Summer Splash Series Overview
As the NHL enters its off-season, The Hockey News (THN.com) has initiated an insightful series termed “Summer Splash,” which delves into the current status of each of the league’s teams. This analysis aims to determine whether teams have improved, declined, or maintained their previous standing. Each team’s report will be released in reverse order based on their level of improvement, offering a comprehensive look at both significant and minor personnel changes, including trades, free-agent signings, and organizational shifts like hiring and firings.
In creating the rankings, THN.com’s team of writers and editors engaged in extensive discussions to evaluate how each team has fared over the past year. It’s important to acknowledge that some teams might not be considerably worse than before; however, their inactivity or failure to make impactful moves could warrant both scrutiny and lowered rankings.
The Summer Splash series kicked off last week, beginning with the Buffalo Sabres at position No. 32, followed by the Chicago Blackhawks and, most recently, the Winnipeg Jets. Today, we will scrutinize the Los Angeles Kings, currently placed at No. 29 in the countdown.
Key Additions
- Joel Armia (RW)
- Corey Perry (RW)
- Cody Ceci (D)
- Brian Dumoulin (D)
- Anton Forsberg (G)
Analysis: The Kings have been proactive during the off-season, securing the experienced talents of forwards Armia and Perry, while significantly revamping their defense with the acquisitions of Ceci and Dumoulin, plus adding Forsberg as a backup goalie. Despite finishing second in the Pacific Division last year, Los Angeles appears eager for change, a reflection of new GM Ken Holland’s willingness to reshape the roster. With the addition of Armia and Perry, known for their toughness and experience, the Kings have sought to bolster their front lines, while Ceci and Dumoulin aim to fortify their blue line. Forsberg is expected to provide reliable support for starter Darcy Kuemper. However, despite these intentions, our analysis suggests that Holland’s efforts may not translate into significant improvements.
Departures
- Vladislav Gavrikov (D)
- Jordan Spence (D)
Analysis: The exit of Gavrikov to the New York Rangers through free agency represents a substantial loss for the Kings. His contribution last season included an impressive 23:05 minutes of ice time per game, placing him second only to star player Drew Doughty. Gavrikov’s role on the penalty kill, averaging 3:17 minutes per game, underscores his defensive importance.
Meanwhile, trading Spence to the Ottawa Senators hasn’t raised the Kings’ profile, and replacing Gavrikov with Ceci—who has cycled through seven teams in nine years—doesn’t improve their situation. The signings of Dumoulin and Ceci likely have not enhanced the team’s potential. While there may be some added veteran presence upfront, the Kings’ defensive lineup has arguably weakened, impacting their overall ranking in our Summer Splash analysis.
Coaching Changes
- New Hire: Ken Holland (GM)
- Firing: Rob Blake (GM)
Analysis: After failing to advance past the first playoff round, the Kings and Blake parted ways amicably. Holland, known for crafting the recent successful Oilers teams, steps into the role with a mindset eager for transformation. While Holland has enacted several changes, his focus has largely bypassed the core players.
With veterans like Doughty and Anze Kopitar, Holland’s urgency is palpable, but his decisions don’t guarantee an uplift in success. Though he’s shifted various peripheral components, the generational core remains predominantly the same.
Conclusion
While we don’t rule out the possibility of the Kings making the playoffs next season—thanks to a sturdy roster mostly at forward and improvements in net—we remain skeptical regarding the effectiveness of this restructured group. Questions loom about the contributions of new additions:
- How much more can Perry deliver?
- Can Forsberg uphold a respectable save percentage?
- Will the reconfigured defense effectively withstand the challenge posed by playoff competitors, particularly against teams like the Oilers?
Last season, the Kings struggled offensively, finishing 14th in goals per game with an average of 3.04, and their power play efficiency ranked 27th at just 17.9%. These statistics are alarming, especially considering that the teams below them were non-playoff contenders.
None of the newly acquired players address these offensive shortcomings, raising doubts about Holland’s acquisitions alongside the anticipated performance of this team overall. Until they generate an on-ice product that aligns with Holland’s vision, skepticism surrounding the Kings’ progress will persist.
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