The Kings’ Quest for Playoff Redemption
By Dom Luszczyszyn, Sean Gentille, and Shayna Goldman
Somewhere in Crypto.com Arena, there should be a pair of dartboards — one with Connor McDavid’s face in the middle and the other with the NHL’s playoff bracket. For the Kings, that’s been a season-ending combination not once, not twice, but thrice. The question looms: what’s an organization to do, other than petition for a change to the postseason format? In Los Angeles, the answer is clear: “Build the best possible roster and hope it works out.” Yet, the Kings know better than most just how difficult that task can be.
The Projection
The Kings’ journey this season has already been complicated by the significant injury to their best defenseman, Drew Doughty, during the preseason. His absence, projected to be “month-to-month,” has forced a recalibration of Los Angeles’ playoff odds. While the exact timeline for Doughty’s return remains uncertain, estimates suggest he could miss half the season. This injury has impacted the Kings’ expected performance, dropping their projected points from 94.3 to 92.7, with playoff chances falling from 62% to 55%.
Despite this setback, the Kings still have a relatively smoother path to the playoffs compared to teams like Utah or Minnesota, thanks to the weakness of the Pacific Division. However, the specter of another early playoff exit looms large, especially if the team fails to see a material jump from their future stars.
The Big Question: Quinton Byfield’s Potential
Is this the year Quinton Byfield blossoms into a franchise talent? Byfield’s breakout season last year, where he scored 55 points, was a reminder that elite prospects can take time to develop. His journey has been steady but slow, contrasting sharply with the rapid ascents of other high-profile picks like Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews.
The Kings’ acquisition of Pierre-Luc Dubois indicated a lack of confidence in Byfield’s immediate readiness to contribute significantly. However, Byfield proved his worth by not only sticking in the NHL but also thriving on a line with Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe. His five-on-five production was impressive, and he showcased a more rounded game.
As the Kings plan to start Byfield on a line with Kevin Fiala and Warren Foegele, the stage is set for him to establish himself as a franchise player. While he may not yet be in the league’s top tier, the potential for growth is undeniable, and this season could be pivotal for his development.
The Wild Card: Brandt Clarke’s Role
With Doughty sidelined, the pressure mounts on Brandt Clarke to fill the void on the blue line. Initially projected to be a third-pair defenseman, Clarke now finds himself thrust into a more significant role. His development has shown promise, particularly with his vision and puck-moving ability, but questions remain about his readiness for a top-four position.
The Kings’ defense will undoubtedly feel the impact of Doughty’s absence, and Clarke’s performance will be crucial in keeping the team competitive. While the top pair may not match playoff caliber without Doughty, a strong partnership with Mikey Anderson could help them exceed expectations.
The Strengths of the Kings
The Kings possess a wealth of talent, particularly in their forward lines. Byfield’s potential emergence as a star, combined with Fiala’s offensive prowess, creates an exciting dynamic. The second line, anchored by Danault and Trevor Moore, is another strength, capable of winning matchups and contributing defensively.
Los Angeles boasts one of the league’s deepest rosters, with a middle six that has a Net Rating of plus-18, the second-best mark in the league. This depth is crucial, especially in a season where the Kings will need to navigate challenges without their top defenseman.
The Weaknesses
Despite their strengths, the Kings are missing the franchise players that elevate teams to championship contention. The absence of Doughty, combined with the aging of Kopitar, raises concerns about the team’s ability to compete at the highest level. While Byfield is expected to take on a larger role, the transition has not yet occurred, leaving the Kings vulnerable.
The offensive output from the forwards has also been a concern, ranking 21st in the league for Offensive Rating. With Doughty out, the lack of offensive utility from the blue line becomes even more pronounced. The Kings will need to find a way to generate scoring opportunities, especially with a goaltending duo that lacks a standout presence.
The Best Case Scenario
In an ideal scenario, Byfield emerges as a superstar, leading Fiala to a 90-point season, while Clarke surprises everyone with his performance. If Doughty returns sooner than expected and Kuemper finds his form, the Kings could not only make the playoffs but also position themselves for a successful run.
The Worst Case Scenario
Conversely, if Doughty’s absence proves too detrimental, and Clarke struggles to adapt, the Kings could find themselves in a precarious position. A decline in Kopitar’s performance, coupled with subpar goaltending, could lead to a disappointing season and raise questions about the team’s future as a contender.
The Bottom Line
The Kings enter this season with a chip on their shoulder after another postseason exit at the hands of the Oilers. With Doughty’s indefinite absence, the path to the playoffs has become more challenging. However, the team still possesses the depth and potential to navigate these obstacles and make a push for postseason success.