The Kings have a few more decisions to make in terms of their roster, as they'll want to cut four more from the team.
Forwards | Defense | Goaltenders |
Anze Kopitar | Drew Doughty | Jonathan Quick |
Alex Frolov | Rob Scuderi | Erik Ersberg |
Ryan Smyth | Matt Greene | Jonathan Bernier |
Dustin Brown | Sean O'Donnell | |
Michal Handzus | Jack Johnson | |
Jarret Stoll | Davis Drewiske | |
Wayne Simmonds | Thomas Hickey | |
Teddy Purcell | Alec Martinez | |
Justin Williams | ||
Peter Harrold | ||
Brad Richardson | ||
Trevor Lewis | ||
Raitis Ivanans | ||
Kevin Westgarth | ||
Richard Clune | ||
Brayden Schenn |
The Kings have a new aura about them when you talk about their offensive skills. Last season was a bit of a downer, but they have done well to acquire and sign some more talent to help out this summer. Ryan Smyth and Justin Williams are the most notable names that are new to the Kings' line-up this year, while there are some high hopes on Trevor Lewis and Richard Clune to help out from the third or fourth line. Dustin Brown (pictured) will also look to have a bounce-back year after being somewhat sub-par.
The Kings are also running as somewhat of a budget hockey team, but they are one of the higher-budgeted teams, as their 26 players that are signed above have a cap hit of $53.0 million. It isn't above or around the ceiling and with the cuts, they'll be about middle of the road. If Schenn can crack the squad, his bonuses to his deal will likely raise the cap number up a little bit, but there is a good chance that he'll be sent back to juniors to help his development for another year.
It's sounds like Jonathan Bernier has been having a good camp with the Kings, which could be making the Kings' goaltending decision a little harder going forward. Jonathan Quick did have the lead for the job heading into camp, but it will be interesting to see how that pans out. The Kings are desperate for a real number one goalie, like Bernier is supposed to be in his career.
I like Anze Kopitar and I'm sure he'll be ready to bounce back and have a great season. Look for him to improve his numbers from last season.
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