Welcome to the Oil Rig’s Pacific Division preview series. Today let’s take a closer look at the Los Angeles Kings.
What to expect of the Kings
Naturally, the retirement of Anze Kopitar is a huge change for the Kings. That said, it remains fairly status quo, as the Kings seem abandoned in no man’s land. Short of true contender status, the Kings only path forward remains through big strides from Quinton Byfield and Brandt Clarke. While both have become quality NHL players, the Kings will need both to become stars to have much hope of significant improvement.
The Kings have played quite well during recent regular seasons, at times performing beyond expectations. This has led to many playoff berths that always seemed to meet a first round exit. As much as qualifying for the playoffs is a good thing, the fear is that the Kings have already given their best. The veteran laden group will need new contributors to stay relevant, if not to surpass their recent results.
Forwards
Panarin-Byfield-Kempe
Fiala-Haula-Zuccarello
Moore-Laughton-Laferriere
Armia-Helenius-Perry
Extras: Turcotte, Ward
While not perfect, there is a lot to like on the wings. Veterans Artemi Panarin and Mats Zuccarello still bring a lot of skill and playmaking prowess. This should help support the longtime staples Adrian Kempe and Kevin Fiala. Alex Laferriere joins Trevor Moore as heavier forwards, balancing out the skillset of the group. Even Joel Armia and Corey Perry are effective in depth roles.
The real questions come down the middle. The spotlight is on Quinton Byfield, who needs to be unquestionable as the team’s top option. The good news is that getting top power play time should naturally bump up his production. Erik Haula could provide in a more sheltered offensive role, and Scott Laughton could be a direct option on a checking line. Samuel Helenius is big, which might make for a longer development curve. If he has more to give it will make a huge difference.
Defence
Anderson-Doughty
Edmundson-Clarke
Dumoulin-Ceci
Extras: Gustafsson
There is little change on the blueline for the Kings. Drew Doughty is another year older, but remains a key contributor. Longtime partner Mikey Anderson is a solid partner, and the duo has proven themselves.
Brandt Clarke is the real upside hope. His puck moving talents are very much needed from this group. Joel Edmundson, Brian Dumoulin, and Cody Ceci bring a lot of size and defensive skills, but all require a primary option like Clarke. The addition of Erik Gustafsson makes sense in this context, adding another offensive option if needed.
Goalies
Kuemper
Forsberg
Portillo
Darcy Kuemper and Anton Forsberg return as a capable tandem. The Kings remained a strong defensive team last season, but losing both Anze Kopitar and Philip Danault is significant. There is hope that the Kings can remain strong, but it would be safe to say that the workload will increase in net.
Prediction for the Kings
The Kings should be more fun to watch for those concerned about offence. Still, it is difficult to say that the team is materially improved. Hopes will undoubtedly lie upon steps from Byfield and Clarke, but that seems a bit optimistic. A successful season and hope for the future might rely on both becoming elite.
Even beyond the loss of talent and identity, the Kings rely on a lot of older players. Without immediate reinforcements ageing alone might wither the Kings playoff relevance. At the very least the Kings do have the depth, defensive structure, and experience to make the most of their roster.
Even their best hockey might not be enough to threaten true Stanley Cup contenders, but younger teams might still not be able to beat the Kings. GM Ken Holland has often stated his age to go against ideas of building for the future, but the talent bubble precedes him. A new GM might be the one to bring a new approach.
The idea was to build around legends like Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty with a few high picks, but there simply was not enough to open a new championship window. It is likely that missing the playoffs might spell the end of the Kings trajectory.
Until then, the Kings will be fighting for a playoff spot. This trade deadline might not be the one they start selling, but the day draws nearer. As much as this team is credible this season, the outlook of the future is bleak. While Elton Hermansson joins as a good prospect, the Kings lack a volume of options down the middle or on the blueline.
The San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks will both be trendier choices thanks to their young upside, but the Kings still have enough to put together a tactical and precise regular season. The results might well be better than the optics. To an extent this season is about supporting Byfield and Clarke as much as possible. If either or both emerge as elite players the Kings might have something to build around whenever they pivot into getting younger.
Photo by Curtis Comeau/Icon Sportswire
