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Every article, I try to include a poll question for readers to vote on, then review the results from the week’s polls every weekend. Here are the poll results from both this week and last week, along with my thoughts on how they turned out.
QUESTION: What are your thoughts on the NHL’s draft lottery system for this year?
(Votes: 220)
Don’t like it: 65%
Don’t feel strongly either way: 21%
Like it: 15%
I really don’t dislike it as much as many others do, however, I do see the flaws with it. The Kings aren’t getting a chance in the 24-team playoff format but also don’t have a higher chance at the first overall pick, which could be frustrating.
QUESTION: How do you feel about the Kings parting ways with Mike Stothers?
(Votes: 164)
Don’t like it: 60%
Don’t feel strongly either way: 32%
Like it: 7%
Between Mike Futa a few weeks ago and now Stothers, it seems like the organization isn’t just rebuilding on the ice. It’s an interesting decision and maybe it has to do with his coaching style and the prospects Ontario will be working with, but it does still seem like a bit of a strange decision.
QUESTION: How many points do you expect from Anze Kopitar next season?
(Votes: 246)
60-70 points: 41%
70-80 points: 36%
Less than 60 points: 16%
More than 80 points 8%
As I noted in the article, based on his age alone, Kopitar is likely to experience a decline in production. If he can keep up such a high shooting percentage, he may be able to hit the 70 points again, but like 41 per cent of readers voted, I’m guessing he lands somewhere between 60 and 70 points next season.
QUESTION: Which of these two prospects will earn a permanent roster spot with the Kings at some point in the future?
(Votes: 124)
Kaliyev: 61%
Both: 31%
Neither: 6%
Spence: 2%
These numbers make sense. Kaliyev was an absolute steal at 33rd overall and it isn’t surprising to see that the majority of voters believe he’s making the NHL. Even if he isn’t able to round out his game, I think it’s pretty likely he’s a middle-six player in the worst-case scenario. Spence is interesting based on the numbers he’s able to put up as a defenseman but it’ll be interesting to see if he’s able to translate his game to professional hockey. Both players will likely be back in junior next year though, so we’ll probably have to wait a bit longer to find out what the future holds for either player.
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OTHER KINGS ARTICLES FROM JUNE
SHORT READ: Kings sign Kaliyev and Spence to entry-level contracts
What can the Kings expect from Anze Kopitar in the coming years? 
Los Angeles Kings Blogger • 
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