Edmonton Oilers: Predictions for the Pacific Division

7 of 9

Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

2nd. Los Angeles Kings

Subtractions: Jones, Richards, Sekera, Stoll, Williams, Voynov?

For a team that lost quite a bit during the off season, I feel confident in Los Angeles’ abilities to perform next season. I’m a bit biased: I have had a soft spot for the Kings and they are behind the Oilers in terms of teams I enjoy watching. That said, I think a long off season was a good thing for the Kings. They did, after all, play a lot of hockey these last few seasons with the relatively same core. They still have a great center in Kopitar, A stud in Doughty and a top end Goalie in Quick.

I really wanted to see Mike Richards work out in LA and it’s a shame that he flamed out. Dustin Brown has to turn it around though; for the money he’s making posting a 27 point season is pathetic. I think Lucic benefits from a change of scenery and fits in with Sutter’s style of game play. Jake Muzzin is also a guy to really watch for: he came into his own last season and I think that trend continues.

Still, some question marks on D: I put Voynov as a substraction since he’s still suspended (and with good reason). I think Ehrhoff is a good fit, if he can stay healthy.

I think the Kings rebound in a big way.

Next: 1st. Anaheim Ducks

Home/Editorials