole on the back end for the organization. "We lost two huge pieces to our blueline." said GM Kopsack. "They will be tough to replace. This off-season, we have our work cut out for us."
Finding defensemen like Yandle and Vatanen won't be easy. They were two of the most productive defensemen the Kings had last season. "We're going to look to a team that may have a situation where they need to move a blueliner or we may dive into free agency but we're going to address the need, for sure." said GM Nathan Kopsack.
It appears the team is poised to re-sign veteran David Savard to a multi year contract which would leave the team with Kris Letang, Ryan Lindgren (who is also negotiating a new deal), and Markus Nuutivaara as the only blueliners under contract for the Kings. Rookie defensemen like Simon Benoit, Nick Cicek, and Tyler Tucker could all vie for a blueline position. Rumors are swirling that management is working the phones to bring a blueliner into the corps this off-season as well. "We're busy at the moment. Looking for teams that may have glut of defensemen or are in need of reducing their salary cap. We're in a pretty good position." continued GM Kopsack. "Email me at njkopsack@yahoo.com or ICQ a message to me if you have a defensemen you'd move. We're ready to talk." concluded Kopsack.
Youngsters looking to make the jump to the NsHL next season include Joey Anderson, John Leonard, and Simon Benoit. Notable prospects coming out of the pool and into the organization's rosters include 1st round prospect Mavrik Bourque (f), William Dufour (f), Adam Ginning (d), and Remi Poirier (g) among several others.
LA Kings management is also shopping for a goaltender to back up John Gibson. "We're looking for a solid back up to give John a good break throughout the season and allow us to compete night in and night out." said GM Kopsack. "We're in the market, for sure."
This is IP Freely for LA Kings Hockey.
Finding defensemen like Yandle and Vatanen won't be easy. They were two of the most productive defensemen the Kings had last season. "We're going to look to a team that may have a situation where they need to move a blueliner or we may dive into free agency but we're going to address the need, for sure." said GM Nathan Kopsack.
It appears the team is poised to re-sign veteran David Savard to a multi year contract which would leave the team with Kris Letang, Ryan Lindgren (who is also negotiating a new deal), and Markus Nuutivaara as the only blueliners under contract for the Kings. Rookie defensemen like Simon Benoit, Nick Cicek, and Tyler Tucker could all vie for a blueline position. Rumors are swirling that management is working the phones to bring a blueliner into the corps this off-season as well. "We're busy at the moment. Looking for teams that may have glut of defensemen or are in need of reducing their salary cap. We're in a pretty good position." continued GM Kopsack. "Email me at njkopsack@yahoo.com or ICQ a message to me if you have a defensemen you'd move. We're ready to talk." concluded Kopsack.
Youngsters looking to make the jump to the NsHL next season include Joey Anderson, John Leonard, and Simon Benoit. Notable prospects coming out of the pool and into the organization's rosters include 1st round prospect Mavrik Bourque (f), William Dufour (f), Adam Ginning (d), and Remi Poirier (g) among several others.
LA Kings management is also shopping for a goaltender to back up John Gibson. "We're looking for a solid back up to give John a good break throughout the season and allow us to compete night in and night out." said GM Kopsack. "We're in the market, for sure."
This is IP Freely for LA Kings Hockey.