~**Making it to the NHL: The Career of a RW Sniper; An NHL '09 BAP**~

[SabresKings3623]

After the Los Angeles Kings had drafted defenseman Drew Doughty and Colten Teubert at # 2 and #13 overall in the 1st Round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, their interests turned to forwards in the second round. There was still a wide variety of talent available, but the Los Angeles Kings were in search of a true sniper. Quickly looking over their scouting notes, the Kings table became ecstatic when the Florida Panthers, who owned the 1st pick of the second round, had drafted a goaltender, and not the young player they now had their sights set on. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stepped up to the podium, and announced "The Los Angeles Kings are now on the clock, with the 2nd pick of the 2nd round, at 32nd overall." GM Dean Lombardi, President Luc Robitaille, Head Scout Lee Callans, and new Head Coach Terry Murray all worked their way up to the stage....

Russian born right-winger Niko Baron sat up anxiously in his seat. His favorite NHL team, the Los Angeles Kings were on the clock. He hadn't really expected to be drafted in the first round, because some scouts had told him that although he was a pure sniper, he still didn't have a great passing game. He had a decent year in the RSL, now known as the KHL with his club, the Moscow Dynamo, captaining the team, and scoring 36 goals and 19 assists in 59 games. Baron thought to himself,"I hope I get drafted by the Kings, I want to play for them a lot. They are my favorite team after all, I've been following them since I was a young kid. Ah hell, I just want to make it to the NHL and..."-his thought process was interupted by Luc Robitaille's voice...

"The Los Angeles Kings are very happy to select, from the MoscowDynamo of the KHL, Niko Baron!" Niko couldn't believe his ears. He jumped out of his seat, grabbed his father, Alexander by his shoulder, and gave him a huge hug. He then hugged the rest of his family members, including his mother, and then made the walk from the stands to the stage, where he was greeted by his favorite player of all time, Luc Robitaille, and Dean Lombardi, as well as his new coach Terry Murray, and the man responsible for enlightening the Kings about him,that had kept a close eye on him ever since he started in the KHL, Lee Callans.




RW Niko Baron in his new Los Angeles Kings Jersey

"Welcome to the Los Angeles Kings, Niko. We're very, very excited to now have such a dynamic sniper like you as part of our team's future." said Dean Lombardi. "I can't believe I've been drafted by the Kings, you won't be disappointed with this decision" exclaimed Niko, as he was overwhelmed with emotion. "Thank you, thank you" he kept telling the Kings management team, as he worked his way over to the reporters. He was now well on his way to making it to the NHL.

Niko Baron Scouting Report

Niko Baron, shown playing on his former KHL team, the Moscow Dynamo.


Number: 61


Position: Right-Wing


Handedness: Lefty

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 188lbs.

DOB: 9/27/90

Hometown: Moscow, Russia

Niko thought to himself, after briefly speaking with reporters, "I just cannot believe this, I actually got drafted by the Kings. Obviously, I'll have to spend some time with the Monarchs in the AHL, but I just can't believe I've made it this far in my hockey career." Just as he went to text anyone he could think of, he realized he had 43 unread text messages. He replied as fast as he could, but was interupted by none other than one of his idols, future teammate, and fellow Russian Alexander Frolov. "Congratulations kid, I'm happy to see you drafted by the Kings. You're one hell of a player, and I look forward to playing with you, hopefully in the near future. Remember, just stay focused and work as hard as you can, and you'll be in the NHL before you know it." "Thanks Alex, I'm glad to meet you, and glad I'm a prospect of the Kings", said Niko. "I've gotta run, but I'll probably see you soon." With that, Alex Frolov walked away, and Baron was greeted by his parents and friends. What a day it had been, as he was now an official member of the LA Kings.......

[SabresKings3623]

Re: ~**Making it to the NHL: The Career of a RW Sniper; An NHL '09 BAP**~

Be-A-Pro Settings


System: Xbox 360

Rosters: EA Roster Update #2(10/16/08)

Period Length: 8 Minutes

BAP Style: Authentic

Sliders: Default

*Note: I will be playing all of the games, simming it wouldn't realistic.*


How was that first update? I'll try a few different formats for my updates, so any comments/criticism/suggestions are welcomed. Thanks to any/all followers....

[SabresKings3623]

Re: ~**Making it to the NHL: The Career of a RW Sniper; An NHL '09 BAP**~

Los Angeles Kings Ink RW-Prospect Baron to One-Year Deal







Sniper Niko Baron will start his pro-hockey career in the AHL with the Manchester Monarchs. He has had an impressive training camp so far.



TSN.ca has learned that the Los Angeles Kings have inked 2008 2nd Round Draft Pick Niko Baron to a one-year, two-way contract worth reportedly around $0.685 thousand. The "sniper" from Russia was the 2nd overall pick in the 2nd round(32nd overall). Baron has size at 6'2", 188lbs, and posses a wicked shot, and very good hands. He led the KHL(formerly the RSL) in points the last two seasons with Moscow Dynamo, and depending on how fast he learns the North American style of hockey, we could see the young winger in the NHL with the Los Angeles Kings in not time. GM Dean Lombardi stated that "Baron is an extremely talented young winger, and could become a focal point in the Kings offense very soon. The kid is fast on his skates, has great hands, and a wicked accurate shot, to go along with his size. He isn't afraid to hit or drop the gloves either, and that is something we look for when evaluating our prospects. He has a very bright future ahead of him, and I'm excited we have him signed." Baron has been working out with fellow Russian Alexander Frolov, and Brian Boyle, another Kings prospect, in preparation for the new season. TSN has also learned that the winger has been returned to the Kings AHL affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs, after recording 3 goals and 2 assists to go along with 12 PIMs in 3 preseason games with the Los Angeles Kings. Head Coach Terry Murray and GM Dean Lombardi were impressed with his performance, but want him to gain experience at the AHL level before competeing at the NHL level.

[SabresKings3623]

Re: ~**Making it to the NHL: The Career of a RW Sniper; An NHL '09 BAP**~

Verizon Wireless Arena
Manchester, New Hampshire







Manchester Monarchs head coach Mark Morris called me into his office at Verizon Wireless Arena, home of the Monarchs. "Well Niko, now that you've signed your contract, and have been sent here, we need to discuss some things. First off, when the season starts, you'll be playing on the 3rd line, with Trevor Lewis, and Richard Clune. You may not stay there long, as I like to juggle the lines, and plus, the better you play, the better chance you have of getting more ice time. Ron Hextall, Dean Lombardi and I have come up with some season expectations for you...."



- You have to take at least 234 shots

- We'd like you to score at least 36 goals

- We're expecting 68 points from you

- We'd be happy if you amassed at least 28 assists



"I think those expectations are attainable coach, I'll work my hardest to try and accomplish them." I said. "Is that all, coach?" "Yes Niko, you can go. I expect great things from you this year, and I know those expectations may seem a little high to you, but with the work you've done on your puck control and passing skills, I think you'll venture beyond those expectations. You're a great young player, so go out there against Portland, and show us what you can really do." said coach Morris. "Alright coach, I'll try my damnedest to play the best I can.." We shook hands, and I walked out of his office, contemplating what I had to do to make the organization happy, as far as attaining my season expectations, and hopefully attracting the attention of the Kings, in hopes of making it to the NHL. My first ever game is tomorrow night, against the Portland Pirates, on the road.....

[SabresKings3623]

Re: ~**Making it to the NHL: The Career of a RW Sniper; An NHL '09 BAP**~

Bump. Game 1 @ Portland update later tonight....