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Despite exceeding expectations this past season and making the playoffs for the first time since 2018, the Los Angeles Kings still fell to the Edmonton Oilers in seven games during the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs. With a hard-fought season in the books that saw them battle through a number of injuries, the Kings are hoping to get back on track in the offseason in order to improve for the 2022-23 campaign.
Looking to rest, recover, and work their way back to peak form, the Kings still have some holes to fill on their roster as well. Even with the progress they made during the 2021-22 season, there's still a lot some work to do in The City of Angels. With all this going for Los Angeles, we'll now discuss two moves this franchise must make during the 2022 NHL offseason after an early postseason exit.
Moves Kings must make in 2022 NHL offseason
1. Sign more scorers to improve on the power play
Even though they went up 3-2 on the Oilers and forced them to the brink of elimination, they still fell flat on offense and lost Game 7, 2-0. This shutout was nothing new for the Kings after they finished dead last in scoring during the 2021-22 NHL year. Outside of Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown, and Brendan Lemieux, the Kings lacked consistency on offense.
Their inability to put the puck in the back of the net is definitely what cost them the series. If they're hoping to capitalize and take the next step in 2023, they'll need to add more offensive firepower to their attack. They put up a good fight against one of the best teams in the league, but if they want to reach contender status next season, Los Angeles will need to add more scoring depth this summer.
2. Add some size and toughness on defense
LA's lack of physicality is another issue that must be addressed during the 2022 NHL offseason. With Alex Edler being their only true enforcer, the Kings have a relatively undersized unit that was knocked around and outplayed on the glass. When chasing loose pucks, the Kings were overpowered way to often. Carl Grundstrom was one player who took on the role of tough guy and big hitter, but, unfortunately, it still didn't provide them with enough tenacity and aggression.
The Kings will need to add some more brawlers and power hitters if they want to reach the next level. Granted, they don't just need guys who only fight and knock people down, but rather add more scorers and defensemen who can hold their own when they go up against more physical teams. The Kings don't need to go crazy on acquiring fighters in free agency and trades, but they just need a little more grit and tenacity. This would be highly beneficial to this Kings squad that's trying to return to championship glory after their dominant run last decade.
The Kings vastly overachieved this season and weren't even expected to make the playoffs. So with some roster reshuffling and a few fixes, LA may be able to return to the top of the Western Conference in no time. If the Kings can address these key issues, they very well could make a surprise run to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2023. Never say never in the NHL.
