Will the Los Angeles Kings claim the Pacific Division throne in 2016-17?
The Los Angeles Kings returned to the playoffs last season after a one-year absence. Facing a familiar foe in the San Jose Sharks, the Kings felt confident that they could beat them. That wasn’t the case, as the Sharks beat the Kings in five games.
With the Anaheim Ducks likely taking a step back after last season, the Kings are in an excellent position to once again be among the rulers of the Western Conference. But they will have their work cut out for them. Luckily, they have the key pieces necessary to do it. Their supporting cast, however, must be up to the challenge.
Offseason Review
Here is a quick review of what the Los Angeles Kings have done this offseason.
Additions: C Michael Latta (Capitals), F Teddy Purcell (Panthers), D Zach Trotman (Bruins), D Tom Gilbert (Canadiens), G Jeff Zatkoff (Penguins)
Losses: F Milan Lucic (Oilers), D Jamie McBain (Coyotes), C Vincent Lecavalier (retirement), F Kris Versteeg, G Jhonas Enroth (Maple Leafs)
Retained: C Trevor Lewis, D Brayden McNabb
The Kings had a relatively quiet offseason thanks to cap space issues. Losing Milan Lucic is a huge loss for the Kings, but Teddy Purcell could be a nice fit on their first line. He has skill and his defense is sound, so he should be a strong fit alongside Selke Trophy winner Anze Kopitar.
Michael Latta is an under the radar signing for the Kings. They couldn’t be a more perfect fit for each other. Latta is excellent at suppressing shot attempts and the Kings are a very strong defensive team. Los Angeles and Latta were meant for each other. Look for Latta to serve as the fourth line center or extra forward.
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Zach Trotman and Tom Gilbert should provide defensive depth, something that the Kings could always use. They will likely compete for the seventh defenseman spot. The loser going to the AHL, though keeping both isn’t out of the question.
Jeff Zatkoff isn’t a very reliable backup, but Vezina Trophy finalist Jonathan Quick gets most of the starts for the Kings in net. Still, it is a bit surprising that the Kings didn’t aim higher in their search for a backup goalie.
The Kings continue to be stuck behind the eight ball due to the salary cap, but they still made some nice upgrades this offseason.
Player Spotlight: Anze Kopitar
There were times when both sides got concerned that it would never happen. However, Anze Kopitar will be staying with the Kings for the next eight seasons. It comes at a $10 million price tag, but in a league when elite centers are at a premium, Kopitar is worth every penny of that.
Now it’s up for Kopitar to earn his keep. Just like Jonathan Toews with the Chicago Blackhawks, Kopitar must raise his game to an even higher level to justify his pay. Likewise, the Kings must surround Kopitar with bargain players to maximize his contract. Purcell could be an example of that bargain player.
Kopitar earns his money by being one of the best shutdown centers in the NHL. He has been one of the league’s premier possession players in terms of relative possession for quite some time despite playing for a team that dominates possession.
Not only that, Kopitar is a proven scorer as well. He is coming off a 25 goal and 74 point season. Kopitar has averaged over 20 minutes a night in all but one season in his career. He is a two-time Stanley Cup champion, but if he wants to win a third, it’s up to him to lead the way as the Kings new captain.
2016-17 Outlook
Despite their relative lack of depth, the Los Angeles Kings are still a great team. They have Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Jake Muzzin, Jeff Carter, and Tyler Toffoli. So long as they have those guys, the Kings will compete for a Stanley Cup.
However, it’s hard to look at the Kings and not think that their window is closing. Their offense has always struggled to score goals, even with Marian Gaborik. With Gaborik’s ankle injury which could keep him out until mid to late November, the Kings could struggle mightily to score goals.
Defensively, the Kings are going to be a great team. They always have been a great team defensively. Los Angeles will probably lead the league in puck possession once again, or at least come close to it. Unfortunately, Quick is not an excellent goaltender anymore. There was a time when he was great. But that time has passed.
You can’t count the Kings out of winning the Stanley Cup. But they aren’t the same team that won the Stanley Cup in 2012 or even 2014.