Hey, this has been a GREAT start to the year.
Clarke is showing his ability to produce, Byfield is finally has his training wheels off up the middle, Laferriere is earning a top line spot, Lee earned his way in AND Turcotte is impressing enough to earn a promotion.
Yeah, Spence has had a rough start. Thomas is out on a limb but we don't know the story behind it - and no, Lewis didn't take his spot, another rookie in Lee did. There hasn't been an effective kid line on a playoff level team in the NHL since the 90s. Helenius is on the verge of that 4c role that could see Turcotte move up a spot.
The bridge vets in Jeannot, Edmundson and Lewis are all doing their jobs.
The team is struggling in a good way. If things continue at this level, they can comfortably move Danault for a first+, Gavrikov for at least a 2nd, and potentially Foegle if he continues to be a non-factor.
Kuemper will be bought out this summer. I know the fear is that Blake will reverse course again and make a desperate trade, but he doesn't have the cap or resources to do so this season. By hook or by crook, he painted himself into a corner and the only way out is patience. He essentially wasted so many resources that he has no alternative but to FINALLY do the right thing.
If we could see Fiala dealt for a competent young defenseman, this could be the best year for the Kings since 2014.