Christmas Came Early: Los Angeles Kings biggest gifts of the season

Dec 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Los Angeles Kings right wing Adrian Kempe (9) celebrates after scoring a goal with center Anze Kopitar (11) and center Alex Turcotte (15) during the first period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Dec 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Kings right wing Adrian Kempe (9) celebrates after scoring a goal with center Anze Kopitar (11) and center Alex Turcotte (15) during the first period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
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Alex Laferriere

The first two players on this list have been key parts of the Los Angeles Kings for at least a few seasons but the next two have been true breakout stars this season. The first is Alex Laferriere, who has already set career-highs in a number of categories with only 32 games played.

It is only Laferriere's second season in the NHL so he didn't have much to compare to and had 12 goals, 11 assists, and 23 points in 81 games. However, in 32 games he has matched his goals total while surpassing his assists (12) and points total (24). He also has seen a significant bump in his ice time as he averaged 13:13 last year and is up to 16:10 this season.

According to MoneyPuck, Laferriere has really stood out in goals as he is second on the Kings in Goals Above Expected at 4. He is behind only Adrian Kempe, who is at 4.3 currently leading the Kings in the category with 16.

The Kings were going to need goal scorers and someone to step up to help Adrian Kempe and Kevin Fiala in the category. The expectation was that it would be Quinton Byfield but as he has struggled, Alex Laferriere has helped fill that need.

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