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What The LA Kings Opening Night Roster Could Look Like

By Vincent D'Angelo

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 05: Fans head to the entrance for opening night of the Los Angeles Kings 2017-2018 season against the Philadelphia Flyers at Staples Center on October 5, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 05: Fans head to the entrance for opening night of the Los Angeles Kings 2017-2018 season against the Philadelphia Flyers at Staples Center on October 5, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Kings defenseman Dion Phaneuf (3) celebrates with Los Angeles Kings defenseman Alec Martinez (27) after scoring against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period of their game at the United Center Monday, Feb. 19, 2018 in Chicago. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Chicago Tribune/TNS via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Kings defenseman Dion Phaneuf (3) celebrates with Los Angeles Kings defenseman Alec Martinez (27) after scoring against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period of their game at the United Center Monday, Feb. 19, 2018 in Chicago. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Chicago Tribune/TNS via Getty Images) /

LA Kings 3rd D-pairing:

17-18 MacDermid Fantenberg
18-19 Phaneuf Martinez


UPGRADE SUPREME!!!

Just read the names. Martinez was injured to start the season in 17-18 so this pairing may have looked a little different but regardless Phaneuf-Martinez could be a 2nd D-pairing on most NHL teams.

This doesn’t change that the LA Kings top 4 is Doughty, Muzzin, Martinez, and Phaneuf. I’m just not sure we want to see a Forbort-LaDue defensive pairing just yet.

MacDermid and Fantenberg will fight for 7th D spot but might ultimately lose it to Daniel Brickley and most likely end up playing in Ontario this season. I have MacDermid beating Fantenberg due to physicality but if Fantenberg can bring that offensive game and stay sound defensively it’s anybody’s game!

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