The Los Angeles Kings have completed several transactions, including recalls of Alex Turcotte and Vladimir Tkachev. Austin Strand and Kale Clague have both been loaned back to the Ontario Reign, while Drew Doughty has been moved to long-term injured reserve.
Before Kings fans get excited about a potential NHL debut for Turcotte, the fifth-overall pick from 2019, these moves could simply be in order to maximize the relief pool that Doughty’s injury provides. Sending both Clague and Strand to the minor leagues leaves the team with just five defensemen on the roster (compared to 15 forwards) and will likely mean another move comes before tomorrow night’s game.
Still, there could be a good reason to give Turcotte that debut pretty soon. The 20-year-old forward has five points in his first eight games for the Reign this season after racking up 21 in 32 last year. That was in addition to starring for the U.S. at the most recent World Junior Championship, where he helped secure a gold medal with eight points in seven games.
Tkachev meanwhile has already played in four games this season for the Kings, registering two assists. The KHL veteran was signed to a one-year entry-level contract in May, one which does include a European Assignment Clause, which could be activated at some point if the 26-year-old stays in the minor leagues. A star overseas, it doesn’t make much sense for Tkachev to be playing for $80K in the AHL. For at least one day, he’ll earn his NHL salary with the Kings instead.
The two forwards each carry slightly higher cap hits at the NHL level than Clague and Strand, meaning they get the Kings a little closer to the cap ceiling. That’s the goal when you’re putting someone on LTIR during the season, as it gives you the largest relief pool to operate in. Given how little flexibility they had before, this will allow them to try out some of their young prospects whenever necessary.
Clague was kickin ass. This is lame.
My first minor-league game in 20 years was last night at the Reign/Silver Knights tilt, and while he didn’t dominate the scoresheet, Alex Turcotte looked entirely dominant at times on the ice. Would prefer to give him 4-5 more games in Ontario before any call-ups, but if they feel striking the iron whilst hot, I can’t fully disagree. seeing AT in person, and knowing Byfiled isn’t too far away from his return gives me PLENTY of hope for the Kingss future.
3 points in 3 games for clague and he gets demoted? Stupid af
Clague is just a paper transaction, nothing more.
Yea he’s only tied for second in points amongst defensemen on the team. Oh yea, in only 3 games. But you’re right, nothing more.
Not what that means. Means he was only sent down on paper, not actually playing with Ontario. Clague will play in the Kings next game. He was demoted only as a paper transaction on their off day.
This is all about maximizing cap space and will be happening throughout the year. Having our top development team in Ontario makes these transactions a lot easier.