Kopitar has three goals and four points over his first two games, dominating his opposition. At this rate, he could fully break out into the elite and possibly top 100 points.
Great news for fantasy hockey owners as the more time he spends on the ice, the more opportunities he has to produce. Regardless, his totals of last season -- 11 goals, 40 points -- should be his absolute floor.
Kopitar is flanked by 22 goals by Williams and 23 goals from Penner not to mention likely having Drew Doughty on the five man unit. Expect around 30 goals and 80 points on the season as he enjoys some alleviated pressure from second line center Mike Richards.
Expect Doughty to take a couple shifts with the team as he gets back to NHL speed. Starting the season in Europe probably won't help him get acclimated either. Regardless, his totals of last season -- 11 goals, 40 points -- should be his absolute floor.
Doughty will be playing his first game of the preseason, interesting to see how he adapts.
Feel free to draft him as early as the second round with the understanding he may start the season slowly.
Certainly sounds like Kopitar is fully healthy. The Slovenian pivot scored 25 goals and 73 points last season. Feel free to draft him as early as the first or second round.
At this point, there is no question Doughty would be hindering his development and preparation by holding out of training camp.
All reports list Kopitar as fully healthy, draft accordingly.
Feel comfortable drafting Kopitar accordingly. Adding Mike Richards to the Kings lineup should only help take pressure off the Slovenian superstar.
Although a first round pick of the Kings back in 2006, Lewis's is used mostly as a penalty killer.
Lewis moves up to the top line.
