<
>
EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
Get ESPN+

Summer Skate: Los Angeles Kings

After being rewarded with a $30.5 million contract, big things are expected of Jack Johnson. Bill Smith/Getty Images

Using the VUKOTA projection system of Hockey Prospectus, Insider takes the temperature of key players on every NHL team, continuing with Los Angeles. For a detailed explanation of Prospectus' proprietary GVT value metric, read more here.

Summer Skate -- Los Angeles Kings

The Los Angeles Kings, who are tied with the Toronto Maple Leafs and St. Louis Blues for the NHL's longest Stanley Cup drought, finally shook off their historical tendency to collapse after 100-point seasons with their great 98-point effort last year.

Some believe this season could be even better. Adding Mike Richards and Simon Gagne to their offensive mix could help Anze Kopitar finally play at a Hart level that is necessary for the Kings to get to the next level.