Kings Rookies Summer Camp

In the inaugural year of the EHE, the Kings were one of the early league favorites to win the Cup and they didn’t disappoint. OK ! They didn’t win it but they lost to the Cup winner in the semis.  Key picks selections guarantee them to be successful for the next couple of years.  Toews – Bergeron – Nyquist - Burns – Bernier all have a good year and the late season acquisition of Martin St-Louis helped them going further in the playoffs.  They are here to win and to win now.  Although they traded fan favorite in smiley Curtis Lazar, their prospect list is still very good and full of promises.

This year at the summer rookies camp, we could spot a few of the Kings future stars in Werenski-Gostisbehere on defense and Erne-Point-Bittner up front.  Mason McDonald is not ready to take over Jonathan Bernier’s job in net yet but should challenge him in 2-3 years time. We will also see him at the WJC this Christmas.

In Werenski, the Kings believes that they got a future top line d-man with a big upside.  He should be able to play big minutes in all situations and be very effective.

In Gostisbehere, we could see him being a good top 4 defenseman and could be running the power play in 2-3 years once Markov retires.  He is available to play in the EHE this year but will most likely stay on the prospects list.

On the forward side,  Erne-Point-Bittner should be bringing lots of energy and character to the team in 2-3 years time.  Of the 3, Bittner looks like to most offensive minded player although Point scored 87 points in 60 games for his WHL Moose Jaw team.  Don’t count Erne out as he might get an opportunity to play in the NHL quicker then the other 2.

On a side note, Martin St-Louis will be spending some time around during the summer camp with Jonathan Toews.  They will be available to all the kids that would want to share stories and giving hints on how to prepare for the NHL.  It was good to see St-Louis, all smiles and still looking in good shape.  Looks like he could be ready to jump on the ice and still be good even at 40 years old.