It feels like ever year there’s a player who comes into training camp and makes an unexpected splash to earn a roster spot.
Last season it was Alex Laferriere and the season before that it was Gabe Vilardi.
While the Los Angeles Kings’ roster seems to be mostly set heading into the 2024-25 campaign, there’s always room for a surprise or two.
If there’s a player who’s going to be that surprise training camp addition, my money is on young forwards Aatu Jamsen.
A 2020 seventh-round pick, Jamsen was the Kings’ best forward at the rookie faceoff showcase tournament. On the surface that doesn’t mean much being one of the oldest players there and someone who was expected to play well.
However, Jamsen has carried that strong play into camp and is not proving he can do it against more established NHL players.
Being older certainly helps his case to potentially make the roster, but moreso than that is his 113 games of pro experience in the Finnish Liiga.
It’s always difficult for young players to make the transition into the NHL, but having that experience in Liiga should ease that process for Jamsen.
He’s also a player that can fill a variety of roles.
Jamsen’s unlikely to ever be a top six forward in the NHL, but he has legitimate NHL puck skills and creativity to compliment a pro frame and good feet.
He’s also a hardworking player that can fill a bottom six role.
In the past I’ve discussed player like Andre Lee or Samuel Helenius who have the build to be a bottom six forward but potentially lack the required skill to play in the NHL and Jamsen doesn’t have that issue.
Not as big or physical as either or those players, he has the right combination of work ethic, size and skill to fill a role.
He’s still a longshot to make the roster and will likely start the season with the Ontario Reign, but as things stand, he seems the most likely dark horse candidate to make the team.
