News Article: Gravel Impressing During AHL Rookie Season

[CNS]

Gravel Impressing During AHL Rookie Season

For a defensive-defenseman, being compared to two-time Stanley Cup winner Rob Scuderi is high praise. Yet, during his first three years at St. Cloud State University, Michigan-native Kevin Gravel did just that and looked destined for a future spot on the Los Angeles Kings blueline.

Thoughts? Comments?

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[ScoreZeGoals]

Sign him

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

I want to see him stick around for sure, but I'm not sure what to make of him at this point given the logjam in Manchester at D. I'd love to see him take another leap forward next year, which is likely with the pro experience, I just hope that's in the plans. I haven't gotten to watch as much Manch as I'd like, but when I do, he's just there eating up time and space, which is perfect for his role, but he does look a lot more natural/comfortable.

 

[Reaper45]

With Forbort and Miller ahead of him I'm not sure he's in the long term plans. And with no one signing him to an NHL deal so far this season, maybe he's just not that good.

 

[bob77]

I watch all of the Manch games. He's playing very well. He skates well, plays defensive positioning well. At times you almost think him and Forbort are the same player. One advantage for Gravel is that for many games this year, he hasn't had to play back to back games. He's been rotating with Ebert and Raine. Also, when someone out of miller, schultz, bods, or Loverde have been out, he almost always is placed on one of these pairings. FORBORT meanwhile, plays every game, and every night it seems like he's placed with a different partner, usually Ebert, raine, or Gravel. Yet, it doesn't Impact his play. To me, if they had gravel under a Kings contract, I think they would play him more. I would definitely place his play this year just after only Miller and Forbort.

 

[Peter James Bond II]

Good article, thanks.

I do know that Tonellisghost loved Gravel and thought he had a future. TG 'retired'
from here it seems. So it seems what was lacking was the compete level and not Kevin's abilities and tools. It's good to know that Stothers says he has improved
immensely. Kevin turns 23 tomorrow, so it's not like he really has the 3 year
pro development time, that many AHLers take. Once a prospect hits 25, less of a chance to make it.

Would behoove him if he was right handed. With Forbert, Miller and even Ladue
moving up the D lists, it will not be easy to make it here. Even with the loss
of McKeown, there's still Ebert, Leslie, Lintuniemi, MacDermid, and Roach.

I guess we'll know if the Kings believe he has a future, if offered an NHL contract.

 

[Captain Mittens*]

I miss TG. He is good people.

 

[damacles1156]

I think Gravel has the best Hockey IQ out of Forbort/Miller.

But that alone, doesn't get you in the NHL.

 

[bob77]

Good article, thanks.

I do know that Tonellisghost loved Gravel and thought he had a future. TG 'retired'
from here it seems. So it seems what was lacking was the compete level and not Kevin's abilities and tools. It's good to know that Stothers says he has improved
immensely. Kevin turns 23 tomorrow, so it's not like he really has the 3 year
pro development time, that many AHLers take. Once a prospect hits 25, less of a chance to make it.

Would behoove him if he was right handed. With Forbert, Miller and even Ladue
moving up the D lists, it will not be easy to make it here. Even with the loss
of McKeown, there's still Ebert, Leslie, Lintuniemi, MacDermid, and Roach.

I guess we'll know if the Kings believe he has a future, if offered an NHL contract.

One thing to understand about LaDue is that he's only six months younger than Forbort and Gravel, yet still in college. Kids start college later these days after playing USHL junior hockey. Both Forbort and Gravel were true 18 year old freshman.

 

[Peter James Bond II]

I miss TG. He is good people.

I do too...now it seems that Flour Child has disappeared as well.

 

[Captain Mittens*]

I do too...now it seems that Flour Child has disappeared as well.

Are you being ironical?

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

I watch all of the Manch games. He's playing very well. He skates well, plays defensive positioning well. At times you almost think him and Forbort are the same player. One advantage for Gravel is that for many games this year, he hasn't had to play back to back games. He's been rotating with Ebert and Raine. Also, when someone out of miller, schultz, bods, or Loverde have been out, he almost always is placed on one of these pairings. FORBORT meanwhile, plays every game, and every night it seems like he's placed with a different partner, usually Ebert, raine, or Gravel. Yet, it doesn't Impact his play. To me, if they had gravel under a Kings contract, I think they would play him more. I would definitely place his play this year just after only Miller and Forbort.

I was thinking this as well but just wasn't sure if I wanted to say it because of my limited viewings!

 

[CNS]

Didn't even time it for his birthday. Pretty convenient.