Ontario Reign: How are the rookies doing?

As with the case with every AHL season, rookies are making the jump from juniors, college, or even from Europe. Last year, the Reign had eight rookies play at least one game. This year, through 15 games, four rookies have played at least one game. Today, we will talk about how those four rookies have looked during those 15 games. Let’s get started!

Forwards

Francesco Pinelli

Stat line: 13 games, 2 goals, 1 assist, 3 points, -4 rating

After a 90-point campaign in the OHL with the Kitchener Rangers, Francesco Pinelli made the jump to professional hockey. Having played center in juniors, the organization has Pinelli playing at wing, mainly sheltering him. It also helps that the Ontario Reign are deep at the center position. However, it hasn’t been an easy transition for the 20-year-old forward. Pinelli has recorded only three points in 15 games and has been a healthy scratch in two of the last four games.

His slow start isn’t a cause for panic. Many players graduating from juniors, or even college and Europe, have to adjust at the professional level. Remember, Martin Chromiak had to go through it last year when he made the jump to the professional level from the OHL. The game in juniors is WAY different from the professional game. The game is faster, you’re playing against men instead of players your age, and you can get away with mistakes you can’t in the AHL or NHL. Unless your name is Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, or Connor Bedard, who are generational talents, the transition may not be as smooth.

Having sat next to Pinelli in the press box in the Ontario Reign’s 4-0 victory over the Calgary Wranglers on Sunday, he mentioned the speed, size, and puck management as things he is adjusting to as he gets acclimated to the professional level. He has shown flashes of his passing and smooth hands, which we all heard about during his tenure in the OHL. Once he gets comfortable, he’ll be fine.

Defensemen

Cole Krygier

Stat line: 13 games, 1 goal, 3 assists, 4 points, +2 rating

Cole Krygier wasn’t drafted by the organization. He was acquired in a trade with the Florida Panthers for future considerations back in March. This is technically his rookie season, but he played in eight regular season games for the Ontario Reign last year as he turned pro and recorded a goal and an assist. In 13 games, he has recorded two points and has been a healthy scratch on two occasions.

I didn’t know much about Krygier last year, so those eight regular season games and two playoff games were the first time I watched him play. Watching those games and his play this season, Krygier is a good skater and will join the rush if he can. With the Kings’ left-handed defensemen position thin in the pipeline, Krygier has that in his favor. Ultimately, I see him as a possible sixth or seventh defenseman in the NHL in the future.

Brandt Clarke

Stat line: 15 games, 4 goals, 11 assists, 15 points, +4 rating

The 20-year-old defenseman is the real deal. Brandt Clarke has had no problem making the transition from the OHL to the professional game at all. Clarke played nine games with the LA Kings and five with the Ontario Reign last year, which could have helped make his transition smoother. While his defensive game needs work, Clarke’s offensive talent has been on full display this season in Ontario, and is quarterbacking the first power-play unit.

He wants to be the difference maker, as head coach Marco Sturm alluded to after the Reign’s opening night loss to the San Diego Gulls. If he has an opportunity to make a play in the offensive zone or on the rush, he will do anything he can to do it. That is why I believe Jacob Moverare has been the perfect defensive partner for him, as he can cover up his mistakes. While everyone wants to see him on the Kings, there isn’t room for him on the roster. A season in the AHL will allow him to improve his defensive game and get 20-plus minutes a night.

Goalies

Erik Portillo

Stat line: 5 games, 11 goals against, 2.20 GAA, .917 save percentage, 1 shutout

Erik Portillo didn’t have a good showing at the Rookie Faceoff tournament. With the goaltending position in the pipeline a weakness for the Kings, all eyes are on the 23-year-old rookie. The Kings were blessed to have Jonathan Quick for as long as they did, so those are big shoes to fill. From the five games I’ve seen from Portillo, you can see some things he has to work on and the potential he has.

An area Portillo will need to improve in is his rebound control. There have been times when he’ll make a save but give up a big rebound or lose sight of the puck, causing him to make an acrobatic save or be out of position. More work with the goaltending coach and he’ll get better. His strengths are his size and his ability to play the puck. Being 6’6 allows Portillo to take up most of the net, especially when it’s his against the shooter. Portillo has looked solid in his last two games as he has stopped 49 of 50 shots in those two games and recorded his first career professional shutout this past Sunday. Like everyone else on this list, let him continue to develop in the AHL.