NHL Preview 2019-20: Los Angeles Kings

(This year again, I will twin-post with my Collectibles Blog and write about a player who is related to my Preview post here. Today, it's former Los Angeles Kings captain and star defenseman - and current General Manager - Rob Blake, who will deserve much of the blame if the season unfolds like I think it will.)

GM: Rob Blake (since 2017). 6/10
Coach: Todd McLellan (since 2019). 6/10

2018-19 record: 31-42-9, 71 points (8th in Pacific Division, 15th in Western Conference), out of the playoffs.

Departures: Peter Budaj (G), Brendan Leipsic (RW), Dion Phaneuf (D), Willie Desjardins (HC), Brayden McNabb (D), Matt Greene (D).

Arrivals: Joakim Ryan (D), Martin Frk (LW), Todd McLellan (head coach).

Top forwards: Ilya Kovalchuk (30 goals, 50 points), Jeff Carter (60 points), Anze Kopitar (captain, 60-85 points), Adrian Kempe (40-50 points), Dustin Brown (20 goals and 40-45 points), Tyler Toffoli (40 points), Trevor Lewis (25-30 points), Kyle Clifford (20 points).

Must-improve forwards: Every single one of them. You don't finish 30th in total scoring and 27th on powerplay scoring and have a ton of players that can be proud of the season they're having, particualrly not with a handful of Olympians in the lot.

Top defensemen: Drew Doughty (35-45 points), Alec Martinez (40-45 points), Derek Forbort (20-30 points).

Goalies: Jonathan Quick (85/100), Jack Campbell (79/100).

Top rookies: Matt Roy (24, D), Blake Lizotte (21, C), Gabriel Vilardi (20, 11th overall pick in 2017, C), Carl Grundstrom (21, LW), Austin Wagner (22, LW).

Analysis:
Ron Hextall, please have mercy on the Kings and take over for Blake.

This situation looks extremely bleak - and it's going to get worse before it gets better because they're not helping themselves get out of it.

Prediction: 8th in the Pacific Division, 31st in the NHL.