The Los Angeles Kings Are Hoping To Take A Step Forward This Season
The Los Angeles Kings are still in the midst of a rebuild heading into 2021-2022. However, for almost the first time since their last Stanley Cup triumph in 2014, there is some optimism. A great pool of prospects combined with some offseason additions should result in some improvement over their poor 2021 season. They definitely were not complete bottom feeders last season, with a 21-28-7 record to show for it. Could this team make a push for the playoffs in a sucky Pacific Division? Let’s take a look.
Forwards
The Kings made some solid acquisitions for their forward group. A surprising trade for Viktor Arvidsson combined with poaching Phillip Danault in free agency gives LA a breath of fresh air upfront. As well, standout prospects Quinton Byfield and Arthur Kaliyev are hoping to make an impact on the NHL level. The acquisition of former KHLer Vladimir Tkachev also adds intrigue to this group. Furthermore, they still have some veterans from their previous cup runs. Captain Anze Kopitar and former captain Dustin Brown remain key contributors for the Kings. Bringing back depth forwards Trevor Moore and Andreas Athanasiou also help. The forward lines could resemble the following by Opening Night:
Arvidsson – Kopitar – Brown
Tkachev – Danault – Iafallo
Moore – Vilardi – Aliyev
Kempe – Anderson-Dolan – Athanasiou
All four lines boast some combination of skill and defensive ability. Byfield might not make it to the Opening Night roster but is one of the first names to fill in should injuries occur. Athanasiou might get a shot at a middle-six role if Tkachev doesn’t impress on the second line. Kopitar and Arvidsson should produce pretty well together with a physical presence like Brown on the top line. All in all, this forward group will be interesting to watch.
Defense
Drew Doughty, while not the Norris-level player he used to be, is still the #1 guy on this defense. Mikey Anderson should also get a shot at being the top-pair partner. The pickup of Alex Edler will more than likely bolster the Top 4. While recent losses like Jake Muzzin and Alec Martinez hurt, that is the price you pay for the rebuild. Youngster Tobias Bjornfot should also get a chance at a regular spot in the lineup. With all that being said, LA’s defensive pairings could end up like this:
Anderson – Doughty
Edler – Walker
Bjornfot – Roy
With a pretty good combination of youth and experience, the rebuild finally appears to be heading in the right direction. Anderson and Bjornfot have the chance to make some pretty big strides in their development during 2021-2022.
Goaltending
Jonathan Quick has long been the starter for the Kings. However, the former Conn Smythe winner’s days in Hollywood could be number. Cal Petersen has impressed the front office enough to warrant a 3-year extension to the tune of $15 million. With Quick’s contract expiring combined with a deteriorating relationship with the team, he could even be shipped off during the 2022 trade deadline if the Kings find themselves out of the playoff race. Petersen will have some high expectations as he looks to show he’s worthy of that kind of money.
Season Prediction
It would not be a longshot to call the Kings playoff hopefuls. They remain the best out of the three California teams and have a chance with only Edmonton and Vegas established as playoff teams. Calgary and Vancouver are both solid but could see some regression this season. If the young guns impress and the stars still shine bright, then the Los Angeles Kings could very well see themselves dancing in 2022.
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