Darcy Kuemper
One of the top storylines that have come from this season is the re-emergence of Darcy Kuemper. When the Kings traded for Kuemper during the offseason, the hope was that he could bounce back and replace Cam Talbot in net.
He has not only done that but surpassed what Talbot did last season and has been one of the best goalies in the entire NHL. Kuemper would finish the season going 31-11-7 with a save percentage of .921 and a goals against average of only 2.02 (which was a career best).
This season, Kuemper has been even better against the Edmonton Oilers. He has gone 3-1 with a save percentage of .960 and a goals against average of only 1.05. The Kings are going to need more of that if they not only hope to get past Edmonton but make a run at a Stanley Cup.
Kuemper was the starting goalie for the Colorado Avalanche when they won the Stanley Cup in 2022 and of all the players on this list could have the most impact on the Los Angeles Kings' success.