Follow me on Twitter:
@BenShelley_20
Follow HockeyBuzz Kings on Twitter:
@HB_LAKings
The Los Angeles Kings added some players last week, via trade, free agency and most notably, the NHL Draft. Here are the updates:
KINGS SELECT NINE PLAYERS IN NHL DRAFT
The Kings selected nine players in the NHL draft this year, including Quinton Byfield at second overall. You can read more about the other draft picks
here.
TOFFOLI SIGNS WITH CANADIENS, RYAN SIGNS WITH HURRICANES
Former Los Angeles Kings forward Tyler Toffoli signed a four-year deal with the Montreal Canadiens today. Meanwhile, defenseman Joakim Ryan, who played 35 games with the Kings this season, signed a one-year deal with Carolina.
KINGS SIGN ALT AND GROSENICK
Los Angeles didn’t make any major signings in free agency but they did add defenseman Mark Alt and goaltender Troy Grosenick. Alt spent the year with the AHL’s Colorado Eagles, while Grosenick played with the Milwaukee Admirals
As for last week’s polls, here are the results and my thoughts on how they turned out:
QUESTION: Are you happy about the Kings acquiring Olli Maatta?
(Votes: 372)
Yes: 81%
No: 19%
Maatta may not be the perfect defenseman but it’s certainly worthwhile for the Kings to trade for him if the only price to pay is simply taking on his contract, with retained salary as well.
QUESTION: Do you like the decision to take Quinton Byfield with the second-overall pick?
(Votes: 234)
Yes: 90%
No: 10%
The only other viable option at second overall was Tim Stutzle but I think the Kings made the right decision going with Byfield. He’s a natural center with a very high ceiling and he has the potential to become a franchise player for the Kings over the next decade.
QUESTION: Are you happy with the Kings’ picks in Rounds 2-7?
(Votes: 90)
Yes: 93%
No: 7%
Aside from Byfield, who’s a pretty safe bet to find success in the NHL, the Kings picked up some other quality prospects as well. Two names that jump out as strong picks were Helge Grans and Martin Chromiak.
QUESTION: Do you like the trade for Lias Andersson?
(Votes: 270)
Yes: 84%
No: 16%
The Kings had a ton of draft picks stocked up, so they can afford to move a pick for a player that comes with a risk. Andersson has a lot of potential and considering how deep the organization’s prospect pool is, this trade certainly makes sense.
***NOTE: We've launched a HockeyBuzz Kings Twitter account! For anyone interested, you can follow
@HB_LAKings for updates on articles, Kings news, etc. We're starting right from scratch, so any followers would be appreciated!***
OTHER KINGS ARTICLES FROM OCTOBER
Reviewing this week's polls (October 3): Kings Edition
Kings acquire Olli Maatta from Blackhawks
Analyzing the Olli Maatta trade
Kings select Quinton Byfield with second-overall pick
Kings acquire Lias Andersson, draft eight more players in Rounds 2-7 
Los Angeles Kings Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»