Los Angeles Kings: Wasting Jordan Weal

If you’ve followed my posts on Rink Royalty for a while, you’ve probably noticed I’m a big fan of Jordan Weal. I’ve followed him since his junior days with the Regina Pats when he played alongside Edmonton Oilers star, Jordan Eberle. The two of them put up some huge numbers in the 2010-2011 season — 85 goals and 202 points to be exact. Their huge success in junior marked them as emerging offensive stars at a young age.

We’ve seen Jordan Eberle in NHL action and he continues to impress with the Edmonton Oilers. They had to be leaping with joy when they saw he would come back from an injury just as they were going to lose Connor McDavid due to breaking his clavicle.

But Jordan Weal hasn’t received the same look as Jordan Eberle. And I’d say, a well deserved look. The reason being that he has come up through a system much different than the Oilers. Edmonton has been on the losing end for years, while the Kings have had much recent success. And do you know who success is the worst for?  Rookies.  AKA – Jordan Weal. He has to fight a lot harder to secure an NHL spot because the team has less of a need.

In a recent Twitter conversation I had with former LA Kings Insider, Rich Hammond, I asked for his input. To which he responded with:

Twitter conversation about Jordan Weal with former LA Kings Insider, Rich Hammond.

Hammond, who now covers the Kings for the OC Register, knows a lot about the team, coaching, history, and dynamics. He’s followed the team at a deeper level than anyone for years now so he’s a trusted source. And it’s slightly alarming to me that Darryl Sutter is so hard on rookies…especially with rookies who have proven themselves at every level besides the NHL.

Jordan Weal was the playoff MVP last season with the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL. He was second on the team in points last season, just behind Brian O’Neill (whom the Kings lost for nearly nothing during the pre-season). I think any other team would die to have a guy like Jordan Weal on their roster right now. He’s fast, smart, makes plays, and has a pure offensive knack for scoring. To top it off, he had a great pre-season showing.

But he’s only played 2 games so far this season with a measly 7 minutes of average ice team. How is a player like him ever going to get the experience he needs to excel if he gets used so minimally?

And why has Nick Shore become Darryl Sutter’s golden boy all of a sudden? I mean, I really like him and all but I’m not sure he adds much to the team that couldn’t be equally filled by Weal. So why not give them a 50/50 chance at earning a regular spot on the playing roster?

Next: Los Angeles Kings: 3 Great Surprises

I’m not a coach and I don’t see the day-in/day-out stuff, but I’ll just say this:  FREE JORDAN WEAL! Give him a chance. Put him in more of an offensive line, not with other grinders. Get some skill around this kid and let’s see him thrive.

If they’re not careful, they’re going to end up losing him for next to nothing simply because they “don’t have space”. The thing is — make space. Period. Make space for this kind of talent. Jordan Weal is an essential piece to the future of the Los Angeles Kings.