The 106th season of the National Hockey League kicks off Tuesday October 10th with a triple header of action on ESPN. With this in mind, we will be doing a rundown of every team heading into what will be another season of joy, heartbreak and unnecessary anger from a plethora of fan bases across North America.
Los Angeles Kings
2022-23 Record: 47-25-10 (3rd in Pacific Division)
Playoffs: Lost 4-2 to Edmonton in the First Round
Two consecutive playoff appearances, two consecutive losses in the first round to the Edmonton Oilers. This new era of the Los Angeles Kings is experiencing the woes all young teams go through of getting over a certain hump or team, the question is how will they respond after getting punched in the mouth for the 2nd straight year?
Well if this offseason was anything to go by, the Kings think they can contend with the big boys. The arrival of Pierre-Luc Dubois to create a team with one of the best center depth charts in the league and continued strength on the blue line seem to indicate a Stanley Cup contender…although looking closer reveals a gaping sized hole in the shape of a goalie that may put a hamper on plans.
Forwards
As mentioned, Pierre-Luc Dubois joins a center corps of Anze Kopitar and Phillip Danault to create a team that can kill you down the middle. On the wings, Adrian Kempe will look to continue to be the team’s ace scorer, fresh off the first 40-goal campaign of his career while Kevin Fiala will attempt to follow up a 72-point season during his second season as a King. This forward group is exceptional defensively, a hard hitting group who will steal the puck from beneath your nose, but a few more goals could turn them into a top-5 unit in the NHL,
Defense
Drew Doughty continues his run as the face of the LA defense as the freshly extended young blood of Michael Anderson (Eight-years, $33 million) and Vladislav Gavrikov (Two-years, $11.75 million) look to help keep LA sturdy on the blue line. Also, expect to see a lot more of 2021 eighth overall pick Brandt Clarke as he makes the jump full time to the NHL.
Goaltending
The question mark of all question marks for the Kings. After last years’ carousel of disappointments (Calvin Petersen), surprises (Phoenix Copley) and goodbyes (Jonathan Quick) the silver and black of LA will be heading into this season with a formidable tandem of…Phoenix Copley and Cam Talbot? I mean, prayers have been known to work before. Talbot being 36 and Copley never playing more than 40 games in a season are warning signs. Hopefully both men can overcome them.
Individual To Watch: Quinton Byfield
The second-overall pick of the 2020 NHL Draft is in the final year of his entry-level contract. Several years full of Covid related pauses and injuries have somewhat dampened the shine of what should have been a home-run prospect. However, with 22 points in 53 games last season and at only 21-years old, this could be the season Byfield flashes his pedigree and continues his development as a huge hard-hitting center.
Standings Prediction: 3rd in Pacific
Twitter: @hunt37595
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