News:Justin Azevedo, who tallied 50 points for the Kings' AHL affiliiate last season, has opted to play in Europe next season, the LA Kings Insider reports.
Analysis:Justin Azevedo didn't really factor into the future plans in LA and will take his skates to Europe.
News: The Kings signed center Justin Azevedo to an entry-level deal Monday. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Analysis: The 21-year-old Azevedo totaled 36 points (12 goals) in 49 games with Manchester of the AHL in 2008-09. He missed a significant part of his rookie season dealing with two injuries. Azevedo came on late during his junior career and totaled a career-high 124 points (43 goals) in his final season with Kitchener in 2007-08. He was named OHL MVP after the standout season. The 2008 sixth-round pick is a developing prospect, but is merely a long-term Fantasy keeper for the deepest of formats.
News:The Sports Xchange reports there's future hope for the Kings, even beyond their NHL roster, which is the third youngest in the NHL. The Kings' AHL affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs, got off to a slow start this season but entered the weekend on a five-game winning streak. Leading the way has been goalie Jonathan Bernier, who was slow to recover from a strained groin he suffered in training camp. Bernier has won four consecutive starts, including one shutout, and has lowered his goals-against average to 2.50. In a bigger surprise, 2008 sixth-round pick Justin Azevedo, who suffered a broken wrist in training camp, debuted for the Monarchs this week and had four goals and three assists in his first five games.
Analysis: Azevedo had a breakout season with Kitchener of the OHL (juniors) in 2007-08. He had 43 goals and 124 points in 67 games. He also had 36 points in 20 playoff games. The reason he went in the sixth round because many thought his breakout season was a fluke, but Azevedo is showing he is for real. Consider him nothing more than a long-term Fantasy keeper at this time.
