Los Angeles Kings: Grading the Off-Season

Manhattan Beach is one of the most beautiful places to live in the country. It’s got it all: beautiful people, gorgeous beach views, and breathtaking homes. But most importantly, it is home to many of our Los Angeles Kings players. It is where they spend the majority of their off-season.

Kings fans are celebrating that their team finally got a full summer to rest, rejuvenate, and re-energize for the upcoming season. Our boys should come out ready to fight and win right out of the gate!

With the off-season almost gone, it’s time to grade the summer moves the Kings made. They were among a few teams to make significant changes to their roster. Changes we will, no doubtedly, feel as they hit the ice:

1. TRADING FOR MILAN LUCIC (Grade B+)

Most of us knew a move like this would happen. The Kings have been searching for a good fit with Kopi & Gabby for the past 2 seasons. Dustin Brown did well during their cup run in 2014, but didn’t pan out. Justin Williams was hot & cold while playing with the big boys. They even tried Dwight King for a stint and well…you know…he’s Dwight King.

So the bid for Milan Lucic was made on June 26th. They gave up a first round pick, goaltender Martin Jones, and prospect Colin Miller…some young talent. I was sad to see Martin Jones go, especially when I saw he was later sent off to our rivals – San Jose Sharks.

I give this transaction a B+. We need a big guy upfront to create space for Kopi & Gabby to do their thing and Lucic should be a good fit for that role. But, I believe we gave up a little too much for a guy who had a decline in production last year. Let’s hope he turns things around this coming season.

2. 2015 NHL DRAFT (Grade B)

The Kings picked up some HUGE men in the draft this summer. They drafted 3 defensemen (Erik Cernak, Chaz Reddekopp, Matthew Roy) and 3 forwards (Alexander Dergachyov, Austin Wagner, Matt Schmalz). From the scouting reports, none of these players will be superstars but could find a good fit as depth players with the Los Angeles Kings.

3. LOSING JUSTIN WILLIAMS AND JARRETT STOLL (Grade C)

The only reason I’ve graded these unrestricted free agent at a C is because they even each other out. The loss of Jarrett Stoll gets a high grade of A, while the loss of Williams is graded at a D-…so they even each other out. I’ve never been a Jarrett Stoll fan because of his off-ice reputation so for me, it’s about time. But I’m really going to miss watching Justin Williams control the puck better than anyone in the corners, spin off of checks, and score those clutch goals. Good luck in D.C., Justin!

4. ADDING JHONAS ENROTH (Grade B+)

Jhonas has a reputation of being a “King killer” so it’ll be good to see him on our side of the ice. Reports were that the Kings first choice was Thomas Greiss, but he signed with the Islanders. So they went after Enroth and got him. He’ll be great in a back-up role behind Jonathan Quick…let’s just hope Quick doesn’t have any injury issues this season.

5. GOODBYE MIKE RICHARDS (Grade A)

The Kings put him on waivers and no one grabbed him. And for good reason. His contract is completely ridiculous. I bet the management staff is going to have some of the best sleep of their lives now that they’ve rid themselves of $5 million on their books. Richards was good for a few years and was instrumental in us getting our first Cup in 2012. But it was all downhill from there. We wish him well and thank him for his time as a Los Angeles King.

6. OVERALL FOR THE OFF-SEASON (Grade B)

Combine all of these moves as well as some other minor changes and this is where I believe they land this summer. What about you? How would you rate their 2015 off-season transactions?

Next: What do the Kings and Blackhawks have in common?

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