LA Kings: Carl Grundstrom hoping physicality earns him a roster spot
By Ryan Sikes
Carl Grundstrom played a few games over in Sweden during the shutdown. In LA Kings training camp, he discussed having to re-adjust to the smaller rink.
Carl Grundstrom spoke with the LA Kings media for the first time in 2021 after training camp on Friday.
On getting a few games over in Sweden during shutdown
Yeah, I think it was a good thing for me to be able to play a little, little bit in Sweden before I came over here. So yeah, I think obviously, you don’t care which line you’re playing on. You just want to be back in the NHL.
On the all-Swede line of Grundstrom-Andersson-Fagemo being broken up after a few days of camp.
I think we would play good. But obviously, it’s really tough. A lot of good players here. So you just got to do your best and then play with whatever, whatever comes. Whatever they want you to play with, so not disappointed at all. Just excited.
On playing with Adrian Kempe
Yeah, I played really good with Kempe, but I think it’s easier to talk to each other. Maybe that’s one thing, but otherwise than that. I don’t think, it’s, it doesn’t matter that much.
On being nicknamed “Tonka”
Yeah, I think yeah, I think it was Dermy (MacDermid) who was calling me to that last year or something like that. I believe it was him. But yeah, it seems to start now when it got out to the media.
On earning a roster spot because of a heavy, aggressive forecheck
Yeah, I hope so. I like to play hard and hard and tough and be tough on the forecheck and win parts for our team, so hopefully,
On if he has anything to prove during camp.
Yeah, of course, I want to show them that I can, can play to take a full role in the NHL this year. That’s my goal.
On playing with Lias Andersson
He is really smart. He plays smart with the puck, good vision, and really, really smart and good to get two-way center, I would say but, but also a guy who can score a lot of points. So really good. Really good kid.
On if any re-adjustment to North American ice was needed
Yeah, it’s kind of maybe not too difficult. I’m used to playing on the smaller ice over here, but it’s an adjustment for sure. It’s a different game on the European rinks than it is here. The game goes faster. Back in Europe, it’s more possession, but after a couple of practices and a couple of scrimmages, I feel like I’m back to being used to smaller ice right now.
On having a preference playing left-wing or right-wing
Not really. I just play whatever they want me to play. I feel comfortable on both wings.