The LA Kings recently added Andreas Athanasiou. Where does he fit in?
With the LA Kings top two forward lines primarily set heading into the 2021 season, players have several opportunities. Trevor Lewis, Kyle Clifford, and Nikolai Prokhorkin‘s departures opened avenues for younger players to garner regular playing time in the bottom-six forward lines.
Of course, Andreas Athanasiou was signed to a one-way contract, so his spot on the roster is guaranteed. He likely makes sense to slot in along the third line left-winger with Blake Lizotte and Jeff Carter. But players like Carl Grundstrom and Samuel Fagemo, who have been playing overseas during the pause, could potentially have an edge.
They’ve been off for the last couple of weeks making their way to Los Angeles and quarantining before camp, but less time will be required for them to get their sea legs back. Fagemo, of course, had a breakout WJC tournament a year ago, propelling him to the top of the LA Kings’ prospect pool.
Before returning to the states, Fagemo had collected six goals and 11 points in 18 games for Södertälje. Other players like Matt Luff, Jaret Anderson-Dolan, Trevor Moore, and Michael Amadio will be jockeying for a few open spots. The implementation of the six-player maximum taxi squad certainly makes it easier to carry AHL-eligible players throughout the year.