The Los Angeles Kings have the top collection of prospects in hockey -- some of whom are ready to make contributions at the NHL level. They also have a handful of holdovers from their dynastic days in the 2010s -- forwards Anze Kopitar, Jeff Carter and Dustin Brown, defenseman Drew Doughty and goaltender Jonathan Quick.
It'll be up to coach Todd McLellan and his staff to blend "Young Guns" and "Grumpy Old Men" into a Hollywood blockbuster. No matter what, it should be quite entertaining. Here's our preview for the Kings ahead of opening night:
Big question: Is this the sweet spot?
The Kings have cultivated the deepest collection of prospects in the NHL. Quinton Byfield (the No. 2 pick in the 2020 draft) leads a group of forwards that also includes Alex Turcotte, Arthur Kaliyev and Gabriel Vilardi; the defense group is highlighted by Tobias Bjornfot, Kale Clague and Mikey Anderson. All of them could have roles this season.
But as the next wave of Kings arrive on the roster, can they mesh with the mainstays to return the team to the playoffs?