The winds of change were blowing in sunny Los Angeles this past summer as General Manager Rob Blake decided to retool a roster that had been considered a Stanley Cup contender just a year prior. Blake recognized the need for change and identified depth as a key area for improvement. Now, with the season’s first quarter behind us,, let’s take a closer look at how six former Kings players are performing in their new environments.
Cam Talbot, G, Detroit Red Wings
11 GP, 5-3-2, 2.67 GAA, .920 SV%
After a successful season with the Kings, Talbot expressed his desire to sign a multi-year contract on July 1st. The Kings had other plans, but more on that later. The Detroit Red Wings signed Talbot to a two-year, $5 million contract–likely the final one in the veteran netminder’s career. In 11 appearances with the Red Wings, Talbot has been a bright spot for the struggling Red Wings. His 5-3-2 record and his .920 SV% have solidified him as Detroit’s number-one option in net. Talbot had a similar start last season with the Kings but slowed down considerably in December and January. It remains to be seen if he can sustain his strong play on a Red Wings team still searching for consistency.
Viktor Arvidsson, RW, Edmonton Oilers
16 GP, 2G, 3A, +2
Arvidsson was another unrestricted free agent that the Kings moved on from in July. From all indications, there was little dialogue between Rob Blake and Arvidsson’s camp. The oft-injured 31-year-old Swede signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the defending Western Conference Champion Edmonton Oilers. Arvidsson went into training camp at full health and looked primed for a big season skating alongside Leon Draisaitl on the Oilers’ second line. Unfortunately, it has yet to click on that level. Arvidsson started the season going pointless in his first seven games and has registered only five points. To make matters worse, he has missed Edmonton’s last three games with an undisclosed injury.
Blake Lizotte, C, Pittsburgh Penguins
7 GP, 2G, 0A, +1
A beloved player in Los Angeles, Lizotte was a salary cap casualty in June. The Kings did not tender the centerman a qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent. He signed a two-year, $3.7 million contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins on July 1st. Unfortunately, Lizotte suffered a concussion in a pre-season game against Ottawa, forcing him to miss the first 11 games of the Penguins’ season. He returned on Halloween and scored twice in his first four games. On…