Goaltending is the most important position in the game of hockey.
The second most important? The center position.
Most teams do not have center depth, the Los Angeles Kings have centers for decades. Does this create a problem or create more intense competition?
The Kings recently selected center Quinton Byfield 2nd overall in the draft just a couple of weeks ago. Along with Alex Turcotte and Gabe Vilardi, the Kings have the core center position locked up for years.
Anze Kopitar and Jeff Carter are staples in the center position for the present but what about the future?
Without a doubt, the young centers are going to lead this team into the future. The current question is when does Byfield make his NHL debut and where do you put him? He is capable of being a first-line center but that is occupied by Kopitar, he is too talented to be out on the 4th line, which is why he most likely makes the opening roster on the second line.
The King’s center depth is amazing. The list of centers in the organization is as follows: Kopitar, Carter, Byfield, Turcotte, Vilardi, Adrian Kempe, Blake Lizotte, Michael Amadio, Jaret Anderson-Dolan, Michael Eyssimont, Lias Anderson, Rasmus Kupari, Drake Rymsha, Akil Thomas, Aidan Dudas, Tyler Madden, and Alexander Dergachyov.
Only time will tell how many of these young prospects turn into NHL superstars. They will make an impact once on the King’s scene and they will contribute. They are all young and will need some time to mature and get adjusted to the pro game.
Once that happens then the Kings have the middle of the ice-locked up with potential.
Quite the problem to have.
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