Number three: Tobias Bjornfot
Like Samuel Fagemo, Tobias Bjornfot is a Swede. Unlike Fagemo, Bjornfot is a defenseman.
Drafted in the first round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft with the pick acquired from Toronto in the Jake Muzzin trade, there is little doubt within the Kings organization Bjornfot will play in the NHL – the question is when? He had an exceptional training camp last season, drawing lavish praise from Drew Doughty.
That performance earned him three games with the Kings before being sent down to Ontario for more development – and presumably to avoid using the first year on his entry-level contract. Bjornfot has a solid first season with the Reign, contributing 19 points to go along with a +13.
Bjornfot can be expected to join the Kings at some point this season. The team reportedly wants to get playing time in LA for both him and Kale Clague – as they are the team’s top two defensive prospects. Whether that will be at the same time or not remains to be seen, as the Kings might be averse to having too many first and second-year defensemen in the lineup at the same time.
What is for sure is that Tobias Bjornfot has the potential to be on the LA Kings blueline for a long time, and this would be a great season to start the journey.