Continuing on with our 2026-27 NHL standing projections, we've got the Los Angeles Kings at #23. LA's not in the spot they were hoping to be at this point 5 years ago. Prospects didn't develop, bad moves were made, and now they're left with a middling team. Could this team sneak into a WC? Yes. Is it changing the fact that their ceiling is a first-round exit? Nope. And I just don't think this team has the juice to beat out the younger Ducks & Sharks or the stardom Oilers & Knights in a Pacific race for a playoff spot. One thing I love about this team is the first line. I truly think a Panarin/Byfield/Kempe line has the potential to be one of the top first lines in the NHL this year, and I think Byfield having a clear range as the 1C will give him the breakout year we've been waiting for from him. My issue is the rest of the team. Fiala is great, but coming off of a brutal injury, and Zuccarello is a good pickup, but old and now has to learn an entirely new system with new players, ...