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Off-Day Watch 12/14: At Least No One Got Hurt

Now, suggesting this team would be a different team if everyone was healthy is probably a bridge too far. The Kings had most of a lineup in the early days of the season, when they were only really missing Dustin Brown. Jonny Brodzinski’s been out since the start of the season, too, but even given that he had a promising camp and showed a lot of effort this summer, he’s still somewhat of an unknown commodity in terms of what he actually would have produced, given a regular spot in the lineup. Jonathan Quick’s absence hurt, but Jack Campbell and later, Cal Petersen, have both stood tall in his place.

This team, for whatever reason, has been doomed from the start. But this:

This is not helping.

If I did the math right, the Kings have $24,175,000 tied up in players who cannot play right now. That is a lot of money in players expected to be difference makers (Ilya Kovalchuk — the Willie Desjardins Problem aside), solid all-around guys (Trevor Lewis, Alec Martinez), or some much needed speed (Carl Hagelin).

With the biggest names on this list not even being close to returning, the Kings are boasting a roster that very closely resembles the Ontario Reign’s. It’s not necessarily great developmentally for players like Austin Wagner, Sean Walker, or even Cal Petersen to be getting limited minutes (or sitting on the bench) when they could be playing in all situations down in Ontario. But such is the danger of being a) a cap-strapped team who b) made few off-season moves to bring in NHL-ready players who c) now is dealing with Literally All The Injuries, Ever. You don’t get to use your AHL squad as a developmental team when your prospects have all gotten called up to the NHL out of necessity.

Kings Things

A recap of last night’s disappointment in Columbus. [Jewels from the Crown]

And the view from the other side of the ice. [The Cannon]

Post-game notes and reactions from Willie Desjardins, Anze Kopitar, and Jeff Carter. [Kings Insider]

Jeff Carter and Jake Muzzin continue to pop up in trade speculation. [NBC Sports]

Matt Luff is making the most of his stint with the Kings, and he might have Matt Moulson to thank. [The Athletic]

If you’re looking to watch some Kings prospects, a whole ton of World Juniors games will be aired on the NHL Network. [NHL]

An AHL check-in, including a peek at the Ontario Reign, who are dealing with lineup challenges of their own after seeing many of their best players get the call to the NHL. [EP Rinkside]

Kings prospect defenseman Cole Hults is working on his two-way game this year. [USCHO]

Gabe Vilardi and Jaret Andersen-Dolan have hit the ice for Hockey Canada’s training camp, but aren’t being rushed into game play as they both deal with injuries. [TSN]

A deeper look at Gabe Vilardi’s return to the ice and pro hockey debut. [NHL]

Rewind:

Former Kings Things

I saw the Penguins play on Wednesday. I had feelings.

Elsewhere in the World

Before Bill Ranford worked his goalie coach magic on the Kings’ netminders, he coached a very small Shannon Szabados:

Gritty: mascot, cultural phenomenon. [The Ringer]

Suggested goal songs for NHL superstars. [ESPN]

If you’re looking for the future, he’re an expansion draft simulator. [CapFriendly]

US Olympian Hannah Brandt will join the Minnesota Wild for practice as part of Girls Hockey Weekend. [USA Hockey]

Is it ever really a hockey season without some Edmonton-based drama? [Edmonton Sun]

My main takeaway from this piece, on hypothetical goal songs for the Carolina Hurricanes, is that half of these guys can’t actually identify songs that they like. [The Athletic]

The NWHL is holding its draft next week, and there are several ways new players could have an immediate impact on their teams. [The Ice Garden]

A look at Tyson Barrie’s impact on the Avalanche’s top players. [Mile High Hockey]

The annual rumors of Jamie Benn’s demise are greatly exaggerated. [Defending Big D]

Evening Entertainment

Do some advance scouting of the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Kings’ next foe, by giving their game a watch tonight. They’re looking to rebound after losing to the at-that-time last place team in the league. An unexpected hat trick by Bryan Rust (with an assist to Brent Seabrook for an own goal) wasn’t enough to power them past the Chicago Blackhawks. Plus, again, another chance to see Tanner Pearson and experience feelings like “sadness” and “confusion”. The Penguins face off against the Boston Bruins at 4:00 PM Pacific; the game can be watched via the NHL’s streaming service.

Talking Points