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LA Kings: Three can’t-miss breakout candidates to watch next year

By Ryan Sikes

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 05: Gabriel Vilardi #42 of the Los Angeles Kings shoots the puck against Frederik Andersen #31 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period at Staples Center on March 05, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 05: Gabriel Vilardi #42 of the Los Angeles Kings shoots the puck against Frederik Andersen #31 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period at Staples Center on March 05, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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LA Kings Blake Lizotte
(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /

These three LA Kings will turn some heads next season as can’t-miss breakout candidates.

On Friday, the NHL announced that the 2021 Winter Classic and All-Star Game were postponed. The COVID pandemic has taken a toll on everything and anything, and the league has had difficulties setting a schedule for the 2020-2021 season.

How many games will we see the LA Kings play? 48-60? A full 82-game slate? The former seems more likely at this point. I find it interesting that the league stated here that these two events’ postponements would not impact the targeted January 1, 2021 start date for the NHL.

At any rate, when the season gets underway, the LA Kings will have several new faces seeing a larger role next year. Many of them will have the opportunity to establish themselves as regulars in the lineup for the foreseeable future with a solid season.

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Last year, the player was Blake Lizotte. Undrafted out of St. Cloud State, Lizotte was overlooked because he’s 5-foot-7 on a good day. But he also has the mental toughness and speed that propelled him from a strong training camp to a spot on the LA Kings roster. The 22-year-old scored 6 goals with 17 assists, primarily playing at the 3C position.

Lizotte will likely have Jeff Carter as his right-winger with the left side open for competition. Let’s look at several players who could be great picks for breakout candidates in the 2020-2021 season.

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