With plenty of big name talent on this Los Angeles Kings team, there were several unsung heroes that played a big part in their Stanley Cup run, though they didn’t take home much of the glory. One of those folks was forward Dwight King.
King made his living as a third line guy for LA last year, performing very well in a checking role. He showed he can put up some points, with 14 in 27 games, as well as serve as a bruiser in the bottom six. Last season was his first real action with the team, after a very brief callup in 2010-2011.
He became more of a household name, at least among the Kings faithful, during the postseason with a strong performance for the Cup champs. He notched eight points in 20 games, with two of his five goals coming of the game-winning variety, against the Phoenix Coyotes in the Western Conference Finals.
The man is a hoss. Standing 6’3″ and 225+, it’s easy to see King as a guy simply in their to lay the lumber. But he’s certainly capable of providing much more to the Kings than just his physical play.
King has the potential to not only be a big body in the lineup, but someone capable of adding 30 or 40 points to the stat sheet. He can score the dirty goals for the team, providing a net presence and picking up some cheap points. For a Kings squad that struggled offensively last season, King should prove to be a key.
The Kings signed King to a new two-year deal this summer. At just 23, he has an opportunity to cash in just when he hits his prime. That’s assuming his game comes along like it did last season.
Dwight King will likely start the season back in the bottom six for LA. But if the small sample space he turned in last year is any indication, he could end up being an impact player for this club very soon.
Buy Los Angeles Kings Tickets | Buy Los Angeles Kings Apparel
