NHL Los Angeles Kings

5 Issues the Los Angeles Kings Need To Address Going Into 2015

5 Issues the Los Angeles Kings Need To Address Going Into 2015

Vancouver Canucks v Los Angeles Kings
Getty Images

Despite being the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Los Angeles Kings still have question marks throughout their lineup going into the new year. If their dreams of repeating are to become a reality, these questions will need to be addressed by the time the playoffs roll around.

5. Dustin Brown's Lack of Offense

Dustin Brown
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

5 Dustin Brown's Lack of Offense

Dustin Brown
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

The team’s captain is still lowering the boom with his physicality, but the offense just isn’t there this season. The team will need more on the stat sheet from the former U.S. Olympian if they look to keep pace in an ultra-competitive Western Conference.

4. Mike Richards' Trade Value

Mike Richards has a Chance at Another Historic Comeback
Kelley L. Cox-USA TODAY Sports

4. Mike Richards' Trade Value

Mike Richards has a Chance at Another Historic Comeback
Kelley L. Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Like Dustin Brown, Mike Richards is struggling offensively and the team has been listening to offer on the trade market for the center. Richards’ massive salary cap hit and the team’s depth up front mean he is expendable, as the team will likely look to move him before the trade deadline.

3. Marian Gaborik's Health

Vancouver Canucks v Los Angeles Kings
Getty Images

3. Marian Gaborik's Health

Vancouver Canucks v Los Angeles Kings
Getty Images

The Slovakian Sniper is a regular on the injured list, and this season has been no exception. Having said that, when healthy, Gaborik is one of the elite players in the game and the team’s best pure goal scorer. He’s healthy and on a hot streak now, and the Kings need it to stay that way if they wish to have a deadly offensive attack going forward.

2. Jonathan Quick and Martin Jones' Splits

LA Kings
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

2. Jonathan Quick and Martin Jones' Splits

LA Kings
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The all-world netminder Jonathan Quick has started 29 of the team’s 36 games and has looked amazing. Having said that, backup netminder Martin Jones has looked great and has earned a few more starts. Starting Jones is a win/win, as not only does the youngster get to play, but it keeps Quick fresh for when the games really start to matter.

1. Drew Doughty's Minutes

Drew Doughty
Cary Edmondson-USA Today Sports

1. Drew Doughty's Minutes

Drew Doughty
Cary Edmondson-USA Today Sports

With Slava Voynov all but permanently gone, the Kings are leaning on Drew Doughty to be a workhorse more than ever before, often around 30 minutes per night. The Kings need to address this sooner rather later through trade or other means, as they cannot afford to have Doughty breakdown as the season goes on.

Share Tweet