Trent Klatt, RW (FA-Van); Roman Cechmanek, G (trade-Phi); D-Bryan Muir, D (FA-Col); Luc Robitaille, LW (FA-Det); Milan Hnilicka, (trade-Atl); Jozef Stumpel, C (Trade-Bos)
Erik Rasmussen, LW (FA-New Jersey); Chris McAlpine, D (FA-Min.); Felix Potvin, G (FA-Boston); Craig Johnson, LW (FA-Ana)
After three difficult years in Philadelphia, Roman Cechmanek assumes the goaltending duties in Los Angeles. Cechmanek was acquired by the Kings in an offseason deal and King general manager Dave Taylor feels he's an upgrade over Felix Potvin and Jamie Storr.
"Our first order of business would be to earn a playoff spot. We think Roman is capable of helping us do that," Taylor said.
Cechmanek was an impressive 33-15-10 with six shutouts in 58 games during the regular season, but his inconsistent play in the playoffs infuriated the Flyers and prompted the move.
With a penchant for giving up big rebounds and untimely goals, Cechmanek was blamed by Flyer fans and GM Bob Clarke for Philadelphia's relatively early exit from the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Taylor believes the criticism was too harsh.
"In the playoffs last year, he took most of the blame for the loss in the Ottawa series, but in the Toronto series he was very good," he said.
Still, some have wondered whether the unorthodox Czech has the mental fortitude necessary compete in key situations.
Milan Hnilicka will back up Cechmanek.
With Jason Allison and Adam Deadmarsh, the Los Angeles Kings' offence packs as potent a 1-2 punch as any team in the NHL.
Blessed with a strong shot and soft hands, the creative Allison is the type of player a team can build its attack around. Deadmarsh is a perfect combination of power, grit and determination.
The problem for the Kings has been keeping them healthy. Allison played in 26 games last season. He had 28 points before injury ended his season. Deadmarsh was on his way to a career season — with 13 goals in his first 20 games — when he suffered a season-ending concussion.
Both are still recovering from those injuries and weren't expected to play in exhibition games or contact drills in the preseason.
"I still have a little ways to go," Deadmarsh told the
Los Angeles Times.
"My head has a little healing left to do. It's almost there."
If Allison and Deadmarsh aren't ready, the offensive load will again fall to Zigmund Palffy. Also counted on to provide scoring will be Jozef Stumpel, who was re-acquired from the Bruins, and Alexander Frolov, who scored 14 goals as a rookie last season.
Los Angeles also re-acquired Luc Robitaille, the team's all-time leading scorer, during the offseason. The question now is how much can he contribute.
Lucky Luc, in his third tour of duty with the Kings, isn't the same player that routinely topped the 30-goal plateau. The 37-year-old Robitaille is coming off his worst NHL season. He finished the campaign with 11 goals, and for the first time in his career the former sniper was a healthy scratch.
During training camp, Kings coach Andy Murray often skated Robitaille with rookies and third liners.
The Kings' defence corps may be unheralded, but it is effective. Aaron Miller and Mattias Norstrom are responsible, strong and physical.
Both Jaroslav Modry and Lubomir Visnovsky possess strong offensive instincts. Maxim Kuznetsov has the size to be a dominant defender.
Allison is as talented a player as there is in the game. He can dominate with his size, or with his skill. He's also got a nasty streak and has developed into a strong lockerroom leader. Allison must stay healthy if the Kings are to have a chance at a playoff spot in the highly-competitive Western Conference.
