In other words, they were ahead of schedule. This season, they should have the foundation to build on what they have already accomplished.
It’s easy to draw comparisons between this team now and the Blackhawks last year. Because of that, a lot is being made of the fact that the team tried hard to land Ilya Kovalchuk, but fell short.
Adding Marian Hossa made a huge difference for Chicago last year, so the absence of a big-name veteran addition is a potential concern.
Offseason Moves
Though they failed to add the big gun up front, they did add another top defenseman, Wilie Mitchell, to a blue line that was already very strong.
They also convinced Johan Fransson, a 25-year-old defenseman they acquired from the Stars in 2007, to finally leave Sweden and join the big time. He’ll start in the AHL, but he’ll be playing in the NHL soon enough.
Up front, they swapped one disappointing but potentially talented player for another—Alex Frolov is gone, and Alex Ponikarovsky has taken his place. Frolov was allowed to leave like several other disappointing veterans such as Sean O’Donnell and Fredrik Modin.
Los Angeles Kings Predictions: Outlook
I’m a firm believer that success is built from the back end in the NHL.
If that’s true, then the Kings should be dangerous. Drew Doughty is just 20, yet the defenseman has a chance to show he is the best in the league this season.
Add in young stud Jack Johnson and newly added Willie Mitchell, and this defensive unit will be as good as any—and will be better at moving the puck up than anyone.
When teams do get through the defense, they face some very good goaltenders—the very strong Jonatha...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Kings
