Los Angeles Kings Preview

Departures
Kyle Calder, Kyle Quincey

Arrivals
Ryan Smyth, Rob Scuderi

Forwards
The addition of gritty forward Ryan Smyth adds some much needed toughness and leadership up front. He, coupled with captain Dustin Brown should create a lot more space for the likes of Alex Frolov and Anze Kopitar. Justin Williams also adds a potential 30 goals when healthy. Sophomores Wayne Simmonds, Oscar Moller and Teddy Purcell will benefit from another full season. The forwards are still young and need some more seasoning.

Defenseman
Everyone knew Drew Doughty was going to be good in a few years. But, no one expected him to flourish as a 19-year-old. With Doughty and 22-year-old Jack Johnson patrolling the blueline the Kings are set for years to come. Free-agent signee Rob Scuderi and veteran Sean O’Donnell are solid stay-at-home defenders. Matt Greene plays with a mean streak and is only getting better.

Goalies
This is the biggest question mark on the team. Every goalie at camp has a legitmate shot at being the starting goalie this October. Jonathan Quick holds a slight advantage having played solidly in 44 games last year. Erik Ersberg has shown signs of being capable but more than likely as a backup. Former first-round pick Jonathan Bernier could steal the job with a great camp but would benefit with another year in Manchester.

Strengths
- The Kings have tons of potential at every position. It’s only a matter of time until they all hit their stride,

- Drew Doughty is so good that he got an invite to Canada’s Olympic orientation camp this past summer. Don’t expect a sophore jinx from this kid.

– With some grit in Smyth and Scuderi the Kings will be a bit tougher to play against this season.

Weaknesses
- Goaltending is going to be an issue with whomever wins the job. They’re young and in experienced.

- The Kings have to rely upon their youngsters more than they want to. A lack of strong veteran forwards has forced their hand.

Analysis
They’re close. Next season could be the year the Kings make the playoffs. Unfortunately, they’re in the Western Conference otherwise they would push for a spot this season. Once they do get in they’ll be there for a long time. This team is oozing potential.

Prediction: 12th in the West