Player evaluation: Tukonen

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LAURI TUKONEN

This season: 1 game, 0 goals, 0 assists, even rating,

Positives: Despite some ups and downs in his pro career thus far, he’s still a part of the Kings’ plans and it’s easy to forget that he’s still only 21 years old. When he’s playing consistently well, Tukonen uses his size to get to the net and is strong on the puck. He has the potential to play on a scoring line.

Negatives: Tukonen is about to complete his third season in the AHL and still hasn’t make a significant impact. His goal totals have actually decreased, from 14 to 13 to 9. Consistency has been a major issues, and the other parts of his game aren’t quite strong enough to make up for a lack of offensive production.

Looking ahead: It’s time for Tukonen to make a statement. Given the strong depth at the forward positions in the Kings’ system, he runs the risk of getting buried if he doesn’t make himself stand out soon. The talent is there, it seems, but he needs to show something next season.

Contract situation: Signed through 2008-09 (cap number of $885,780 next season).

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