5 Los Angeles Kings Forwards Who Need to Step Up

The third-line center is pointless through nine games and has a negative plus/minus, not exactly what he’s supposed to do. The Kings need Stoll to step up if they want to rely on their depth as they always have.

It’s not so much productivity as it is health with Gaborik this season. The oft-injured Slovakian Sniper was a clutch contributor to the Kings in last year’s playoffs, and the Kings will need Gaborik to get and stay healthy if they want their repeat dreams to be a reality.

The 2014 Conn Smythe winner has two points through nine games and doesn’t look like the same Justin Williams who was in many ways the difference in the Kings winning the Cup. The right wing will need to get it together soon as he’s in the last year of his contract and is looking to score an extension before the season ends.

The team captain has one goal and no assists through nine games and his struggles from last year have carried into this season. Brown is still providing leadership and tenacity, but the Kings will need him to start scoring some goals as he’s a lot more than just a grinder.

The Kings passed up the opportunity to amnesty Richards and lose his $ 5.75 million cap hit this offseason in hopes he’d turn his struggles around. Richards has been subpar all season with a measly three points through nine games. Richards needs to start carrying his weight offensively if the Kings wish to continue their hot start.