Following the NHL draft, free agency, and other offseason moves, NHL.com is reviewing where each team is in preparation for the 2020-21 regular season, due to begin January 1st. Today the Los Angeles Kings are:
The Los Angeles Kings are hoping for the addition of Quinton ByfieldThe number 2 in the 2020 NHL draft will help them get back to the Stanley Cup playoffs after a two-year absence.
When he creates the roster, the 18-year-old helps to consolidate the middle position, which also belongs Anze Kopitar, Gabriel Vilardi and Blake Lizotte.
“I definitely think I could get into the NHL next year, but I know it’s a really big leap from that [Ontario Hockey League] and really challenging, “Byfield told the Kings website on October 7th.” It’s definitely going to be a real challenge, but I’ve been working with the pros all my off-season to make it easier for me to translate. “
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Byfield (6-foot-4, 215 pounds) led Sudbury of the OHL with 82 points (32 goals, 50 assists) in 45 games last season and won 51.9 percent of his encounters (304-of-586).
“I think he has the ability with his size and playing skills to get into and play the NHL,” said Rob Blake, Kings general manager. “I would say that those players who have moved into this type of level always take a look at them to see if they are planning to be in the NHL by next year.”
Since Los Angeles won the Stanley Cup for the second time in three seasons in 2014, it has not won a playoff series and failed to qualify for the postseason in four of six seasons.
The kings acquired defenders Olli Määttä, a Stanley Cup champion with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017, in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks on October 4th.
“We now have the opportunity to include Olli Maatta in this list so that the [young defensemen] can be brought in at the right time, “said Blake.” Our right side was pretty solid with (Drew) Doughty, Sean (Walker) and (Matt) Roy. … I think Olli fills a much-needed left space. “
This is what the kings look like today:
Key arrivals
Quinton Byfield, F: Signed a three-year entry-level contract on October 16th. … Olli Maatta, D: The 26-year-old scored 17 points (four goals, 13 assists) in 65 games last season and was able to join Doughty as the best defensive pair.
Video: Los Angeles Kings select Quinton Byfield
Key departures
Trevor Lewis, F: Remains an unreserved free agent after scoring 12 points (six goals, six assists) in 56 games last season. The center has scored 163 points (70 goals, 93 assists) in 674 games in 12 seasons with the Kings and won the Stanley Cup twice (2012, 2014). … Ben Hutton, D: Remains a full free agent after scoring 16 points (four goals, 12 assists) in 65 games last season. … Joakim Ryan, D: Agreement on a one-year deal with the Carolina Hurricanes on October 12, after five points (one goal, four assists) in 35 games last season. … Paul LaDue, D: Signed a one-year deal with the Washington Capitals on October 10 after scoring 18 points (five goals, 13 assists) in 69 games for Los Angeles in the last four seasons.
At the top
Alex Turcotte, F: The No. 5 in the 2019 NHL Draft scored 26 points (nine goals, 17 assists) in 29 games for the University of Wisconsin before agreeing to a three-year contract to join on March 11. The 19-year-old center could push for a place on the opening line-up. … Jaret Anderson-Dolan, F: The 21-year-old has an assist in nine NHL games in the last two seasons and adds depth to the middle position. … Mikey Anderson, D: After scoring a goal in six NHL games last season, the 21-year-old is expected to become a regular this season. … Tobias Bjornfot, D: The number 22 of the 2019 NHL Draft was played in three NHL games last season. The 19-year-old scored 19 points (six goals, 13 assists) in 44 games for Ontario of the American Hockey League. … Kale Clague, D: The 22-year-old had no point in four NHL games last season, but scored 25 points (eight goals, 17 assists) in 49 AHL games.
Video: COL @ LAK: Anderson scores first NHL goal by distraction
What else do you need
Rating. The Kings finished 30th in goals per game (2.53) in the NHL last season, after finishing 30th (2.43) in 2018-19. Kopitar led Los Angeles in goals (21) and points (62). Forward Tyler Toffoli, who traded to the Vancouver Canucks on February 17, finished second in gates (18); Forward Alex Iafallo was second in points (43).
Fantasy focus
Byfield is unlikely to have any valuable wings on his line, whether it’s the second or third unit, as a rookie, playing the deepest fantasy position (only in the middle). Still, he has the upper limit of being the best second scorer behind Kopitar with at least 45-50 points. Byfield, who was not selected in NHL.com’s first off-season fantasy mock draft, lacks the supportive cast or team security of a top rookie striker Alexis Lafreniere the New York Rangers and Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild, but could be the most likely of the three, outperforming its average draft position. – Pete Jensen
Projected placement
Alex Iafallo – Anze Kopitar – Dustin Brown
Adrian Kempe – Gabriel Vilardi – Martin Frk
Trevor Moore – Quinton Byfield – Jeff Carter
Michael Amadio – Blake Lizotte – Austin Wagner
Olli Määttä – Drew Doughty
Mikey Anderson – Matt Roy
Kurtis MacDermid – – Sean Walker
Jonathan Quick
Calvin Petersen
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