The Los Angeles Kings are well represented in this year’s World Junior Tournament and they are showcasing their skills. Arthur Kaliyev, Alex Turcotte, Akil Thomas, Tobias Bjornfot and Lukas Parik are just a few names.
There are high and low performances so far, let us start with the low.
Tobias Bjornfot, Kim Nousiainen, Akil Thomas and Aidan Dudas, who just signed his entry-level deal with the Kings, are a combined -5 with three points for their respective teams. Dudas and Thomas have not seen a ton of ice time and therefore are not able to showcase their skills.
Rasmus Kupari was injured in the first game and has not played since.
Now onto the positives.
Arthur Kaliyev and Alex Turcotte have been good for team U.S.A. While Turcotte has only two assists, Kaliyev has picked up the slack in a big way. Kaliyev leads the U.S. in goals with 4 while adding 2 assists for a total of 6 points. Kaliyev has an NHL shot and has been using that every chance he gets thus far.
Samuel Fagemo has been on fire for Sweden. He leads the World Juniors in goals with 5 and has added one assist for 6 points so far. Fagemo has looked better this year and seems to be a bit quicker. His shot, especially his wrist shot, jumps off the stick with so much zip. He could be a second-line winger with the Kings sooner than later.
Who else has been watching the tournament? If so, who of the Kings prospects have you been impressed with? What did you expect out of these players during the tournament?
FEATURED IMAGE: Adam Ihse-sportsnet.ca
