Do the LA Kings need more defensive depth?

Solution number one: The LA Kings keep it in house

This solution is obviously the most immediate one, with the Kings having about 48 hours to decide what the defensive lineup will look like Tuesday night. This solution should also be considered temporary if the Kings are going to have playoff aspirations.

It has been reported that rookie Kale Clague will move over to the right side, filling one of the spots vacated by Roy and Walker, but he has also yet to play on the right side in his short NHL career. Journeyman free agent signee Mark Alt will most certainly be called up from the taxi squad to fill the other opening as he is a natural right defenseman.

The newly created openings on the left side should be filled by Olli Maatta and Kurtis MacDermid for now. MacDermid can play both the left and right side, so he also offers flexibility in the lineup. One of Tobias Bjornfot, Austin Strand, or if you’re really looking for a wildcard, Sean Durzi, will have to be called up to fill the seventh spot. Here is what the defensive lineup could look for the LA Kings on Tuesday night:

Anderson – Doughty

Maatta – Clague

MacDermid – Alt

Bjornfot

Clague, Anderson, and Bjornfot all certainly figure into the Kings’ future defensive plans, but this lineup makes one realize just how valuable Roy and Walker are right now.