Los Angeles Kings: The Lewis, King, Weal Dilemma

In less than a month, the Los Angeles Kings will have a roster dilemma — too many NHL ready players. In the past 2 games, Jordan Weal has seen time in a starting role due to Trevor Lewis being out with an injury. And as you probably know, Dwight King has been out since the beginning of the season after breaking a bone in his foot. He’ll be hitting the ice in the next few weeks and will likely be ready to go within a month or so. At that point, the Kings will have to address their roster.

That being said, I do know that other injuries could take place by the time these 3 guys are all ready for action. But what will the Kings do if all their forwards are healthy? Let’s speculate together by taking a look at what each of them brings to the table.

The most recent starter has been Jordan Weal. He’s played in a 4th line center role the past 2 games against the Penguins and Lightning. The Kings won both games. He’s been solid in the role he’s been placed in. In the minimal time he’s seen on the ice (less than 10 minutes per game), he’s been good in face-offs, positioning, and the defensive zone. He had a minor hiccup when he tried to exit the defensive zone up the middle where he collided with Jamie McBain to cough up the puck.

That’s the kind of stuff that causes Sutter to bench players. Hopefully that doesn’t happen to Weal again after he did something similar in his first NHL game which led to a goal.

It’s obvious that Weal is not built for a 4th line role. He’s probably one of the most purely skilled players on the Kings roster. Great hands, good vision, playmaker. But I imagine Sutter is forcing him to learn the defensive side of the game by slotting him into the 4th line center position. As he shows he can be responsible in that role, I think he’ll move up pretty quickly.

Wouldn’t it be awesome to see him on a line with Kopitar or Carter?

Trevor Lewis is our “heart” guy. He’s fought for his role as a 3rd/4th line grinder and done well. He’s won 2 Cups with the team and works hard night in, night out. But I don’t think he’s started this season well enough to secure his spot. He’s a -6 in 24 games this season. Ouch. Especially on a team like the Kings who is at the top of the league.

The best qualities he brings to the roster are finishing hits, straight-away speed and the ability to kill penalties. Since he is a veteran, I’d imagine he brings a lot more intangibles to the locker room. A steady/enthusiastic voice and some stability on a team that has had far too many ups & down on their roster in recent years.

Lewis is currently out with an upper body injury, but it doesn’t seem like a long-term thing. It is enough time to allow Weal to show what he can bring to the table in the NHL.

Now, on to Dwight King…

We’re yet to see King’er in a game this season. But we’ve seen lots of him in the past 3 seasons. He’s seen time in a top winger spot alongside Kopitar. He’s been a 3rd line producer. And he’s spent time in a 4th line checking role. He’s a versatile player.

But I’m not sure the Kings need versatility right now. I think they get that out of a lot guys — Clifford, Shore, Brown, Lewis to name a few. All those guys easily make up for what King offers. I’m not saying King is worthless…but I am saying he’s replaceable. Yes, he’s scored some clutch goals. Yes, he’s a big body that gets in front of the net. But has he already achieved his top end potential as a player? Some would say yes and others would argue no.

What I can say is that I don’t think anyone is feeling the effects of losing King so far this season. Sorry. But it’s true.

Next: Jhonas Enroth to see more starts?

Will they give the kid, Weal, a chance? Or does he not fit into the style & system that the Kings play because of his size?

Will the 2-time Stanley Cup veteran and hardworking Lewis slot right back into the roster as soon as he’s healthy?

Will Dwight King step in as that stable & versatile player we know him as? Or will his injury reveal to the team that he is expendable?

All we know is that there isn’t enough room for all of them on the current roster. And to be benching any of these guys on a consistent basis is a waste of talent & cap space.  #gokingsgo