Devils Acquire Andrei Loktionov from Kings; Loktionov Assigned to Albany (AHL)

[chilly666]

Newark, NJ – The New Jersey Devils today acquired center Andrei Loktionov from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for their fifth-round selection in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Loktionov will be assigned to the American Hockey League’s Albany Devils. The announcement was made by Devils’ President/CEO/General Manager Lou Lamoriello.

Loktionov, 22, is in his fourth professional season, after splitting each of the previous three between Los Angeles and Manchester (AHL). The 5-11, 180-lb. forward has appeared in 37 games with the Monarchs in 2012-13, recording seven goals and 15 assists for 22 points and six penalty minutes. He has career totals of seven goals and seven assists for 14 points and four penalty minutes in 59 NHL games played.

During his first North American season, Loktionov was a member of the 2008-09 Memorial Cup-winning Windsor Spitfires, where his teammates included current Devils’ forward Adam Henrique and prospect Harry Young. Born May 30, 1990 in Voskresensk, Rus., he represented his country at the 2007 and 2008 World Junior Under-18 Championships. He was Los Angeles’ seventh choice (fifth round), and 123rd overall selection in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

[NickDoh]

I think he has a MUCH bigger upside than a 5th round pick... He's inconsistent and always had to play out of position the few times he got to play in the big leagues with LA. Wouldn't be surprised at all to see him doing quite well for himself this time next year. Well worth the risk for NJ.

[lakingsfan19]

Thank you!

I am glad I don't have to listen to all the people on kingsinsider.com saying Lokti is the answer to all the Kings problems anymore.

Undersized for center and can't play the wing at all. Also has a problem with staying healthy. Did i mention he is easily knocked off the puck?

But what do i know, he probably will become the next Matt Moulson.

[Ciccarelli]

Put him on a line with Zubrus and Kovalchuk and he'll deliver. He has the tools to succeed IMO as long as he can stay healthy and doesn't think about going back home to Russia.