2006-07 Rookie Watch

[albi20luc]

KINGS
Ready Now: Two blue-chippers are on the way! Patrick O'Sullivan and Anze Kopitar are both solid candidates to make the team and play an important role this year. Either one could compete for this year's Calder as offensive contributors.
Keep an eye on: Slick-skating Fin Lauri Tukonen projects to be a solid second-line winger in the NHL by 2008. He'll play a bigger role for Manchester of the AHL this year.

link - thescore.ca

[linusbox]

I would really, really be surprised if Anze Kopitar makes the team this year. Anze is great and all, but I agree with Dean Lombardi; Kopitar needs to spend some time with the Manchester Monarchs just to get used to the North American style of hockey. He also needs to get used to playing on smaller ice surface. Playing in Europe is one thing, but playing in the North America - NHL style is a completely different animal. A year or two for Anze in Manchester and he'll be a dynamo when he makes the team.

[albi20luc]

linusbox said:

I would really, really be surprised if Anze Kopitar makes the team this year. Anze is great and all, but I agree with Dean Lombardi; Kopitar needs to spend some time with the Manchester Monarchs just to get used to the North American style of hockey. He also needs to get used to playing on smaller ice surface. Playing in Europe is one thing, but playing in the North America - NHL style is a completely different animal. A year or two for Anze in Manchester and he'll be a dynamo when he makes the team.

A year or two?
Mark my words linus, Anze will be in LA before Christmas, and not because the Kings will rush him.

This kid is the real deal, and the NHL is where he belongs.