Kaliyev had a solid rookie season, and I hope he will get more ice time next season. Of all the Kings young forwards, I hold out the most hope for him. Byfield really needs to take a big step forward next year. The kid has a ton of potential, but potential doesn't mean squat if you don't fulfill it. Turcotte and Vilardi? I don't know what to think of them at this point. I really hope their injuries haven't done them in. Hopefully there will be some surprise forwards that make the team out of camp (Here's looking at you, Fagemo!). They should have some open spots, seeing as how DB23 is now retired, and hopefully they move on from AA.
I can't help but feel like Father Time is starting to catch up with Kopitar, or maybe it's just TMs anemic offense. This team has a lot of heart and should have a pretty good D core next year, but that won't make up for the lack of offense on this team. As much as I would love to see Forsberg on this team, I wonder just how much it would actually help. Rob and TM need to figure out how to fix the power play. At this point, I wish the KIngs would have the option of simply declining the power play.
As mentioned, I do feel good about our group of defensemen. Plug a healthy Doughty into this group of young d-men (who got some valuable playoff experience), and I think we will have a strong defense next year. Hopefully Quick has one more year of good hockey in him, and Peterson can have a rebound season.