The Los Angeles Kings have an exciting, young core, but there are four players who are primed for breakout seasons as the team looks to make the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year.
Four Breakout Players for the Kings
Brandt Clarke
Defenceman Brant Clarke is entering into his fourth season as an eligible rookie. This will, in all likelihood, be his last rookie season. In just 25 career NHL games, Clarke has already proven that he can shine in big moments. Last season, he got his first NHL goal in dramatic fashion: an out of the penalty box overtime goal to cap off a comeback win against the Boston Bruins.
Given the recent injury to veteran defenceman Drew Doughty, Clarke will be getting an expanded role this season. He can prove that he has what it takes to be a regular in the NHL. The offensively minded blueliner and former eighth overall pick is still only 21 years old and is just beginning to scratch the surface of what he can contribute to the Kings.
While Clarke has a lot of upside, there are some issues that have plagued him in the past. As much as his skill shines in the offensive zone, he has not proven his ability on the backend at the NHL level. This is something that he will certainly need to tighten up if he wants to make this season his breakout. The team is looking to slot him into a full time role for the first time so he has a wonderful opportunity to showcase his skill.
Alex Laferriere
Going into his second NHL season, Alex Laferriere is quickly earning the trust of the Kings’ coaching staff. Last season, he was a surprise addition to the opening night roster after an impressive training camp. He played well in the bottom six posting 12 goals and 11 assists for 21 points. This year, he entered camp poised to play on the first line alongside veterans Anže Kopitar and Adrian Kempe.
Although it is a very small sample size, Laferriere has put up three goals across two preseason games. He scored two and nearly picked up an empty netter for a hat trick against the Anaheim Ducks last night. The Kings’ new top line appears to be gelling well, but Laferriere is its biggest question mark. The sophomore slump is notorious and the team does not have time for him to figure things out playing top line minutes. Assuming he can keep up this level of production during the regular season, he will be a vital asset on a formidable top line.
Alex Turcotte
Those in and around the Kings organization were ecstatic to select Alex Turcotte at fifth overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Since then, his path to the NHL has been muddied by repeated injuries. In the offseason, the Kings signed the 23 year old winger to a team-friendly three year $2.325 million contract extension. This is a “show me” contract and Turcotte has a lot to prove.
He has not yet lived up to his potential in his young career. Despite scoring the golden goal for Team USA in the 2021 World Junior Championship, his first professional season with the Ontario Reign was shortened by an injury. In four professional seasons, he has never had an injury free campaign.
Last season, Turcotte made his biggest stride towards establishing himself as an NHLer. In 20 games played with the Kings, he scored one goal and three assists for four points. While these numbers are not great, he was playing fourth line minutes. More importantly, however, he passed the eye test. He looked like he belonged on the NHL ice. He has some momentum to build off, but if he wants to have a breakout season, staying healthy is his biggest concern.
Quinton Byfield
It is easy to say that last season was Quinton Byfield’s breakout. He scored 20 goals and 35 assists for 55 points in his first full NHL campaign. But, a natural centre, he played the majority of the season as a winger on the top line alongside Kopitar and Kempe. This season, he will be anchoring his own line at centre. He has a unique opportunity to build off a very successful campaign.
The Kings drafted him with the intention of having him succeed Kopitar as the team’s top line centre. At centre, his two way ability can shine in a way that it cannot at wing. He will have more responsibility on the backend, with key face offs, and setting up goals. This is a great opportunity to see what he can do while Kopitar is still around to mentor him. One question does remain: will he be able to produce himself without having Kopitar as a linemate.
Breakout Seasons Are Key to Kings Success
The Kings are looking to take the next steps towards becoming legitimate playoff contenders. Some of the younger players need to rise to the occasion and step up their games both in the regular season and playoffs. These players have the chance to forge their way into the Kings’ young core, making for a very exciting season.
Main Photo: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
