1. LA Kings get a bounceback year from Drew Doughty
Drew Doughty recently turned 31 and said he’s taken criticism towards his game personally. He specially stated that media outlets such as TSN no longer view him as a top defenseman, even going as far as saying he will not make the Canadian Olympic team. The LA Kings targeted a left-shot defenseman in the offseason, acquiring Olli Maatta to give Doughty a legitimate pairing partner.
The former Norris Trophy winner indicated his recent partners have all been on the younger side, with his last veteran partner being Rob Scuderi. All the early reports on Maatta have been positive in training camp, so Doughty should be in a favorable position to return to a prorated 60-point producer.