LA Kings: Three players who will exceed their projected points production
As most are getting their fantasy hockey leagues underway, these three LA Kings are good bets to exceed their projected point productions.
Fans will be setting their fantasy hockey league lineups with Wednesday’s games officially kicking off the 2021 season. The usual suspects in Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid, and Leon Draisaitl will likely be taken within the top three of every league. Beyond that, the picks could vary from the player’s respective rankings.
Unlike previous seasons, the LA Kings will likely have very few representatives on fantasy hockey teams. Of course, there are a fair amount of teams in your league where depth plays an expanded role. Anze Kopitar remains an elite two-way center, scoring 21 goals and 62 points last season. He could be a valuable depth center or option on the bench, again, depending on the number of teams in your league.
However, these three players are good bets to exceed their projected point-productions and could be valuable additions to your team.
(Projections from Daily Faceoff)
Alex Iafallo
Projections: 56 GP, 11.2 G, 17.3 A, 28.5 PTS
Alex Iafallo is entering a contract year. The undrafted free-agent signed out of Minnesota-Duluth had his best season last year as he continues to get more comfortable playing on the LA Kings top line, scoring 17 goals and 43 points in 70 games. Head coach Todd McLellan noted the 27-year-old has been one of the best players in training camp, as he [Iafallo] looks to transition into more of a leadership role this season.
“It’s important to help them out. And, you know, make sure that we’re infusing the young guys and, and helping all the young guys out to get to their next level and to improve their skills. So, you know, me myself and along with another second core guy, a couple of guys is going to be huge, and it’s going to help push the pace for us.”
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Keep in mind that Iafallo’s first three seasons were all under different head coaches. Now in year two of Todd McLellan’s system, Iafallo should settle in and be able to move forward rather than continuously learning new X’s and O’s. And while it’s difficult to build on momentum 300 days apart, Alex Iafallo tallied five points in the LA Kings final six games of the 19-20 season.
Blake Lizotte
Projections: 56 GP, 6.0 G, 19.8 A, 25.8 PTS
Breaking camp with the team as a bit of an unknown commodity, Blake Lizotte proved he belongs in the NHL last season. An undrafted free agent out of St. Cloud State, Lizotte was overlooked by scouts because of his size. A 5-foot-7, 172-pound frame doesn’t scream NHL player on paper, but Lizotte’s speed became a much-needed asset for the LA Kings last season.
The Lindstrom, Minnesota native spent the majority of the 19-20 season with Adrian Kempe and Austin Wagner. Of course, Wagner is arguably the fastest player on the LA Kings roster. The combination of Lizotte and Wagner accounted for over 420 minutes of on-ice time and a 57.6 expected-goals-for percentage.
In training camp, he’s been playing alongside Andreas Athanasiou and Jeff Carter. The former could complement Lizotte with his elite speed, similar to Wagner. And while they’re time-on-ice last season was limited to 96 minutes, the duo of Lizotte and Carter accounted for a 59.7 expected-goals-for percentage.
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“Last year was kind of unique. Even the older guys weren’t really sure what to expect with new coaches,” Lizotte said, reflecting on his rookie year. This year has been a lot more confident for myself, just even knowing the drills, and it’s gotten a lot smoother. I think not having nearly as many surprises which is huge, and just the comfortability with some of the better players here like Kopitar, Doughty, and Carts [Carter| and just having more familiarity with them and more comfortability plays a huge role in being more confident across this very extended offseason.”
I see Athanasiou having a similar impact on Lizotte, and along with a healthy Jeff Carter, the 23-year-old is primed for a great year.
Drew Doughty
Projections: 56 GP, 7.1 G, 23.7 A, 30.8 PTS
Drew Doughty has heard the criticism. He’s no longer a top defenseman, and he could potentially not be selected for the Canadian Olympic team. TSN and other various media outlets have written him off.
The LA Kings also acquired left-shot defenseman Olli Maatta from the Blackhawks to give the 31-year-old Doughty a legitimate pairing partner. Maatta is a two-time Stanley Cup winner as well. Todd McLellan spoke highly of Maatta’s play in training camp, indicating he’s a smart player who takes care of the puck.
“We play the same way. We’re thinkers, not the fastest skaters,” said Doughty after the first day of training camp. “Our specialty will be moving the puck out of our own zone. I’m super excited to play with him.”
If that doesn’t motivate Drew Doughty to return to Norris Trophy form, I’m not sure what will.
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He’s two years removed from a ten-goal, 60-point season, finishing second in Norris Trophy voting. Much of the LA Kings 2021 success banks on Doughty. He has motivation. He’s taking the criticism personally. He has a veteran pairing partner. Expected a big year from Drew Doughty.