Predicting Which Los Angeles Kings Players Will Have Best Plus-Minus in 2014-15

It's usually easy to predict which players will top the plus/minus list. For the Los Angeles Kings, there have been a few surprises so far this season. 

Dwight King stands out, as he was a plus-16 last season, but so far in 2014-15, he ranks dead last on the Kings with a minus-seven rating. Justin Williams wasn't far behind with a plus-14 rating last season, but he's also off to a slow start at plus-one. 

With that in mind, let's turn to the positive side and predict which players will top the plus/minus list for the Kings come April. 

Alec Martinez

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Last season, Alec Martinez finished tied with Drew Doughty for third on the team with a plus-17 rating while playing in just 61 games. He's missed a few games this season, but he ranks fourth with a plus-nine rating in 17 appearances. 

With Slava Voynov out indefinitely, Martinez has played a bigger role, averaging about four minutes of ice time per game more than he did in 2013-14. Over time, this could have an impact on the 27-year-old. He should sneak into the top five, but he will finish a bit behind the top four. 

What will keep Martinez in the top five is his offensive abilities from the blue line. He had a career-high 22 points last season, but he should best that in 2014-15 as he already has seven points.

Prediction: Plus-16 

Tyler Toffoli

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Tyler Toffoli finished with an impressive plus-21 rating last season, second only to Anze Kopitar. 

He should once again be in the top five, but don't expect him to maintain his current pace. Toffoli's plus/minus stat is helped by an incredible four shorthanded goals in just a quarter of the season. It's highly unlikely he will continue to notch shorthanded markers at that pace. 

Toffoli has great instincts with and without the puck. He's learned quickly when to take chances and when to play conservative, therefore limiting turnovers. He should better his plus/minus rating from last season, but look for three stars to rank just ahead of him. 

Prediction: Plus-23

Anze Kopitar

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Last season, Kopitar's plus-34 rating was 13 clear of the next best LA player, Toffoli. 

The Kings' best player is off to a slow start this season with a plus-one rating to go along with five goals and five assists for 10 points in 18 games. He's gone pointless in two straight after notching seven points in five games. 

That said, Kopitar is capable of notching a point per game and certainly topping the plus-20 mark after 82 games. With Marian Gaborik healthy, the top line's production should improve and lead to better numbers for Kopitar. 

Depending on the performance of That 70s Line, Kopitar could end up leading the Kings in plus/minus once again, but based on what we know right now, the prediction is that he will be third.

Prediction: Plus-24

Drew Doughty

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Doughty continues to be one of the elite defensemen in the NHL by doing it all. He's a force in the defensive zone, can lead the attack by carrying the puck coast to coast and he's always influential on the power play. 

His current rating of plus-six doesn't do his performance justice, but by the season's end, it might. Doughty draws tough assignments, especially with the Kings' tough schedule as they frequently take on the high-flying San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks. Yet, he still manages to consistently record a plus rating. 

He has two goals and 11 assists so far. Look for Doughty's offensive numbers to increase and, with it, his plus/minus rating. He was plus-17 last year and should best that this year.

Prediction: Plus-26

Jeff Carter

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Jeff Carter came flying out of the gate, making That 70s Line known around the league as one of the most dangerous units offensively. 

He ranks second behind Toffoli with seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points in 23 games. His plus/minus rating of plus-12 is also second on the team, with Tanner Pearson at plus-12. 

While that line is well ahead of the rest of the team in numerous offensive categories, look for Carter to eventually pull away from the young duo in points and plus/minus. Carter has shown he's capable of anchoring a top line, and when injuries or cold streaks inevitably occur, the lines will be shuffled more, and Carter could see time alongside Gaborik or Kopitar. 

Prediction: Plus-27

Stats courtesy of NHL.com.