Will All Be Fine in 2009? Things Are Looking Up in LA LA Land

(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

(Ryan Smyth Trade was announced after article was published. I am so excited to announce the addition of Captain Canada to the Kings lineup)

As a fan of the Los Angeles Kings for over 20 years, I must say I haven't been this excited for the puck to drop in quite some time.  I have watched this team from it's high point ('93 Cup Run) to it's low point (man, there have been too many), but this year I feel the winds of change in the air. 

Since being hired over three years ago as President and General Manager, Dean Lombardi has made it clear he intends to follow a blueprint to build from within using the draft and developing prospects instead of relying on "quick fix" solutions.  He has organized a team around him in the front office to deliver on this plan, and is hopefully now putting the finishing touches in place on the ice to help make this dream a reality in bringing respectability and excitment back to the failing franchise

In missing the playoffs for the past seven seasons (including the lockout), the Kings have played their way to an abundance of high draft picks, in the same vein that have made franchises such as the Chicago Blackhawks and 2009 Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins so competitive.  By not giving into the pressure of needing to "making the playoffs" (see Atlanta), and sticking to the plan, this gamble appears to be ready to start paying out some large dividends.  

July 1st came and went, and Lombardi once again stayed the course and resisted at making the "sexy" pick up from the list of current high powered (and high priced) free agent crop, deciding not to go toe to toe in bidding wars that would saddle his team with contracts that he feels would hinder rather than contribute toward team success. Going into the 2010 season, the Kings are currently stocked with loads of explosive young talent (mostly 25 and younger) at all ends of the ice:

Goaltending:  The Kids are Aright?  Lombardi has stated he will not acquire a veteran goalie and feels that he is solid between the pipes with his trio of 'tenders.  Jonathon Quick was a pleasant surprise last year, playing well in stretches which allowed the Kings to deal away Jason LaBarbera to the Canucks, alleviating the logjam.  Along with a solid backup in Erik Ersberg and (heir apparent?) Jonathon Bernier, the Kings first Round selection (11th overall) in the 2006 draft.  

Last week's draft saw the Kings add yet another in JF Berube (fourth Round, 95th overall) to give them even more organizational depth between the pipes, something this team has not had for a very long time.  Hopefully this year either Quick will build on his success to become a Hollywood leading man, or one of his understudy's will work their way from supporting role to the spotlight.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?