5 Los Angeles Kings Poised for a Breakout 2014-15 Season

The Los Angeles Kings are a young team, with much of the core just entering its prime. They have two Stanley Cups in the past three seasons, and it's possible they could hoist another two over the next few years.

That makes picking players to have breakout seasons difficult, as many have already established themselves in recent years. 

That said, there are those who have yet to play a game for the Kings, and even in the NHL, they could get opportunities in 2014-15, depending on injuries. And again, considering the Kings have drafted so low because of their recent playoff success, the team has a strong prospect pool. 

With that in mind, here are five players who are poised to break out in the 2014-15 NHL season.

Brayden McNabb

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Brayden McNabb played 37 games with the Buffalo Sabres over the past three seasons. He racked up just one goal and eight assists. 

A 6'4", 208-pound defenseman, McNabb has the potential to play the entire season, albeit on the third pairing. He can play a strong, shutdown game in the defensive zone. He has good positioning and moves well in front of the net and in the corners. 

Although he may be limited in ice time, he does have the versatility that could allow him to play alongside a number of different players. McNabb is developing into a stronger skater, and his puck-carrying abilities have improved as well.

Don't expect him to be playing next to Drew Doughty, but look for McNabb to make his presence known as a legitimate NHL blueliner. 

Tanner Pearson

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Tanner Pearson had his breakout postseason; now it's time for him to break out in the regular season. 

He's played exactly the same number of playoff games as regular-season games. In 25 regular-season games he has three goals and four assists for 12 points, and in 25 playoff games he has four goals and eight assists for 14 points. Overall, his performance in the 2013-14 Stanley Cup run was far superior to any stretch of regular-season games. 

Pearson is a dynamic, two-way forward with plenty of skill. He has a great shot and excellent vision in the offensive zone. With a solid center like Jeff Carter, he could be a 60-plus point producer in the future. 

Realistically, he could average about one-half a point per game next year, if he can maintain his spot on the second line. 

Kyle Clifford

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After notching 14 points in 48 games in the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season, Kyle Clifford regressed in 2013-14. In a limited role, the 23-year-old put up just eight points in 71 appearances. 

If he is going to have a big campaign—by his standards—it should be this season. Clifford enters camp with some tough competition. Adam Cracknell, Jordan Nolan and others will be looking to earn a spot on the fourth line. 

The best-case scenario is that the competition will help motivate Clifford to push himself in training and improve his skating. At 6'2" and 211 pounds, he established himself as a grinder and paid his dues early in his career when he dropped the gloves regularly. 

Now it's time to change his style and become more of a factor on offense. A 25-point season would be a great result.

Derek Forbort

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Derek Forbort has yet to play an NHL game, and it may take an injury or two for him to be a regular in the lineup this year. That said, even if he plays half the season, he could have a breakout year. 

At 6'4", 212 pounds, Forbort can be compared to Willie Mitchell in terms of both his frame and style of play. He doesn't offer a lot offensively and doesn't need to. Forbort is a shutdown defender who is capable of playing error-free hockey in the defensive zone. 

He has great positioning, can take the body in open ice or along the boards, clears the front of the net well and is willing to sacrifice his body to block shots. 

Forbort still has a way to go in terms of development, but this could be the season he gains wider recognition at the pro level.

Dwight King

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Yes, you could argue Dwight King "broke out" in 2013-14 with 15 goals and 15 assists for 30 points, which led to a three-year, $5.85 million contract extension. 

But the 25-year-old winger has the potential to do a lot more damage offensively, especially if he can work his way onto the second line. King was inconsistent last year. Keep an open mind to the possibility—although it's a long shot—that he could hit the 50-point mark this season. 

At 6'4", 230 pounds, King has the ability to dig pucks out from the corners, establish a dominant presence in front of the opposing goaltender and force turnovers with hits in the neutral zone. 

He's developing into a more skilled player, as he proved last year with a few highlight-reel goals. He also has better patience and vision, which should help him to set up his linemates from below the goal line. 

It's far from a sure thing, but keep an eye out for King to be the breakout star for LA this season. 

Stats courtesy of NHL.com. Salary information courtesy of CapGeek.com.