KINGS RECALL ANDREI LOKTIONOV AND BRANDON SEGAL FROM THE MANCHESTER MONARCHS

Kings have recalled Andrei Loktionov and Brendan Segal from the Manchester Monarchs.

Both players are off to a good start.  Loktionov (hereinafter “Lokti”, which means elbow in Russian – thank you fellow Kings maniac Zak for that translation) has 6 goals and 11 assists in 20 games.  Segal comes in with 14 points.  So, who are these guys?

Well, Lokti is a center. He is a two way forward who has a pass first, shoot second style. He is defensively sound. He played a big part in the Windsor Spitfires’ championship last season. He was second only to projected first round pick Taylor Hall on the team.

Segal is 25 years old, 6 years older than Lokti. He was initially drafted by Tampa Bay in the 4th round, 102nd overall. He had career highs in goals, assists and points – 26/26/52 – last season with Norfolk.

I expect Lokti will play either a 3rd or 4th line center role. I would be surprised if he plays the 2nd line. Mad line change scientist Terry Murray is capable of anything but he will likely pair Lokti with veterans around him.

Segal is likely headed for the 4th line. In fact, I would not be surprised if both go to the 4th line, and Brad Richardson gets a promotion to the 2nd line.

I am excited to see Loktionov. He was very fun to watch last season when the Spitfires made the playoffs. He is a dynamic player and has the potential to be a solid NHL center. The only thing that concerns me about Lokti is his size. At 5’11″ and 187 pounds (more like the high 170′s), I wonder if he is big enough for the NHL.

Candidly, I don’t know much about Segal other than what I have read.

He is supposed to be a tough guy. At 25, he probably recognizes that he has to impress in the next couple of seasons or he may find himself back to the AHL for good.

Here are some videos of the soldiers called to duty.

The first video is that of Lokti on opening night with his first career hat trick.  ”Hat trick? I thought you said he was pass first, shoot second?”  He is.  Settle down.  He has had 3 goals since opening night and 11 assists.

The second video is Segal…losing a fight…keep your chin up Brandon, you will have plenty of time to win some of those.