Kings feeling the heat heading into 2017-18

After this offseason’s sweeping changes, will the Kings take a step forward or backward?

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Kings feeling the heat heading into 2017-18
Keystone Press

As part of our Countdown to Puck Drop series during the month of September, today we take a deep dive on the Los Angeles Kings

After missing the playoffs in two of the past three seasons, something had to change in LA. Gone are long-time general manager Dean Lombardi and head coach Darryl Sutter. In their place are Kings legend Rob Blake as the team’s new GM and Sutter’s former right-hand man John Stevens as head coach.

While the suits off the ice have changed, the group on the ice has remained mostly in tact. The Kings will once again be lead by the trio of Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty and Jonathan Quick in 2017-18. But sniper Jeff Carter made a case for himself as the team’s best player last season, so look for him to provide the bulk of the team’s offense this upcoming season.

Kings  management is also hopeful that young players like Tyler Toffoli and Tanner Pearson can take a step forward, as well. Kings fans will have to wait for 11th overall pick Gabe Villardi, however. The 18-year-old suffered a back sprain during offseason training and will miss training camp and pre-season with the Kings. He’s expected to make a full recovery and his status in the team’s lineup will be evaluated when he’s back to 100%.

For a full account of all of the Kings’ offseason moves and how the 2017-18 season is shaping for them, follow Hockey Feed on Facebook all day today. And if you’re looking for all the latest news, rumors and analysis on the team throughout the season, be sure to check out Kings Feed.

Source: