3 Bold Predictions for Los Angeles Kings' 2024-25 Season

The Los Angeles Kings were one of the few teams who were struck by the injury bug during the preseason. Star defenseman Drew Doughty suffered an ankle injury and will be out for at least a couple of months. The Kings also have to deal with starting the season on the road, for their first seven games. 

It's going to be a tough start to the year for the Kings. Will they be able to climb themselves out of an early hole? Here's three bold predictions for the Kings this season:

Brandt Clarke becomes finalist for Calder Trophy

The former 2021 eighth-overall pick will be given all the opportunity in the world to succeed this season. While Clarke was already slated to make the Kings roster this season, with Doughty out, he propels up the depth chart and will get a look at running the power play. Clarke has an elite hockey IQ and his two-way game is only going to get better, year after year. The former Barrie Colt will compete for rookie of the year, and look for Clarke to be the second best rookie defenseman, behind only Lane Hutson.

Darcy Kuemper wins 35 games

Kuemper is in the perfect spot to reset his career after a couple of tough seasons. Look for the 34-year-old netminder to thrive under the Kings' defense-first system and win 35 games this season. Last year he posted a record of 13-14-3 and lost his Capitals' starting job to Charlie Lindgren. This season, he returns to LA, a place he's excelled in the past, and showcases he still has lots left in the tank. Kuemper's career high in wins is 37, three years ago in Colorado, this season he gets close with the Kings.

Quinton Byfield reaches 70 points

After a career-best 55 points in 2023-24, followed by signing a massive extension with the Kings, forward Quinton Byfield will continue his climb this season, reaching 70 points. Of course, health plays a major factor here, however he appeared in 80 games last season and has shown some durability to play through injuries. Byfield will be given top-six minutes, top power-play time and has all the skill in the world to reach the 70 mark. There's a very good chance he either leads the team in scoring this season, or as early as next season. The 22-year-old winger has serious game.

Photo credit:  Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images