2015-16 record: 48-28-6 (102 points)
Lost to San Jose in Conference quarterfinals
Captain: Anze Kopitar
The Los Angeles Kings have been going all in for another Stanley Cup since 2012, but the last two seasons, the results have been far less than what they've hoped for, as they fell way short both times. Now, the salary cap threatens to have a stranglehold on the team's chances, thus closing a window of opportunity that may be there for just another season or two. Yes, they still have elite players at key spots, but whether they can field a team that be filled out with competent role players is another question.
Up front, Anze Koiptar has been their best player since he joined the NHL, and now, he has the captaincy added to his name. Unlike predecessor Dustin Brown, it shouldn't be a problem for him to adjust to the role while maintaining his production. Tyler Toffoli figures to be the next great offensive star for the team, and he already is a 30-goal scorer, while Jeff Carter continues to post solid numbers. Beyond that, there are question marks, namely can the Kings get continued secondary scoring from the likes of Tanner Pearson, Teddy Purcell, and a presumably healthy Marian Gaborik? They'll need it because Milan Lucic took both 20 goals and an imposing power forward type that opened doors for the offensive stars with him to Edmonton. A spike in numbers from Brown is hoped for, especially now that he no longer has the burden of wearing the captain's C. Defensively, they're as good as ever, and they are led by Drew Doughty, who finally got the recognition he deserved with his first Norris Trophy win. Jake Muzzin is solid, and a healthy Alec Martinez would certainly help, as would a healthy Matt Greene. However, the rest of the unit will be cobbled together by a combination of Brayden McNabb, Tom Gilbert, Zach Trotman, and Rob Scuderi. In a perfect world, either Kevn Gravel or Derek Forbort make an impact in the NHL. In goal, Jonathan Quick will continue to get the lion's share of the starts, and he shows little signs of slowing down. In the event he has to rest, one-time understudy Jeff Zatkoff will fill in. The power play was in the top ten, and figures to be again with Doughty and Kopitar leading the way. However, the penalty kill needs improvement, and certainly, not having their full compliment of players will help a little.
Prediction: 3rd in the Pacific Division
The Kings still have all the pieces necessary to make another Stanley Cup run, but time may be running out, as the salary cap looms large against their chances. They cannot afford to miss on another gamble the way they did when they traded for Andrej Sekera two seasons ago.
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