Young talent a plenty
After the Kings missed the playoffs, a lot of people were disappointed. However, it clearly wasn't the easiest season to get through. One of their top defenseman got arrested and missed the rest of the season causing tons of headaches trying to fit replacements under the cap. Mike Richards completely disappeared and was sent down to the AHL. The Kings finally traded a first round pick for a solid replacement for Voynov only for him to get injured shortly after joining the Kings and never played another game for them. You never want to make up excuses as a team, but luck was not on their side this season.
However, the future is still bright, here is a look at some of the top prospects in the Kings organisation:
Tyler Toffoli: Yes, he is still considered a prospect even though he is already a Stanley Cup winner and is a key part of the Kings. Only 23, Toffoli still has lots of growing to do. This being said about a player who had 23 goals and led the league with 5 shorthanded goals in his first complete season with the Kings. He is growing into an elite sniper who's goal totals will most likely only rise.
Tanner Pearson: Also 23, he came roaring out of the gate with 7 goals in his first 8 games in 2014-15 showing us his talent to score. He has great speed and has really meshed with Jeff Carter and Tyler Toffoli. Unfortunately he fractured his leg in January and only played 42 games. He will be a big part of the Kings in 2015-16 and will look to continue to produce with "That 70's Line".
Jordan Weal: He was third in scoring in the AHL last season and still hasn't gotten a shot with the Kings yet. That might change come this season. The Kings have some top end players who can score, but having a guy on the third of fourth line who has proven he can score, is never a bad thing.
Brayden McNabb: One of the guys who was thrown in to help replace the loss of Voynov, he and Matt Greene ended up being a pretty reliable duo for the Kings. He had only 37 games of NHL experience before last year. He is only 24 and has great puck sense and size. He also showed he could put up some points, collecting 2 goals and 22 assists in 71 games.
Derek Forbort: Another young defenseman at 23, he has had solid seasons in the AHL the last 2 seasons. He has picked up a plus-47 rating while in the AHL showing how reliable he is defensively. The first round pick in 2010 might be able to find himself a regular spot in the lineup come this season.
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