NHL Pacific Division 2015-16 Offseason Rankings

os Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick (32) makes a save. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

NHL Pacific Division #2 Los Angeles Kings

"“Los Angeles Kings fans have to be sick of this team hanging near the playoff cut line on game 81.  Get used to it because it’s a close call again this year.  This time they get in.” – Adam Savard"

“Orange is the New Black” might have been this past year’s theme for the Los Angeles Kings. Teammates Slava Voynov, Jarret Stoll and Mike Richards all had their own respective run-ins with the law. In particular, the Slava Voynov incident left the team without a key defenseman and no cap room to replace him. Injuries exacerbated this issue and defensemen were worn out by filling in too many minutes. As a result, they missed the playoffs within a year after winning the Stanley Cup.

"“An effective retooling should put them back in contention. I expect them to sign a UFA defenseman or two to fill out their lineup. Adding Milan Lucic to the mix will only make Death Valley that much tougher.” – Jason Feddema, Staff Writer"

Despite this, it looks like the Kings will be able to look past the last year and we have ranked them at 2^nd in the NHL Pacific Division. This year will be much different as they made a few key acquisitions, but they still need to add another defenseman or two. There is still plenty of time to do so. The team is younger with only 4 players over 30 year of age. They will also be well rested after missing the playoffs for the first time in 5 years.

"“I think the move to acquire Milan Lucic was a great one, as it gives them the two-way, tough-as-nails forward they needed. Fans should be pumped up about the emergence of Tanner Pearson and Tyler Toffoli. Jonathan Quick remains one of the premier goalies in the NHL. This team knows how to win (2 Stanley Cups since 2011) and has to be eager to get back into the playoffs after not qualifying last year.” – Martin Strachan, Staff Writer"

Next: Still in 1st, and this Team Might be Even Better