Russell Morgan Stanley Cup Core
Dustin Brown: B
After scoring 17 goals in 49 games last season, Dustin Brown was considered an offensive threat again for LA. Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened. With six goals in 40 games this season, it’s been a so-so season for Brown, and questions whether LA should re-sign him have come up.
Brown has been given every opportunity to be an offensive threat for the Kings. He’s seen time on the first line with Kopitar and the power play. Now playing with Quinton Byfield on the Kings’ third line, Dustin is seen as more of a depth presence with veteran leadership.
Drew Doughty: A
Where are the Drew Doughty haters at? Remember when people called him washed playing on a bad LA Kings team in the past few seasons. Those critics have disappeared as Doughty is now having close to a career year.
After a left leg injury he sustained early in the season, Doughty has returned to play at an elevated level. At 2.1 points per 60 minutes, Drew is having a career year in terms of point production. Who knows, if he had been healthy, we might be hearing his name in Norris Trophy conversations.
Jonathan Quick: A+
Much like Drew Doughty, Jonathan Quick’s resurgence has helped put the LA Kings in playoff contention. But, Quickie’s play has been more impactful. At 36 years old, Quick isn’t just putting up good numbers. He’s playing at an elite level which has his name mentioned in the Vezina conversation.
With the lack of goal scoring the Kings have consistently illustrated, Quick has been leaned on to keep them in games. And that’s what he’s done. Jonathan is currently top ten in goals saved above expected and WAR, per MoneyPuck.com. And talks of relinquishing the starter’s role to Cal Petersen have subsided for now.
Anze Kopitar: B+
Anze Kopitar was shot out of a cannon to start the 2021-22 season. He registered a hat trick on opening night and continued that hot streak for the first ten games. He’s been a bit inconsistent since.
The inconsistencies may be overblown, with the entire team lacking finishing ability. But it seems different this year with Kopitar. Mental lapses and a lack of assertiveness have led many to believe if we might be starting to see a decline in his game. Once Quinton Byfield gets more comfortable and sees his minutes raised, Anze will be given more opportunities to add more offense.