Kings Future Cornerstones Provide Optimism for 2024-25

Rob Blake attempted a transformation with Joel Edmundson, Warren Foegele and Tanner Jeannot as key pieces to change culture and identity at Los Angeles Kings this summer. As much as attention will undoubtedly focus on those players, its true success depends on two future cornerstones who will have greater opportunities than most to become key parts of the Kings’ success story. Quinton Byfield stands as an inspiring symbol for their bright future ahead. His return to center after an extended period of growth and development is an enormous victory. Even if his performance falls below elite levels this season, his presence back at the position alone makes a dramatic statement about where his game-plan lies and can change outcomes drastically. Offseason speculation suggested a possible partnership between Kevin Fiala and Foegele on the wings, and preseason results have only confirmed it as one of the Kings’ most potency offense lines. Indeed, this line has been the best performer during preseason play – showing what could become one of their more dynamic combinations this year. He has led his teammates with precision on the ice, showing off his natural playmaking talents by scoring three against Boston Bruins in just over twenty-three minutes of game action. At only 6’5, this youngster has excelled with hands and footwork at high speeds – something many NHL defenders struggle to manage. Over the last season and a half, this could be seen through glimpses with one winger on the top line working primarily the forecheck. Now, Byfield regularly brings the puck into his own zone as center, crossing lanes and forcing defenders apart to open up more. Byfield is finally using all his skills that earned him his second overall selection in 2014. If he can continue his preseason play into the regular season, the Kings could make another run at reaching the playoffs. Byfield could become the star center the Kings have been searching for; serving as an upgrade on Pierre-Luc Dubois who left them two playoff series ago. Brandt Clarke will make his NHL debut next season after seeing limited action during their previous two years, so Byfield should provide them with full time work experience while Brandt Clarke prepares to begin full time work within two months of entering full NHL action himself. Fans have long been intrigued by Clarke, anticipating full-time action from him in the NHL. However, following Drew Doughty’s injury this season and with players like Ryan Getzlaf becoming unavailable due to injury voiding roster spots at full back and being replaced by Clarke at that position being crucial in filling this role as well. Jordan Spence, with more experience playing alongside Mikey Anderson to fill Doughty’s immediate shoes. Spence will only need to assume some of Doughty’s role as one of the premier shutdown defensemen, while Clarke was paired with Edmundson – another newcomer whose addition provided needed toughness on defense after last season’s over-reliance on Andreas Englund – due to Andreas Englund being injured for much of last season’s campaign. Early on, this pairing has proven itself as reliable, offensive-invoking duo with Edmundson providing defensive stability when needed. Clarke has shown great fluidity with the puck during preseason action – unafraid to move laterally or take on opposing forwards one-on-one to create plays in offensive zone battles. Clarke displayed her shiftiness and hockey IQ during just the Florida game alone by searching for high to low redirects from cycle plays that almost resulted in Anze Kopitar scoring his eighth NHL goal of his career. Additionally, she has become an influential force on powerplay one over Spence which should produce great primary and secondary assist numbers should she remain there – Byfield and Clarke appear destined to succeed two future Hall-of-Famers over time. Both Byfield and Clarke possess the talent needed to successfully take their respective spots atop the roster and solidify themselves therein. Byfield stands to take his game count past 180, while Clarke sits with 25 total appearances under her belt. Defensemen usually take more time to develop, yet Clarke stands out among traditional defencemen with his unique game and skill set; and this season is crucial in that regard for him and this franchise as it embarks upon its next phase. Both players will make for compelling viewing on the ice this year! Both hold significant potential within this franchise’s next chapter of development.