The rookie camps are done. The training camps are done and the appropriate transactions have taken place. The time has come fans, the 2018-19 NHL season kicks off tonight but the Los Angeles Kings kick off their campaign this Friday against San Jose Sharks.
The team announced that three players will have new jersey numbers this season. Michael Amadio will switch from #52 to #10, Jaret Anderson-Dolan from #50 to #28 and Paul LaDue from #38 to #2.
The opening night roster comes with the predictable players like Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty and so on. However, the Kings will have some new additions to start off the year. The three players mentioned above spent some time with L.A. last year but will be on the opening night roster, along with Alex Iafallo, Austin Wagner and Oscar Fantenberg. These players will get their first real look at the big club and with out a doubt play a key role this season.
The team on paper looks primed for a key run this year but this is why we play the games. Los Angeles looks deeper and have a bit more scoring with the rookies coming in so this should help them down the stretch. Newly crowned captain Kopitar will teach the kids on the roster how to adapt and play a key role in their development. Drew Doughty no longer has to worry about the contract, as he signed a long term deal this off season and will be with the kings for 8 years. Their are some questions though for the Kings this season. How will the rookies adapt to the pro game? Will Jonathan Quick be able to put this team on his shoulders and carry them through the season? It is time to go through the best time of the year. They are just getting started.
Photo: NHL.com
