Following the NHL Draft, free agency and other offseason moves, NHL.com is examining where each team stands in preparation for the 2022-23 regular season, which begins Oct. 7. Today, Los Angeles Kings:
2021-22 season: 44-27-11, third in Pacific Division; lost the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs
arrival key
kevin fialaF: The 26-year-old signed a seven-year deal on June 30, a day after he was acquired in a trade with the Minnesota Wild for defensive prospect Brock Faber and the 19th pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. he committed to the Kings instead of becoming a restricted free agent. He had NHL career highs in goals (33), assists (52) and points (85) in 82 games last season and three assists in six Stanley Cup Playoff games. Fiala (17 power play points; five goals, 12 assists last season) should fuel a power play from Los Angeles that ranked 27th in the NHL (16.1 percent) and 20th (2.87 goals per game) in the NHL. last season.
key outputs
Dustin Brown, F. The 37-year-old retired from the NHL after 18 seasons, all with the Kings. Brown had 28 points (nine goals, 19 assists) in 64 games last season and helped Los Angeles win two Stanley Cup championships (2012, 2014). He scored 712 points (325 goals, 387 assists) and played in 1,296 regular season games, the first in Kings history. … Andreas AthanasiusF: He agreed to a one-year deal with the Chicago Blackhawks on July 13. He had 17 points (11 goals, six assists) in 28 games last season and one goal in six playoff games. … Olli MaattaD: He signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings on July 14. He had eight points (one goal, seven assists) in 66 regular-season games last season and none in seven playoff games.
on the cusp
Alex Turcotte, F. The 21-year-old did not participate in on-ice activities on the developmental field after suffering two concussions last season, the second suffered in Game 1 of the second round of the Calder Cup Playoffs. The No. 5 pick in the 2019 NHL Draft made his NHL debut on December 28, 2021. He had no points in eight games after scoring 18 (six goals, 12 assists) in 27 games of his second pro season. for Ontario in the American Hockey League. … Brandt Clarke, D. The No. 8 pick in the 2021 NHL Draft doesn’t turn 20 until February 9 and isn’t yet eligible for the AHL, so he will start this season with the Kings or return to Barrie of the Ontario Hockey League. . Clarke was one of three OHL defenders to average more than one point per game (59 points, 11 goals, 48 ​​assists in 55 games).… Akil Thomas, F. The 22-year-old has 39 points (19 goals, 20 assists) in 80 AHL games. Thomas had 13 points (eight goals, five assists) in 40 games last season after not playing until December due to offseason surgery on both shoulders and scored three points in his first 28 games. … jordan spenceF: The 21-year-old had 42 points (four goals, 38 assists) in 46 AHL games before he was called up by the Kings on March 9 and made his NHL debut the following night. Spence had eight points (two goals, six assists) in 24 NHL games and played three postseason games.
what they still need
To find out how to advance from a first-round exit despite holding a 3-2 series lead and playing Game 6 at home. The toughness and size on defense that drew doughty he said he needed after the playoffs.
they said it
“It’s just a great opportunity and a great organization. I see the team coming up, you know? It made the playoffs last year, a great group of guys I’ve heard, and on the ice, they’re just getting better and better. I felt that the future is bright, so I’m very happy with this. — forward Kevin Fiala
fantasy focus
Fiala ranked eighth in the NHL in 5-on-5 points per 60 minutes (3.10; minimum 60 games) last season. Go from playing on the second line of Wild with a center Frederick Gaudreau and newbie wing matt bold to a likely spot in the Kings’ top line with center anze kopitar (he led them with 67 points last season) and wing Adrian Kempe (He led them with 35 goals). Fiala has to be considered a top 75 female fantasy player overall with an even higher ceiling in a lofty role. –Anna Dua
projected alignment
Adrian Kempe — anze kopitar –Kevin Fiala
Trevor Moore — Philip Danault — Victor Arvidson
alex yafallo — Blake Lizette — arthur kaliyev
Gabriel Vilardi — Quinton Byfield — Rasmus Kuppari
Mikey Anderson –Drew Doughty
Tobias Björnfot — matt roy
Alexander Edler — Sean Durzy
jonathan quick
Cal Peterson