* Clifford has always been a bottom 6 forward.
* Schenn never got a chance as he was traded.
* Moller played well and was coming on until he broke his collarbone in worlds.
* Loktionov never got consistent top six minutes. He played really well on the Brown/Loktionov/Stoll line and for no reason they split that line up. I really think if they kept that line together they would be one of the best 3rd lines in the NHL now.
**Kings have never fully given young potential top 6 forwards time to develop since Dustin Brown. If you look at yesterdays game Forsberg is playing on the third line getting experience until they move him to top six. Kings have to start doing this type of thing or the only way guys like Toffoli get to that next level is via injury.
I'd hate to think where Brown would have ended up if not for the lockout. He was wasted his first year in the league as an 18 year old and the lockout allowed him to go to Manchester and play a full season. It wasn't until he was in his third year in the NHL (fourth pro season) before he put up decent offensive numbers in the NHL. The Kings came closer to ruining him than developing in his rookie year.
Btw, Forsberg is -10 in 10 NHL games. I'm sure that's doing wonders to his development.
The way guys like Toffoli get to the NHl is the same way guys like Voynov did. You develop your game in the AHL and step in when you've earned a spot and can hold it. Toffoli didn't do that in camp, in fact if anything he played himself out of a spot.
I don't understand some of you fans, especially vets like you Pucknut. You'd think years of watching us screw up the development of kids would wisen you up to the fact that patience is best most times. The proof thus far is in the number of NHLers developed in the system. Toffoli and Pearson, and hopefully Zykov, will add to that total, but thankfully only when theya re ready.
I'm not saying an 18 year old. The like of Toffoli Vey and Pearson don't make the team over some scrubs on our line up. Hence 10-15 years waiting period for Zykov.
You said before the age of 20. That's all the guys I mentioned in my response.
And so what if it takes a while for the likes of Toffoli, et al. to make it? They should have to earn it, not have it given to them. Toffoli was given all the chances to make it out of camp and played below NHl standards. So he was sent back to Manchester.
Seriously, just because you don't like someone doesn't mean rushing a kid in is any better.
Excited about this kid...I traded Voynov for him in my keeper league. Hope he's a gem.
I hope not even up.