The Los Angeles Kings’ organizational depth is tops in the league. The forwards in the system and overseas are top-tier prospects, while the defense remains solid. Training camp this year is expected to be fierce with the veterans and young stars battling for spots. Are the spots on defense up for grabs or already taken?
While many things are expected to change with the NHL draft, Seattle Kraken expansion draft, and free agency, the Kings defense is key during this offseason. With only 6 spots on the main roster, the Kings have enough to solidify their defense Drew Doughty, Sean Walker, Matt Roy, Kurtis MacDermid, Tobias Bjornfot, Christian Wolanin, Olli Maatta, Mikey Anderson, Kale Clague, Austin Strand, Markus Phillips, and Jacob Moverare all fighting for those spots.
With all due respect, we most likely know who those spots will go to, at least the top 4. However, things could change tomorrow. The competition will change based on free agency and if the Kings lose defensemen to Seattle.
One bet is Wolanin, who just signed a new deal with Los Angeles, who will most likely be up with the big club. MacDermid may be moving up to forward, while Clague and Strand showed promise during their brief stint. Phillips and Moverare are out to prove they belong as well.
The rest of July until training camp is going to be unreal. The roster will most likely see some changes, but how many and how big of a change. Will they lose a defenseman to Seattle or will a forward move on? Will they even trade some defensemen? Plenty of questions likely to be answered in the coming months. One thing for sure is Rob Blake, along with coach Todd Mclellan, will have this team ready to go and set for action come September.
(photo: rinkroyalty: Ryan Cowley) (photo: jewelsfromthecrown.com: Carlos Feliciano)
