Kings’ Laferriere Pushing For Roster Spot on Opening Night
Los Angeles Kings rookie forward Alex Laferriere has been one of the bigger bright spots in training camp this season. He has been dynamic and all over the ice, raising the question if he has done enough to earn a roster spot.
Kings’ Laferriere is the best player in camp
Laferriere was drafted by Los Angeles in the 3rd round (83rd overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft. He was a talented player that slipped to the Kings, to which they had no reservations about taking him. He then proceeded to have an excellent finish to his college career before turning pro with the Ontario Reign of the American Hockey League.
Laferriere plays a big man’s game despite being only 6-foot- and 179 pounds. He is creative in the offensive and neutral zones but he plays like a bit pull in the defensive zone. He reminds me a bit of forward Ian Laperriere, who played for the Los Angeles Kings from 1995-96 until the 2003-04 season. While playing a physical game, he is also a player who can produce close to a point-perr-game.
He has tremendous speed and has excellent shooting accuracy, something many current NHLers do not have. He has a mixed bag of skills and what he has shown so far may end up getting him a roster spot out of camp or a few looks during the season.
Last season, Laferriere split time between Harvard University of the NCAA and the Reign. With Harvard University, he contributed 21 goals and 21 assists for 42 points in 34 games, along with 20 penalty minutes. He then made his pro debut, playing four games with the Reign and scoring one goal.
Laferriere signed a 3yr/ $2.625 million deal on April 9, 2023 and the Kings received a cap hit of $785,000. Laferriere could become a RFA after the 2024-25 season but the way he has been playing a deal should not be that complicated.
During the preseason, he has come to play. He leads the team in points with four on three goals and one assist. Laferriere also has a +3, has a power play goal, and a 23.1 shooting percentage, all in four games.
While he could start this season in Ontario, Laferriere is making it hard on management to stay in Los Angeles and open the season on the Kings roster. He has done everything needed to make an impression and should get a long look. He is filled with confidence and his style of play could certainly be useful in the bottom six. Laferriere is a player to watch out for in the near future as he has all of the tools to be an impact player the Kings need towards another Stanley Cup.
(photo: lakingsinsider.com; Jack Jablonski) (photo: lakingsinsider.com; Jack Jablonski)
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Categorized:Kings