Sheldon Rempal started his season in the AHL on the right note, recording four goals and four assists over four games with the Ontario Reign, plus a pretty sweet shoot-out goal in a loss to the San Diego Gulls.
Silky Smooth, Remps.
📹: @OntReignFan pic.twitter.com/0IBS9oB5hr
— Ontario Reign (@ontarioreign) October 16, 2018
Rempal’s eight points and four goals led all AHL rookies and caught the eye of the Kings’ front office. He was recalled today from Ontario, and since both teams practice from the same rink now, he was immediately available to join the Kings this morning.
At practice, Rempal skated on the fourth line, playing alongside Jaret Anderson-Dolan and center Nate Thompson. If the practice lines hold, he could make his NHL debut tomorrow against the Islanders.
Rempal came in at #18 on our list of top players under 25 in the Kings system:
His upside is limited, but with a lack of dynamic forwards at the AHL level, the Kings could turn to Rempal later in the year if they find themselves in need of scoring depth. He has proven he can score at every level thus far. Playing against men for the first time, he will now need to prove he can skate well enough to elude bigger defenders and find open space to let his skills shine.
It looks like Rempal’s done just that, perhaps even earlier than expected. In Ontario, Rempal said that aside from increasing his confidence in his game, he wanted to work on being able to handle the physicality of the professional game and learn to maneuver to find open ice. It’s been a limited sample size, but he’s done enough to warrant another look with the Kings, who are struggling to find any offense and may be able to get a spark from the motivated young winger.