Rebuilding for Glory: The L.A. Kings’ Strategic Approach
The Los Angeles Kings have solidified their status as a regular Stanley Cup playoff contender in the Pacific Division. This transformation, chronicled in a cover story from The Hockey News’ 2021-22 Prospects Unlimited edition by Ken Campbell, highlights the Kings’ strategic focus on developing young talent. A key moment in this journey was the tutelage of Jaret Anderson-Dolan by former King Jarret Stoll. Stoll, who watched Anderson-Dolan win 86 faceoffs at the Staples Center last season, found immense satisfaction in seeing his teachings come to life. "I was really happy for him, but I was also thinking that all these things I was teaching and preaching were actually working," Stoll reflected.
A Decade of Reckoning and Rebuilding
Despite their two Stanley Cup banners, the Kings have missed the playoffs in four of the past five seasons. The cost of winning, both financially and in terms of future assets, has been significant. It’s been seven years since their last championship, and the road to contention has been a bumpy one. However, the future looks brighter, thanks to a strong group of prospects. According to many experts, the Kings’ group of young players ranks among the top three in the NHL, and possibly at the top. This resurgence is not just a product of smart drafting but also a concerted effort in player development. The Kings have leveraged their past struggles by drafting highly-talented players like Alex Turcotte, Quinton Byfield, and Brandt Clarke.
A Focus on Development
The Kings’ emphasis on development is evident in their approach. Former team players like Matt Greene, Sean O’Donnell, Glen Murray, Jarret Stoll, and Mike Donnelly are heavily involved in the development process. This includes conducting mini-camps for prospects and providing specialized training. The proximity of the Kings and their AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign, at the Toyota Sports Performance Center in El Segundo, further enhances this effort. On a typical day, the Kings practice in the morning, and the Reign follow in the afternoon, allowing for seamless integration and continuous development.
Learning from the Past
Much of the Kings’ current strategy is rooted in the approach of former GM Dean Lombardi, who was known for his innovative development methods. Lombardi, a baseball enthusiast, applied the principles of repetitive practice to hockey. His philosophy was that players could only excel in the NHL after undergoing a rigorous development process. Lombardi’s initiatives, though sometimes controversial, yielded significant results. The development of players like Tyler Toffoli, Alec Martinez, Jake Muzzin, Dwight King, and Jordan Nolan before the Cup years is a testament to his methods. Current Kings’ management, including director of player personnel Nelson Emerson and GM Rob Blake, have built on this legacy, implementing a structured development program that emphasizes fundamentals and repetition.
The Art of Drafting and Trading
The Kings’ journey over the past decade serves as a case study in the cyclical nature of team building in the NHL. From a top-ranked prospect list in 2011 to a low point in 2012, the Kings have navigated the challenges of maintaining a contending roster while rebuilding for the future. General Manager Rob Blake, who took over from Lombardi in 2017, has overseen five drafts that have yielded 36 selections, including stars and role players. Blake’s commitment to a full rebuild, rather than a half-hearted one, has been crucial. The team has traded veterans to acquire draft picks and young talent, restocking the organization for future success. The 2021 draft, in particular, saw the Kings leverage their surplus picks to move up and secure high-quality prospects like Helge Grans and Brock Faber.
Looking Forward
As the Kings approach the 2021-22 season, they are at a pivotal stage in their rebuild. Young players like Tobias Bjornfot, Arthur Kaliyev, and Rasmus Kupari are beginning to make their mark in the NHL, while others like Byfield and Thomas are poised to join the lineup when they are fully ready. The team’s decision to sign Phillip Danault provides immediate depth and allows them to develop their young talent without rushing them. The Kings’ development staff, known for their honesty, are excited about the quality of the current crop of prospects. This enthusiasm, evident at the rookie camp, signals a bright future for the organization. Whether the Kings will return to their glory days remains to be seen, but their strategic approach ensures they are well-positioned for success.
