Bobby Kittleberger: So Far So Good (preseason edition) The LA Kings have played and lost four preseason games. There's good news though.

especially if Vilardi’s health continues to be an issue.

If you have serious back issues at what 19, which from all accounts sounds like what he has ... Playing NHL hockey is probably not going to be very good for it going forward.

especially if Vilardi’s health continues to be an issue.

If you have serious back issues at what 19, which from all accounts sounds like what he has ... Playing NHL hockey is probably not going to be very good for it going forward.
- dozerD10

yep, certainly has limited Muzz's career since the Pens gave up on him and his bad back...

yep, certainly has limited Muzz's career since the Pens gave up on him and his bad back...
- ColoTim

Defensemen can afford to not play a whole lot between ages 18 and 22. The position is mostly mental, after all, and doesn't require as much practice as simple maturity, which is why they tend to develop more slowly. Forwards can't afford to lose those years, since they're crucial for developing the skills that they need to be successful. Vilardi needs to get healthy as soon as possible because the likelihood of him reaching his potential is going to diminish significantly if this issue persists for another year or two or three.

That Mario lemieux guy did pretty well with back issues at a young age.

But seriously I hope all of this is precautious. He did so well his last year in juniors even though he missed time and then it flares up now.

Anze Kopitar achieved something even Lemieux couldn't do... he finished twice in the 50 #NHLTopPlayers-list, being #14 and #9:

#14: https://www.nhl.com/news/...c-300287092?tid=290583266

#9: https://www.nhl.com/news/...c-300400936?tid=290583266

Congratulations!