Los Angeles Kings find themselves in the middle of B/R latest power rankings

With every team, including the Los Angeles Kings, kicking off training camp this week the 2024-25 season will be here before we know it. The Kings are coming off their third straight playoff trip but also their third straight first-round exit.

There have been some notable changes this offseason with the departure of Cam Talbot in free agency and who was replaced by Darcy Kuemper. General manager Rob Blake would trade away center Pierre-Luc Dubois in the trade that brought Kuemper back to Los Angeles and this not only helps replace Talbot but gets rid of Dubois' contract.

They would also try to improve their attach by trading for Tanner Jeannot while signing free agent Warren Foegele.

The moves made this offseason though may not be enough to improve on the past few seasons. Lyle Fitzsimmons with Bleacher Report seems to believe that is the case as the Kings were tied with the Detroit Red Wings for 15th in the latest power rankings. This is a drop from 13th in the previous power rankings.

Los Angeles Kings will need the younger players step up to improve this season

If there is one thing to point out that can give fans some hope that this team will improve over the last season, it is the development of some of the younger players. This group includes Quinton Byfield, Brandt Clarke, Alex Laferriere, and possibly Arthur Kaliyev (who recently signed a one-year contract).

While the Kings still have the veterans like Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughtry, they are getting older and can't be relied on as much. If these younger players can take that next step, the Kings have a much better chance to compete in the Western Conference.