With all teams, including the Los Angeles Kings, beginning training camp this week, the 2024-25 season is here sooner than we think. The Kings are fresh off their third straight playoff appearance, but also suffered their third straight first-round exit.

There were some notable changes this season after Cam Talbot left as a free agent and was replaced by Darcy Kuemper. General manager Rob Blake wanted to trade center Pierre-Luc Dubois when Kuemper returned to Los Angeles. This not only helps replace Talbot, but also eliminates Dubois’ contract.

They would also look to improve their depth by trading Tanner Jeannot while also signing free agent Warren Foegele.

However, the changes made this offseason may not be enough to improve upon recent seasons. Bleacher Report’s Lyle Fitzsimmons seems to think so, as the Kings were tied with the Detroit Red Wings for 15th in the latest rankings. This is a drop from 13th in the previous rankings.

If there’s anything that can give fans hope that this team will improve from last season, it’s the development of some of the younger players. That group includes Quinton Byfield, Brandt Clarke, Alex Laferriere, and possibly Arthur Kaliyev (who recently signed a one-year deal).

While the Kings still have veterans like Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughtry, they are getting older and can’t be relied on as much. If these younger players can take the next step, the Kings will have a much better chance of competing in the Western Conference.