Cracknell Claimed, Schultz Clears
On Monday, October 6th the Los Angeles Kings placed forward Adam Cracknell and defensemen Jeff Schultz on waivers.
During the 24-hour waiver period Cracknell was claimed by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Schultz cleared waivers, so he will head to the Kings American Hockey League farm club team the Manchester Monarchs.
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Cracknell’s claim by the Blue Jackets stretches the Kings depth. Now in the event of an injury at the forward position the Kings would likely recall David Van der Gulik or Nick Dowd from Manchester.
Both Van der Gulik and Dowd showed promise in the preseason. Dowd generated offense scoring 1 goal and 1 assist in 2 preseason games. Van der Gulik has previous NHL experience, playing with the Calgary Flames and Colorado Avalanche. During the preseason Van der Guilk played regular shifts and also spent time on the Kings penalty kill, blocking shots and contributing. Depending on the situation Van der Gulik or Dowd will be the next forward to come up to the Kings NHL roster.
Schultz clearing waivers will help keep the Kings defensive depth in tact. The Kings have kept seven defensemen on the roster to start the season: Drew Doughty, Jake Muzzin, Slava Voynov, Matt Greene, Robyn Regehr, Alec Martinez, and Brayden McNabb. It’s likely that the Kings will dress six defensemen for most of the regular season. Should injuries occur on the need arrive, Schultz will be the next defensemen the Kings call up, ahead of prospects Derek Forbort and Andrew Bodnarchuk. For now Bodnarchuk is not an option, due to a knee injury sustained during training camp. The next defensemen on the depth chart is Vincent LoVerde.
Schultz has previous experience in the NHL playing for the Washington Capitals. Shultz also stepped in for the Kings during the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs, playing seven games. Schultz held his own and proved he is a reliable fill-in when the need arises.