Russell Morgan The Rookies and Sophomores
Rasmus Kupari: C+
Rasmus Kupari has been getting a long look in his first full season with the LA Kings. Playing in 37 games already this season, he’s been a constant on a much-maligned third line for LA.
Watching him in Ontario with the Reign, Kupari would show a lot of flash in his game. However, with the Kings, he’s been playing with too much uncertainty. A stint back in the AHL could be in his future, or maybe Rob Blake sees him as a possible trade chip.
Mikey Anderson: B
I never envisioned Mikey Anderson to play consistently on LA’s top pair alongside Drew Doughty, but it seemed to work last season. And it’s continued to this season as well.
It must be tough to play alongside Doughty each night. With the amount of offense Drew can bring, Mikey is looked upon as the stable of that pairing. He’s had his ups and downs this season (1v1 defending is still an issue), but as a young player in that role, you have to be satisfied with the growth in his game.
Arthur Kaliyev: A-
It’s been an excellent first year for Arthur Kaliyev in the NHL with the LA Kings. While he’s not lighting up the box score each night, he’s learning to play a complete game.
Featured on the fourth line with Lizotte and Lemieux, Kaliyev brings an elite shot with homerun capabilities to go along with the agitating skills of his linemates. We’ll see if he ends up staying there throughout the season or if McLellan brings him up in the lineup to give him more scoring opportunities.
Tobias Bjornfot: B+
Sometimes you forget Tobias Bjornfot is playing for the LA Kings, and that’s a good thing! He isn’t a flashy player by any means. He plays a quiet but solid defensive game while sprinkling in a little offense.
It’s hard to believe he’s still only 20 years old. The maturity illustrated each night by him is a welcome sight for the future of the Kings’ defensive core.
Sean Durzi: A+
Sean Durzi has been the most impressive LA Kings rookie this season. After the loss of Sean Walker long-term, there was a question of who would be able to step in and bring some offense. While Durzi may not have been the pick of many to be the player to step in, he has turned out to be the right one.
Durzi was a dynamic playmaker with the Ontario Reign. Though his defensive awareness can lack at times, he can be an impactful player once he starts playing with confidence. And we’re starting to see that confidence in his game with the Kings.