2021-2022 Season Projections
For all my season previews, we’ll be utilizing my 2021-2022 team and player projections. You can find much more background on these models here, along with more on assessing value of contracts here. We’ll preview the Los Angeles Kings in this post.
2021 Offseason
The Kings made a few external additions this offseason, via both trade and free agency. They acquired Victor Arvidsson from the Predators ahead of the expansion draft. In free agency, they signed one of the premier available UFAs in Philip Danault as well as brought in veteran defenseman Alex Edler. They also came to terms on a number of extensions as they look to continue their rebuild with growth from within.
2021-2022 Season Preview
Roster Strength
The Kings rebuild is starting to take shape, although it doesn’t look ready to be a force in the Pacific Division just yet. Both forward and defense depth look relatively good, but they still lack the top end talent needed for their top forward and defense units.
Forwards
Landing Philip Danault in free agency was a huge win for the Kings, as he projects as their top forward by a significant margin. Not only that, but the price they paid was very reasonable with a projected value well above the league median. At age 28 and a six year deal, the Kings will look to Danault as leader as their rebuild starts to turn the corner. Victor Arvidsson should also slot into the Kings’ top six, with a projected impact of a second line forward. Incumbents Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown are on the tail end of their careers, but can still contribute in the top six.
The bottom six is chalk full of young players who should compete for ice time. The hope for the Kings will be that one or two take big strides this season and push for a spot in the top six.
Defensemen
The youth movement has started on defense, with Mikey Anderson coming off a strong 2020-2021 season. He projects as a capable top pair defenseman for 21/22. The question may be who he plays alongside. Drew Doughty isn’t the force he once was and the Kings may find a better fit for him further down the lineup. Newcomer Alex Edler projects as a second pair defenseman and comes to LA with a reasonable cap hit.
Goaltenders
Goaltending may be the biggest question mark heading into the 21/22 season for the Kings. Jonathan Quick has been trending downward in recent seasons and isn’t a lock to be the starter in LA. Cal Peterson doesn’t have a strong projection for the 21/22 season, however it may be simply due to limited available data. Peterson looked strong at the World Championships this spring and the Kings will hope he can carry that form into the NHL season.
Team Performance
While there are signs that the Kings rebuild is headed in the right direction and it could soon be ready to turn the corner, their projection for 21/22 still has them at the bottom of the Pacific Division.
2021-2022 In Season Updates
Make sure to subscribe and check back for updates to the 2021-2022 season projections throughout the season. Watch for updates and enhancements to the models, updated player projections using 2021-2022 season data, analysis of trades and injuries, and more.
