If Doughty is okay and Roy comes back soon, we might not have to see Maatta or Alt suit up again.
Bjornfot - Doughty
Clague - Roy
Anderson - Strand
What makes you think Bjornfot is going to be on the big club based on how the Kings have handled him so far? They do not want to burn a year off of the ELC so they can maybe win two more NHL games this season. He probably gets the seven games or whatever it is this season but it is highly unlikely he's a regular at any point.
I've been known to rag on Hoven--mainly because I hate people calling him "The Mayor"--but he has been pretty locked in on what the plan is for the franchise. It was said a long time ago that they are looking for another high draft pick and all of Blake's actions--or inaction--completely support this. Of course Blake said the goal was playoffs and they would gladly take it if it happened since that would mean major leaps from the young guys drafted in 2017 and earlier but they aren't looking to do so at the expense of burning ECL years on the 2018 and '19 draft picks. More high picks just gives even more ammunition to to make a move for proven talent as well.
Perfect time to do this as well since they don't have to worry about ticket sales. They already lost the super casual fans prior to this year but the ones that follow along are going to be excited to see these '18 and '19 draftees next season. Winning will then bring the super casual back into the fold.
I think I'm reading it right on CapFriendly that the Kings actual dollars spent this year is $51MM. AEG has to like that. He then buys additional cheap years for all of these '18 and '19 draftees.