Zach Dooley, Manager of Editorial Content for the Kings, noted today that Los Angeles’ roster is all set, currently at 23 players, barring any unexpected injuries. Dooley says that fans can expect the full regular group to wrap up the Kings’ remaining preseason games tomorrow and Saturday.
A well-balanced squad of 13 forwards, 8 defensemen, and 2 goaltenders, the Kings look to climb further than last year’s first round defeat at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers.
Anze Kopitar will begin his 20th and final season in Los Angeles surrounded by a core forward group mostly the same as last year’s, besides key additions in Corey Perry (currently injured) and Joel Armia. The veteran Perry’s absence likely opened the door for Jeff Malott, a 29-year-old later-bloomer who posted an impressive 51 points for AHL Ontario last year. Otherwise, stars like Kevin Fiala and Adrian Kempe are expected to put up big numbers again.
Something many franchises struggle with, the Kings have done a great job of supplementing their aging core with young talent in order to give Kopitar and Doughty another window. Many eyes will be on Quinton Byfield, a candidate for a large breakout, and Alex Turcotte, who is starting to face real pressure to live up to his high potential.
Two veterans will join Los Angeles’ defense corps led by Doughty, in the form of Cody Ceci and Brian Dumoulin. Ceci, signed to a somewhat questionable four-year deal at $4.5MM per season, will look to slot into a role similar to the one he had in Dallas to wrap up last year. Kings fans will be eager to watch electric youngster Brandt Clarke, as he looks to build off a strong 33-point campaign last year.
Finally, the Kings bring back veteran Darcy Kuemper in net, paired with newcomer Anton Forsberg, who comes over after four respectable seasons in Ottawa.
Without a doubt, the group will be motivated to have a strong swan song season for their franchise icon Kopitar. The Kings eagerly await Perry’s return as well, and while it will be a bit strange to see the 40-year-old in the black and silver, his presence is undeniable, as the Kings set their sights on a run next spring. The journey will begin in Colorado on October 7th.