Who Is the Most Improved King?

 

Sometimes surprises are sweet.  One of the most interesting stories in hockey is the development of the so-called role players of the Los Angeles Kings.  Too bad the Toronto Hockey League Network would never know this, because they can’t see past the blue haze of their favorite sons. Our gain is their loss, and a lot more losses for Kings’ opponents.   

Earlier this year, I felt like there was one stand out as The Most Improved player.  Now the water is muddied by the continued, almost astonishing, improvement in play by multiple players.

I have to start out with a player that drove me nuts last year, Mikey Anderson.  Game after game last year he made bad pass after bad pass and appeared to be a human turnover.  His play moving backwards in our zone was pretty good, but he really struggled to see the ice and make timely decisions to get the team out of the zone.  Largely that problem was solved over the summer.  Anderson has been a standout defenseman for us moving both directions for much of this year.  His improvement has made a world of difference for this team.  

Next up is Iafallo.  Alex was undrafted, but quickly demonstrated that he was ready to play at the highest level.  He did all the things that drive other teams crazy.  He knew his role, got into passing lanes, disrupted breakouts, back checked, made good passes, didn’t cause bad turnovers, and occasionally finished reasonably well.  His play was so good that Kopi requested that they play together.  Despite all of these positives, Iafallo came back this year significantly faster, and with a harder, more accurate shot.  Both of these things instantly led to more scoring, something this team desperately needed.  

Then there is Adrian Kempe.  That used to be said with a slight sigh of frustration, but not any more.  I have seen few players make the transition that he has made, and the impression that it leaves is profound.  Adrian used to be the talented skater and puck handler that never made the right play.  He was always looking for the pretty play, and turning the puck over in really bad areas of the ice.  Not anymore.  Some credit goes to the Kings coaching staff for moving him from center to winger, where he held less responsibility.  That being said, most of the credit has to go to Adrian himself.  He has obviously worked really hard to improve his vision and approach to the game.  Mr. Fancy has now become a lightning fast player that will drive to the front of the net with the strength a rottweiler and the the speed of a greyhound.  He uses his body, gets in the tough areas, and gets greasy goal after greasy goal.  His speed and decision making now play a key role on a much improved power play, as does his willingness to use his shot, which like Iafallo’s, is harder and more accurate.  Kempe is finally approaching his potential.  

I’m sure there are more, but the last player that I’m going to mention is Trevor Moore.  When he arrived, he was a local kid makes good story.  Google didn’t even see fit to include him on the roster.  He was an undersized fourth line kid that brought a little speed and ton of hustle.  He still brings the speed and hustle, but a whole lot more now.  He is stronger, and that is obvious, but he has also become a bit more Iafollo like in his game.  He reads the ice better, is in better positions, and the results speak for themselves.  He is playing like a top six player.  He is scoring and creating opportunities for his linemates.  He constantly puts opposing defensemen on their heels and under stress.  His effectiveness down low in the cycle has improved significantly with his new strength.  Trevor Moore isn’t getting relegated anytime soon.  He isn’t just a fill in player.  Trevor Moore belongs in the NHL, and will be a part of something special, hopefully here in LA.

So, who is the most improved player?  I’m not sure, but isn’t that a really nice problem to have?