But, if 1/3 of his prospects really do pan out, that is just incredible, when you consider that 90% of most drafted players don’t amount to much more than role or bit players.

The defensive future of this franchise sounds like it could be immense, and the great part of it is, he hasn’t scratched the surface up front. He will then be able to trade some of these assets to fill those roles on offense where needed.

I just freakin LOVE that quote!!

One side note about goalie development and keeping the kids down in MAN for a while is Quick commented that the adjustment btw MAN and LA wasn’t too bad b/c the system is the same. Good to hear there is consistency.

Even though Hickey pick was a reach in a lot of people’s eyes, the fact that he played last year for Canada and is captain this year says that so far DL was right about him. Hopefully, Hickey will continue to develop. DL’s comments about Teubert and taming a lion versus painting stripes on a kitty cat were great as well.

It’s nice to see the plan of “building from the pipes out” in full effect. Especially when a rookie like Quick can come in and push out a vet like LaBarbera. I think that sends the right message to the team about its direction and its expectations. As a fan, I love it!

I liked reading about Voynov and Campbell. It’s good to know that they are in Manchester (and developing nicely) because of their ability, not because they are “filling holes” in the lineup… or because the team wants to “go young.”

It seems to me that many of these rookies and youngsters are exceeding Lombardi’s original expecations and they are forcing him to tweak and re-examine his (IMO) relatively conservative player-development philosophies.

To me, this is the year that DL is proving that he is flexible enough to change with the times in that regard. I thought that keeping an 18 YO Doughty up with the big club would have been enough of a challenge. But keeping Moller and Simmonds (over Purcell, Moulson, and Boyle) out of camp as well… and now adding Quick!

DL has been quoted many times as saying that “the cream will rise to the top.” It’s seems to me that he is acting on those words, and that he is making room for those players (regardless of age or pro experience) who deserve to be here in LA. I totally agree with the way things are going here and I hope DL sticks around the Kings for a long time!

And when the time comes, maybe that excess depth on young dmen can be used to get a Kopi a finisher! Better that than go on waivers like Quincey.

And wow, the story about Teubert at WJC last year was just awesome. I was at the prospects camp this past summer and seeing Teubert and Andrew Campbell on the ice together gave me chills. They both have great size and intimidate the forwards.

I like what I’ve seen from Hickey and Teubert so far at the WJC. They’re a study in contrasts – Hickey is very smooth and controlled. It’s obvious that his hockey sense is very high. Teubert, on the other hand – he reminds me a bit of when Blake first broke in with the Kings – it’s clear that he’s looking for a big hit on almost every shift. I agree that if he learns to pick his spots he’ll be a very effective defender. That story about Filatov not wanting to go down his wing is priceless.