Ben Shelley: Kings reveal opening night roster

What did Sean Durzi show in preseason camp? Will he make the big league at some point?

As to the poll question, I think whether Kaliyev sticks in the NHL for the season depends on his line placement. I'd like to see him with Vilardi (and Tkachev) on the third line a lot more than I'd like to see him with Moore on 4L. No slight on Moore. He is a very capable bottom 6 player. But Kaliyev will see more success on the 3L than with Moore and whatever 4LW is put on that line.

Hoven projects Andersson at 3RW. Maybe if Hoven's projection plays out, the Kings are more interested in Kaliyev just getting another small taste of the NHL until Athanasiou returns. I know that Andersson is fragile, so under Hoven's scenario, they may want to start Lias on that 3L to boost him offensively and keep up his confidence.

Excited for the season to start!

Add Lias Andersson to the list of players on IR for opening night. Day-to-day with a groin injury.

What did Sean Durzi show in preseason camp? Will he make the big league at some point?
- Leafsmart

He showed that he has improved defensively, but is still nowhere near NHL ready. He's probably 3rd in line for an NHL call-up for RHD, behind Strand and Spence. Grans had a quality showing in camp and could surpass him on the depth chart this season as well.

If Durzi is going to make the NHL, it's likely not going to be with the Kings.

As to the poll question, I think whether Kaliyev sticks in the NHL for the season depends on his line placement. I'd like to see him with Vilardi (and Tkachev) on the third line a lot more than I'd like to see him with Moore on 4L. No slight on Moore. He is a very capable bottom 6 player. But Kaliyev will see more success on the 3L than with Moore and whatever 4LW is put on that line.

Hoven projects Andersson at 3RW. Maybe if Hoven's projection plays out, the Kings are more interested in Kaliyev just getting another small taste of the NHL until Athanasiou returns. I know that Andersson is fragile, so under Hoven's scenario, they may want to start Lias on that 3L to boost him offensively and keep up his confidence.

Excited for the season to start!
- Only_A_Ladd

Looks like you get your wish. The 3rd line is projected to be Tkachev-Vilardi-Kaliyev for opening night.

I still don’t understand why lizotte is on this team. Turcotte or Kupari should be up. Not him.

I still don’t understand why lizotte is on this team. Turcotte or Kupari should be up. Not him.
- KINGS67

I don't understand why he got his spot over a guy like Grundstrom, but I wouldn't want Turcotte or Kupari in his spot on the 4th line, instead. They're better off getting top minutes on the Reign than 10 minutes per night on the Kings, IMO.

I don't understand why he got his spot over a guy like Grundstrom, but I wouldn't want Turcotte or Kupari in his spot on the 4th line, instead. They're better off getting top minutes on the Reign than 10 minutes per night on the Kings, IMO.
- Osprey

Preach

I don't understand why he got his spot over a guy like Grundstrom, but I wouldn't want Turcotte or Kupari in his spot on the 4th line, instead. They're better off getting top minutes on the Reign than 10 minutes per night on the Kings, IMO.
- Osprey

I agree with the Turcotte and Kupari part. But disagree with Grundstrom in over Liz. Liz is better defensively and works way to hard and out shines Grundstrom in that aspect. He can also play center.

I still don’t understand why lizotte is on this team. Turcotte or Kupari should be up. Not him.
- KINGS67

I think 4th line players belong on the 4th line. I don't think Turcotte or Kupari should be playing there. If they're not going to get at least a 3rd line role on the Kings, they should be playing big minutes in Ontario.

I agree with the Turcotte and Kupari part. But disagree with Grundstrom in over Liz. Liz is better defensively and works way to hard and out shines Grundstrom in that aspect. He can also play center.
- poisondhearts37

I can't say that I've ever been impressed with Lizotte's defense. I notice him mostly when he turns the puck over in the offensive zone. A 4th line that can keep possession in the offensive zone seems better than one that has to defend. As for the center argument, Moore could move back over to center or Anderson-Dolan could slot in instead of Grundstrom.

Well...that was pleasant!

Gotta buy a new hat.