This morning, Kings development camp ended with an 8 AM scrimmage.
Originally, scrimmage was scheduled for 10 AM. Asking around, this change was made to accommodate some of the prospects so they could fly out earlier.
For the first part of the scrimmage, both goalie nets were moved above the circles, eliminating the corners and shrinking the rink for a spirited, close-quarters 3-on-3. The next part of the scrimmage was a regular 4-on-4.
While it's difficult to get an accurate read on anybody through development camp's drills and intense scrimmages, here were some of the names that people were talking up: Among the 20-and-older players, Boko Imama, Matt Luff, Easton Brodzinski, Alex Iafallo, Jack Ahcan, and Oscar Fantenberg drew praise. Among the under-20 players, Jared Anderson-Dolan, Drake Rymsha, Kale Clague, Jacob Friend, Simon Benoit, and Cole Hults caught some eyes. Gabriel Vilardi sat out once again. The goaltending didn't seem to particularly stand out.
Again, you can't put too much stock on a few days of development camp. So a prospect who's not talked up is nothing to worry about.
Personally, these were some of my snapshot impressions -- full disclosure, it was my only day at camp:
• You expected the more mature Boko Imama, Alex Iafallo, and Oscar Fantenberg to play above the generally less-developed competition, and they did. Imama looks like he could be a Jordan Nolan-type sooner than later -- uses his size, decent straight-ahead speed, and some occasional flash. Iafallo showed some good wheels during 4v4, but perhaps the 23-year-old has another gear, as I look to him to potentially be an immediate help for LA's bottom-six.
• Camp invitee Easton Brodzinski did not look out of place at all. Playing an offensive style similar to Jonny's, insofar as he was constantly looking for the soft spots in coverage from where he could launch a shot, he scored on a wrister from the slot during 4v4 action that I believe his older brother would have been proud of. I'm not saying his shot is as intimidating as Jonny's, but it's definitely an asset. Entering St. Cloud State as a 20-year-old, he might be a late bloomer. He'll have to improve his "dig," but that may come with physical maturity and time.
• On the other hand, 20-year-old Michael Eyssimont has already put up two solid seasons with the Huskies, but I thought I might see more out of him. The 2016 fifth-round pick had an opportunity for a breakaway during 4v4, but the first step wasn't there. That said, Eyssimont has legitimate tape against top-notch NCAA action, so I'm not going to write him off because of one play, one scrimmage.
• Jacob Friend provided perhaps the most excitement of the morning, as the 2016 seventh-rounder scuffled with camp invitee Evan Weinger behind the play, then trucked Weinger with a bone-crunching hit afterwards. Later, driving the net, he bowled over goalie Matt Villalta. No question all that physicality got the attention of the Kings.
• Jared Anderson-Dolan showcased a noticeable motor and had his head up at all times. The 2017 second-rounder was definitely a player who was involved on both sides of the puck. Converting that energy into production at the higher levels will be a question, but this was a solid start.
I also spoke with
Jesse Cohen from All the Kings Men, who attended every day of development camp, and he was kind enough to share his general impressions:
Rymsha has a professional shot...the puck leaps off his stick....
Luff looks good, uses his size well...
Imama is obviously professional, he's got a polished game. Knows how to handle the puck, knows how to use his body to protect it...
One player who stuck out to me was Simon Benoit. Camp invitee, 6'3", I believe. Really strong skater. Maybe just needs to round his game. He didn't look as good in the scrimmages as he did during individual drills...
Anderson-Dolan had his head on a swivel, knows when to pass, keeps the puck alive, strong defensively...he understands the game, both sides...
Friend is big, he's strong, he's tough, he 100% knows how to implement all of those elements. He's terrifying...him and Imama are the strongest [at this camp]...
The older guys, whether it's Fantenberg, Iafallo...the older guys, you can tell that they know what they're doing, but their skills and ability...they're still not separating, they're still not really standing out...
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