After the NHL Draft, free agency and other offseason moves, NHL.com is examining where each team stands in preparation for the 2022-23 regular season, which starts Oct. 7. Today, the Los Angeles Kings:
2021-22 season: 44-27-11, third in Pacific Division; lost first round of Stanley Cup Playoffs
Key arrival
Kevin Fiala, F: The 26-year-old signed a seven-year contract June 30, one day after he was acquired in a trade with the Minnesota Wild for defenseman prospect Brock Faber and the No. 19 pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. Fiala committed to the Kings in lieu of becoming a restricted free agent. He had NHL career highs in goals (33), assists (52) and points (85) in 82 games last season and three assists in six Stanley Cup Playoff games. Fiala (17 power-play points; five goals, 12 assists last season) should boost a Los Angeles power play that was 27th in the NHL (16.1 percent) and 20th (2.87 goals per game) last season.
Key departures
Dustin Brown, F: The 37-year-old retired from the NHL after 18 seasons, all with the Kings. Brown had 28 points (nine goals, 19 assists) in 64 games last season and helped Los Angeles win two Stanley Cup championships (2012, 2014). He had 712 points (325 goals, 387 assists) and played 1,296 regular-season games, first in Kings history. … Andreas Athanasiou, F: Agreed to a one-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks on July 13. He had 17 points (11 goals, six assists) in 28 games last season and one goal in six playoff games. … Olli Maatta, D: Signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings on July 14. He had eight points (one goal, seven assists) in 66 regular-season games last season and none in seven playoff games.
On the cusp
Alex Turcotte, F: The 21-year-old did not participate in on-ice activities at development camp after two concussions last season, the second sustained in Game 1 of the second round in the Calder Cup Playoffs. The No. 5 pick in the 2019 NHL Draft made his NHL debut Dec. 28, 2021. He had no points in eight games after scoring 18 (six goals, 12 assists) in 27 games of his second professional season for Ontario in the American Hockey League. … Brandt Clarke, D: The No. 8 pick in the 2021 NHL Draft doesn’t turn 20 until Feb. 9 and is not yet eligible for the AHL, so he’ll either start this season with the Kings or return to Barrie of the Ontario Hockey League. Clarke was one of three OHL defensemen to average more than one point per game (59 points; 11 goals, 48 assists in 55 games).… Akil…
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