LA Kings Training Camp Preview: Alex Iafallo

With training camp right around the corner, we are previewing each player on the LA Kings roster. Up next: Alex Iafallo!

Alex Iafallo

Biography

Birthdate: September 12, 1999

Birthplace: Eden, New York

Country: United States

Height: 6′

Weight: 190 lbs

Position: Wing

Shoots: Left

Drafted: Undrafted

2021-2022 Season

The 2021-22 season was a bit of a down year for Alex Iafallo. After 30 points in 55 games the year prior, the Western New York native managed just 37 points (17 goals, 20 assists) in 79 games. In each of the three seasons prior, Iafallo managed a shooting percentage over 10%. Last season, it dipped to 7.9%. I’m not convinced he was completely healthy the second half of the season, which could have led to the disappointing second half.

After scoring 10 goals in the first three months of the season, Iafallo mustered just seven goals the next four months, including a 23-game goalless drought from the start of February to the final day of March. If health was indeed the issue, there’s a reason for optimism for next season.

That said, he did come up with some timely goals, including this overtime winner against New Jersey:

2022-23

In the last few seasons, Iafallo has spent a lot of time on the top line. According to Natural Stat Trick, his most common linemate at 5-on-5 the past three seasons has been Anze Kopitar.

With the emergence of Adrian Kempe and the additions of Viktor Arvidsson and Kevin Fiala in the last two offseasons, it would appear Iafallo’s time in the top part of the lineup may be over. While that isn’t a certainty, Trevor Moore‘s chemistry with Phillip Danault and Arvidsson would make it seem likely that line gets another look (assuming Arvidsson is healthy).

That leaves Iafallo to slot in on the third line left-wing with Quinton Byfield and perhaps Arthur Kaliyev. Again, anything but a certainty, but this is at least a likely line combination out of camp. Always a responsible 5-on-5 player, Iafallo could be a perfect fit for the two young prospects still finding their footing in the NHL.

His role may change this season, but Iafallo is an important player for the LA Kings.

Main Photo Credit: Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press