Saturday: Kupari’s stint in the minors was short-lived as the team announced that he has been recalled from Ontario and will be with the team for practice later today.
Friday: The Los Angeles Kings have sent Rasmus Kupari back to the minor leagues, as they return home for four games. Kupari was recalled on October 29 and is still waiver-exempt.
Now 22, the 2018 first-round pick has played in four games this season and recorded one assist. His play in the minor leagues has been inspiring, but it hasn’t turned into a regular spot in this year’s lineup. In 2021-22 he played 57 games and appeared to have taken the next step but with the emergence of other young players and the offseason acquisitions, the Kings’ roster is filled with talented forwards.
Even in the games he did play, Kupari only averaged 11:21 of ice time and not a single second on the powerplay. As a pending restricted free agent, this could have been a perfect platform year for the young forward. But unless something changes, it appears he’ll be heading into offseason negotiations without any legitimate NHL success.
The Kings are back in action tomorrow night against the Florida Panthers.
Kupari is better than Byfield.
Kupari is not better than Byfield. It looks as if Byfield may be somewhat of a late bloomer . But he’s going to be a very good NHL’er eventually…likely soon
At what?
Everything.
He is a bust. He is a bad skater, avoids physical contact, has poor hockey sense. He skates in lazy circles while his line fights along the boards. Bad Blake pick.
He is a bust.
You don’t know much about hockey and you babble aimlessly. An amusing combination.
He actually has played well. He’s up because Byfield has been ill and he must be feeling better. It’s a numbers thing and there’s not enough room in the lineup and he’s waiver exempt.
Today, Kupari probably is more polished and a better player for the 3rd line. He’s also got a much lower ceiling compared to Byfield. Byfield.
Byfield is only 20, give him some time. Bug centers always take a little longer to reach their potential. Saying he is a bust is just ignorant.
Bustfield. 54 games. 5 goals. 9 assists. 53 shots. +\- -7. He sucks.