That's why we're questioning the quotes, FE--see above where his (now former) GM suggests they could trade him because they believe he'll be in the NHL next year.
And Rychel believes that because the Kings believe that. Rychel has been in close contact with the Kings. He knows the writing is on the wall, so he's doing what's best for his team in the future. Futa told me
personally that Vilardi is a Kopitar like skilled player, he's that good. I'll take his word for it since I haven't seen him play, and I have belief that Futa knows talent when he sees it. He is already a man size player at 6-3, 205 or so. Kopi started at 19. Vilardi is following in his tracks. Unless he has another physical set back, I expect he'll be in LA next year.
As for Amadio, I'm on the Amadio train. I've seen the majority of the games he has played for the last year and a half. I've always thought he was a Mike Richards type player (smarts, high hockey IQ, good hands, excellent passer with vision, creative, win puck battles, creates turnovers) with the exception of the physical aspect. He's only 21, he'll get better. He just needs some skill on his wings. He's a decent skater, but not fast. Face offs need work. He just does a lot of thing well. Kings are high on him. He looks like a 3C type with maybe a 2C ceiling down the road (potential, not sure). Like some other posters, I believe both have a strong chance at the roster next year. The Nick Shore's of the world maybe be on the way out. We'll see. Obviously they have to prove it.
