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

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 Cal Petersen
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

2. Cal Petersen

Cal Petersen is the heir apparent to Jonathan Quick in net, and the duo figure to split time in the upcoming season. What kind of split remains to be seen, but it will certainly be more than his 2019-2020 total of 8 games.

After the Kings gave Jack Campbell a look in net and ultimately traded him to the Maple Leafs, Petersen shined down the stretch to the tune of a .922 save percentage and 2.64 GAA. Five of his eight starts were deemed quality starts.

He made tremendous strides blocking shots on the man advantage from the 2018-2019 to 2019-2020 season, going from a .793 save percentage to a .919 save percentage.

The 26-year old was right in line with his expected-goals-allowed (20) last season, which was another vast improvement from the previous year. Look for Petersen and Quick to form one of the best goalie tandems in the league this year.

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