The Los Angeles Kings are into the new season well over a month now.
There are still questions about the team, including is the rebuild going to plan?
The Kings have shuffled new, younger players into the lineup over the course of a year now.
Those players have been inserted into the lineup and performed, or have they?
Players like forward Arthur Kaliyev, and defenseman Mikey Anderson and Sean Walker have shown signs they belong in Los Angeles full-time. Others like Gabe Vilardi have shown promise, but something is missing from him and others.
The younger players, aside from Kaliyev and Durzi, have not provided much offense. The King’s core of Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown, Drew Doughty, and Jonathan Quick are once again carrying the load.
There are players who are playing well but not to their fullest capabilities. The young guys need more seasoning before they feel comfortable enough to showcase what skills they have.
The rebuild is not over until the Kings are competitive year after year. The influx of young players will most likely continue for at least another year.
The Kings started well early in the season but have tapered off and have been close to .500 hockey. In order for them to move up and compete for a playoff spot, the young guys need to show up and produce.
Once the kids are up full-time and have experience, things should turn around, but until that time, the team may continue to struggle. The future is still bright for the organization, but the rebuild continues.
How do you think the team should handle the young guys?
Are the prospects impressing you or not?
Featured Image: Sie Morely/jewelsfromthecrown.com
