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Standouts from the Rookie Faceoff

Originally posted on Hockey Royalty | By Russell Morgan | Last updated Sep 17, 2024 3:17 PM ET

The 2024 version of the Rookie Faceoff in El Segundo concluded on Monday for the LA Kings with a 2-1 overtime victory over the Anaheim Ducks. The host team finished the three-game slate with a 1-1-1 record.

Serving as a nice prelude for the start of training camps across the NHL, the Rookie Faceoff allows management groups a chance to see their prized prospects up close before they head to their respective clubs. Let’s highlight a few LA Kings players who stood out.

Angus Booth – LD – 2022 4th round pick

If there was an MVP award for the LA Kings, Angus Booth would get my vote. The 20-year-old played in all three games for LA over the weekend and was heavily relied upon by coach Marco Sturm.

The left-shot defenseman stood out in all facets over the three games. He quarterbacked the power play, killed penalties, excelled in puck retrievals, and saw overtime minutes.

In Saturday’s game against Utah with Brandt Clarke sitting, Booth assumed top pair duties. And in the third period with the Kings searching for offense, Sturm called on Angus every other shift. “It was nice to be trusted and to be put on the ice in those important moments. Obviously, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t tired.”

Booth is heading into his first professional season after four years in the QMJHL. The two-way defenseman presumably will start with the Ontario Reign in the AHL.

Aatu Jamsen – LW/RW – 2020 7th round pick

Usually when watching these rookie games your attention focuses on top draft picks. But over a couple of years, it’s been seventh-round pick Aatu Jamsen who steals the spotlight. And it happened again this year.

With four points in the three games, the lanky 6’2″ winger exudes skill and flash in his game. He’s always looking to create. And with the puck on the stick in the neutral zone, he’s a zone entry waiting to happen.

Liam!

3-2 UTA pic.twitter.com/1gfVMJgjZs

— LA Kings (@LAKings) September 15, 2024

Like Booth, Jamsen will be transitioning to the AHL with the Reign. I’ll be curious to see how he translates his game to the smaller North American ice.

Brandt Clarke – LD – 2021 1st round pick

It was surprising to some to see Brandt Clarke’s name on the roster for these showcase games. Felt like a no-win scenario for the top LA prospect coming into the weekend.

If he excelled, great he’s supposed to. If he struggled, then it could draw concern. But I thought he did nothing to diminish fans’ expectations for Clarke heading into what could be his first full year with the Kings.

Clarke was easily the best player for the LA rookies in the two games he was featured. With the puck on his stick, he had no trouble finding time and space.

It felt as though he was playing at half-speed and limited himself in the exhibition games knowing there were bigger goals ahead. All in all, it was a good lead-up to what will be a crucial training camp for the star prospect.

The Goalies: Erik Portillo and Carter George

It must be difficult for goaltenders to perform well playing behind these makeshift teams without a lot of structure. But Erik Portillo and Carter George, the two top goalie prospects on the LA Kings rookie roster, shined when called upon.

The two netminders played in the Friday and Monday games, splitting duties in both contests. The only goals allowed in those games were while the Kings were shorthanded.

The 6’6″ Portillo used his size and positioning on multiple occasions. Including a penalty shot opportunity for Anaheim on Monday where he easily turned away a shot with his big left pad.

George, a second-round pick in this past entry draft, showcased his more athletic ability, similar to a former number 32 in Los Angeles. Those Quick-like reflexes were illustrated on a post-to-post sprawling glove save on Monday.

Portillo will look to build off an impressive first pro season in Ontario. While George will head back to Owen Sound in the OHL with his eyes set on a roster spot for Team Canada at the upcoming World Junior Championships.

This article first appeared on Hockey Royalty and was syndicated with permission.

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