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Los Angeles Kings: Who We’ll Miss This Year

By Gary Hale

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One month is left before things really ramp up for NHL teams as they jump into training camp and the pre-season. New faces will be getting a shot at the lineup. Memories of old faces will linger as teammates have had to say goodbye to one another. And some surprise camp invites will be extended to players who may have lost their touch but are going to give one last shot at making a team.

As we look at the Los Angeles Kings, there are some great new additions to the team. But those additions won’t fill all the holes that we’ve lost during this off-season. So here goes “Who We’ll Miss This Year”.

1. JUSTIN WILLIAMS

Mr. Game 7. We are going to miss you like crazy. You had a great career with the Kings. You compete harder than anyone and care more about the team than your own success. You’re a proven winner by winning 3 Stanley Cups, a Conn Smythe Award and a Class-A player that earns respect at the mention of your name.

Tear it up out there on the east coast with Ovi!

2. MARTIN JONES

I’m really gonna miss this guy. I know he didn’t see much ice time as a King while backing up Jonathan Quick, but I think this guy is going to be a star in San Jose. He tied the record for most consecutive wins as a rookie by going 8-0 in his first 8 games. Whenever the Kings needed him to give Quick a break, he was up to the task.

Have a great time as a starter in San Jose!

3. JARRETT STOLL

As you may have seen, Jarrett Stoll was signed by the New York Rangers today. After all his off-ice issues, he’s getting a 2nd chance with a great team. Jarrett, you started off great with the Kings. You had 20-goal seasons, were our top guy in the face-off circle, and worked your ass off to kill penalties better than most. It was sad to see the off ice stuff get in the way of your career, but hopefully this 2nd chance will help you turn things around both personally and professionally and lead to a respectable finishing of your NHL career.

Cheers, Jarrett. Be careful in that NYC night life!

4. ANDREJ SEKERA

We didn’t get to see you play much, which was a bummer. But it’s clear you’ve got some talent. The Oilers are giving you a lot to be a solid defenseman with them and hopefully that pans out well and you can make an impact.

Help out all those kiddos in Edmonton. They need some veteran leadership!

5. MIKE RICHARDS

You brought a lot to the table as a leader. Heck, we may not have one that cup in 2012 without you joining the team. You’re a great passer, a team guy, and someone that everyone loves hanging out with. Thanks for picking up Gabby at the airport in 2014 when he joined the team. What a great way to welcome a new guy that has to have some nerves running through his veins. Thanks for dropping the mitts every now again to defend your teammates and send a message. And thanks for having the humility to take a 4th line role after being a top center for much of your career.

Good luck with whatever is next. Hope to see you on the ice again!

Next: Los Angeles Kings Summer Transactions

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