With the organization filled with talent, one may argue that the goaltending position is one that could use some retooling. Grant it, there are some good, young goaltenders in the system. The problem is most of them have struggled and have not shown they are improving enough to play at the next level.
The 2022 NHL Entry Draft is less than one month away and the Kings could explore taking a goaltender later in the draft. London Knights goaltender Brett Brochu may be the perfect choice for Los Angeles as he is the best goaltending prospect to come out of the OHL this year. The 5-foot-11 and 176- pound netminder out of Belle River, Ontario is ranked 31st in the last Central Scouting rankings. He has had quite a successful OHL career and has nothing left to prove.
This season for the Knights Brochu played 43 games, compiling a record of 29-11-2 with 2 shutouts, a 2.75 GAA, and a .911 save %, winning OHL goaltender of the year. In the 2019/20 season, he had the best OHL GAA and best rookie GAA (2.40) and claimed a spot on the OHL first all-rookie team.
Because of his success, Brochu was called up to the AHL Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins for a start in the last game of the season. Although he lost his only start he showed promise and proved he can play at the next level.
Whether Brochu is drafted by the Kings or not the Kings should look to upgrade the goaltending depth if at all possible. Some of the goaltenders are without contracts so depth could be an issue if they are not re-signed.
An interesting off-season for the Kings. With small adjustments, the Kings could be right back where they were this season, in the playoffs. Let us see what general manager Rob Blake has in store. Do you think the goaltending position depth needs to be looked at?
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(photo:gamedaylondon.com; Jake Jeffrey) (photo: gamedaylondon.com; Patrick Morely)
