Results tagged “Lauri Tukonen” from Inside the Kings

For those who haven't seen it already, the Kings today traded winger Lauri Tukonen to Dallas for winger Richard Clune.

It seemed increasingly clear that Tukonen had fallen out of the Kings' plans. Here's what the Kings' press release had to say about Clune:

Clune, 21, was selected by Dallas in the third round (71st overall) in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. He played in 38 games with the Iowa Stars of the American Hockey League (AHL) this past season and recorded eight points (3-5=8) while finishing second on the club with 137 penalty minutes. Clune, a 6-0, 195-pound native of Toronto, also skated in 19 games with the ECHL's Idaho Steelheads this past season and registered 10 points (1-9=10) and 41 penalty minutes.

Clune finished third on his team in goals (32), assists (46) and points (78) and led his club in penalty minutes (151) while skating with the Ontario Hockey League's (OHL) Barrie Colts during the 2006-07 season. He also led the Colts in postseason scoring with seven points (3-4=7) and eight penalty minutes in eight playoff games that year. In addition, Clune appeared in one game with the Iowa Stars that same season, recording two penalty minutes.

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).