NOTABLE ADDITIONS
Denis Gauthier, D (Acquired in a trade with the Philadelphia Flyers)
Matt Greene, D (Acquired in a trade with the Edmonton Oilers)
Brad Richardson, C (Acquired in a trade with the Colorado Avalanche)
Jarret Stoll, C (Acquired in a trade with the Edmonton Oilers)
NOTABLE LOSSES
Rob Blake, D (Signed as a free agent with the San Jose Sharks)
Michael Cammalleri, RW (Traded to the Calgary Flames)
Dan Cloutier, G (Buyout)
Kevin Dallman, D (Signed with Barys Astana of the Kontinental Hockey League)
Jeff Giuliano, LW (Signed with Dinamo Minsk of the Kontinental Hockey League)
Jon Klemm, D (Signed with EHC Straubing (Germany))
Ladislav Nagy, LW (Signed with Severstal Cherepovets of the Kontinental Hockey League)
Scott Thornton, LW (Retired)
Lubomir Visnovsky, D (Traded to the Edmonton Oilers)
Brian Willsie, RW (Signed as a free agent with the Colorado Avalanche)
2007-08 Season Finish: 5th Pacific Division, 15th Western Conference, 71 Pts.
2007-08 Playoffs: Did Not Make Playoffs
2008-09 Prediction: 5th Pacific Division, 15th Western Conference
The Los Angeles Kings have been a rebuilding team for the past few seasons and will still be doing so during the 2008-09 season. The Kings have acquired several high-profile players through the draft the last few years, which should make them a competitive team in the future. Anze Kopitar has quickly emerged as the Kings’ top offensive player. His offensive skill and goal-scoring ability will only get better every season, thus making him a very important part of the rebuilding Kings. Dustin Brown is also emerging as one of Los Angeles’ top offensive players. His goal-scoring ability, offensive talent, and toughness make him a valuable asset to the Kings. Alexander Frolov and Patrick O’Sullivan also bring a wealth of offensive and skill to the Kings’ forward lines. Jarret Stoll, acquired from Edmonton early in the summer, struggled offensively last season, but will look to improve his fine offensive skills on a young Los Angeles roster. Veterans Michal Handzus and Derek Armstrong bring good offensive depth and some toughness to the Kings roster even though both players struggled a bit offensively last season. Kyle Calder brings veteran depth and toughness to the Kings’ offense despite his declining offensive production, while Raitis Ivanans provides the team with a lot of grittiness. Young forwards Brian Boyle, Teddy Purcell, Brady Murray, and Matt Moulson did not see much playing time on a veteran Kings roster in 2007-08, but with the departure of several of those veterans, all four players will likely secure roster spots on the 3rd and 4th lines to improve their offensive skills. Newly acquired Brad Richardson will likely get a chance to play on these lines during the 2008-09 season as well. Prospects Trevor Lewis and Oscar Moller will look to make the team at training camp on their fine offensive talent. While Los Angeles has lots of promising offensive talent, they could use more veteran players to mentor the young forwards. With the Kings currently under the salary cap minimum, they could afford to add several veteran players to give them more depth on offense.
The Kings’ defense looks to become the strongest part of their team over the next few seasons with the number of high-profile defensive prospects they have. Los Angeles lost a lot of star power on their blueline over the summer after trading Lubomir Visnovsky to Edmonton and losing Rob Blake to San Jose via free agency. Tom Preissing and Denis Gauthier are now the most experienced defensemen on the team. Preissing brings lots of offensive experience to the Kings’ defense, while Gauthier provides lots of toughness and gritty play. Highly-skilled youngster Jack Johnson gives the Kings a lot of toughness on defense and his offensive potential will be valuable to the team’s blueline in the future. Matt Greene, acquired in a trade with Edmonton, gives the Kings a lot of toughness on defense as well. Defensive prospects Thomas Hickey and Drew Doughty could make the team this season on their highly anticipated offensive skill. Prospect Colton Teubert will look to make the team at training camp on his gritty, defensive play. With the Kings seeking more veteran experience, there have been rumors that the team is interested in acquired Mathieu Schneider from Anaheim, who need to free up salary to resign Teemu Selanne. Schneider would give the Kings plenty of veteran depth and offensive skill on defense.
Los Angeles’ goaltending remains the shakiest part of the team, as they lack an experienced goaltender. Jason LaBarbera, who will likely be the starter for the 2008-09 season, doesn’t have a lot of experience as a starting goaltender, but could still carry the team. The backup will likely be either Erik Ersberg or Jonathan Bernier, though it’s likely Ersberg could be the backup, as the Kings want to give Bernier adequate time to develop in the minors given his highly-touted potential.
STRENGTHS
- Lots of high quality prospects on offense and defense.
- Plenty of toughness on defense.
WEAKNESSES
- Need more veteran depth on offense.
- Need more offense on defense.
- Goaltenders have very little experience.
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