The last week of August signals one unmistakable thing — the LA Kings training camp is approaching quickly. With nearly 30% of the roster changing since last season, fans can expect a variety of new jersey numbers to emerge.
As previously mentioned in June, rookie forward Alex Turcotte is set to change his jersey number from No. 38 to 15. This number has always been his preference during his time in college and with the Reign.
Expect a confirmation of a new contract extension this week, along with a new jersey number come training camp in September. pic.twitter.com/VrqRWqtN9D
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) June 11, 2024
Joining Turcotte in the transition from the AHL to the NHL this season is Sammy Fagemo, who will also sport a different number in Los Angeles. Fagemo wore No. 11 during his four seasons with the Ontario Reign and for much of his career in Europe before being selected 50th overall by the Kings at the 2019 NHL Draft. With Anze Kopitar poised to be the last player to wear No. 11 in the franchise’s history, Fagemo needed a new option. Reports suggest he plans to don No. 19 this season, a number previously worn by his father, Linus, during his playing days in Sweden.
Additionally, it has been reported that forward Alex Laferriere intends to switch to No. 14 for the 2024-25 season.
A bit of background here — this pattern will continue throughout the article — Laferriere previously wore No. 18 at Harvard, which cannot be used in Los Angeles as it is retired in honor of legendary captain Dave Taylor. Before his time in college, Laferriere wore No. 14 while playing for the Des Moines Buccaneers in the USHL. Thus, the decision to adopt No. 14.
Fun fact: Jim Hiller wore No. 14 during his stint with the Kings.
There is a ripple effect caused by these changes. With Laferriere now donning No. 14, it blocks rookie Akil Thomas from using that number, which he had previously worn in the AHL with Ontario. Thomas wore No. 44 in junior with the OHL Niagara team, a number currently held by Mikey Anderson in Los Angeles. So, what are Thomas’ options? He could keep the No. 41 he debuted in during his NHL first game last season, which is the inverse of his usual No. 14. However, sources suggest he has something different planned. We may need to wait until just before training camp to find out what that might be.
For those inclined towards speculation, it seems unlikely Thomas will negotiate with Anderson for No. 44. During his college years at Minnesota Duluth (UMD) and in the USHL before that, Anderson wore No. 24. With
With Phil Danault’s association with No. 24 in LA, it seems unlikely that Anderson would feel compelled to relinquish his number to Thomas.
So, what could Thomas be aiming for? Perhaps a switch to No. 88? That number is double his current 44 and was previously worn by Jarome Iginla.
What about a nod to Willie O’Ree? He sported No. 25 during his time in Boston. This number is currently free with the Kings, and honoring such a revered figure would certainly align with Thomas’s character.
We’ll have to wait and see. For now, let’s move on to other news items…
According to sources, goalie David Rittich is standing his ground. He has worn No. 33 throughout his NHL career. Unfortunately, when he joined the Kings, that number was unavailable, prompting him to take No. 31 instead. Even with Viktor Arvidsson having departed, Rittich will not be adopting No. 33.
Don’t worry; several other Kings players will be sporting new numbers!
On the second day of the NHL Draft in June, Kings GM Rob Blake made a trade with the Lightning to bring forward Tanner Jeannot to the team. Jeannot wore No. 84 throughout his time with the Lightning and previously with Nashville. That number, however, belongs to defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov. So, what happens next? Jeannot will wear No. 10, just as he did while playing for the WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors.
In another trade just days earlier, the Kings acquired defenseman Kyle Burroughs from the Sharks. While it seems he’ll primarily serve as a tweener this season, spending time between the NHL and AHL, there’s an interesting story behind his jersey number history. Burroughs made his NHL debut wearing No. 88 with the Avalanche in 2021, then switched to No. 44 in Vancouver, which later became just No. 4 in San Jose—matching the number he wore as captain of the WHL’s Regina Pats. Clearly, that number isn’t available in Los Angeles, so he’ll be donning No. 7 this season. The reason for this change is still a mystery, and we’ll need to inquire further when training camp opens.
Two additional newcomers were added to the Kings through free agency in early July, and their choices for jersey numbers have fairly straightforward backstories.
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Forward Warren Foegele is the first player to feature, sporting No. 37 in LA.
Foegele is a unique case, having played both college hockey and in the OHL. In those formative years, he donned No. 3 — an unusual choice for a forward. This changed to No. 37 when he made his NHL debut with the Hurricanes in 2018. Although he later switched to No. 13 while in Carolina, that number was already claimed by Jesse Puljujarvi upon his arrival in Edmonton. Consequently, Foegele reverted to No. 37 for the last three seasons, and it is currently available in LA for him to take.
Historically, No. 37 has been worn by only 12 players in the Kings’ over 50-year history as an NHL franchise.
Bob Kudelski was the first to wear it back in 1989. In 1996, Patrice Tardif briefly donned the number after his trade from St. Louis as part of the Wayne Gretzky transaction. Kip Brennan, who wore the number from 2002 to 2004, is one of the more notorious players associated with it in LA. Following him, several players that only the most dedicated Kings fans would recognize wore No. 37, such as Denis Grebeshkov, Gabe Gauthier, Jean-Sébastien Aubin, and Jeff Zatkoff.
The other unrestricted free agent signing this summer is defenseman Joel Edmundson. A long-time target for the Kings, the 6-foot-5 defenseman will be pleased to reclaim No. 6 when he dons his first Kings jersey next month. This has been his number for the majority of his career, including his time in St. Louis (where he debuted and won a Stanley Cup), Carolina, and Washington. Last season, he was unable to wear No. 6 with Toronto as that number had been retired by the Maple Leafs to honor Ace Bailey.
RELATED CONTENT:
Answering Five LA Kings Roster Questions, plus Updated Salary Cap Outlook
Jeannot photo by Marc Smith
Foegele photo by Phil Ellsworth
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LA Kings Roster Shakeup: New Faces, New Numbers for the 2024-25 Season
Overview of the LA Kings Roster Changes
The Los Angeles Kings have made significant changes to their roster ahead of the 2024-25 season. With new players joining the team, fans are eager to see how these additions will impact the team’s performance. This shakeup is aimed at fortifying the Kings’ competitiveness in the NHL, and the excitement is palpable.
Key New Additions for the 2024-25 Season
The LA Kings have welcomed several new players to the roster. Each of them brings unique skills and experiences that could reshape the team’s dynamics and strategies.
Top New Players
- Alex Turcotte (Center) – Acquired in a trade from the New York Rangers, Turcotte is known for his speed and playmaking abilities.
- Cal Petersen (Goaltender) – After a season with the Philadelphia Flyers, Petersen returns to solidify the goaltending position.
- Tyler Toffoli (Wing) - A familiar face, Toffoli’s return brings veteran leadership and scoring touch.
New Numbers for 2024-25
With new players come new jersey numbers, which fans will be eager to see. Below is a brief overview of the jersey numbers for the new additions:
| Player | Position | Jersey Number |
|---|---|---|
| Alex Turcotte | Center | 21 |
| Cal Petersen | Goaltender | 35 |
| Tyler Toffoli | Wing | 73 |
Strategic Implications of the Roster Changes
The roster shakeup is not just about acquiring new talent, but also about strategically positioning the LA Kings for success in the upcoming season.
Enhancing Offensive Power
The addition of players like Tyler Toffoli is expected to boost the team’s offensive capabilities. Toffoli’s knack for scoring and experience in high-pressure situations will be crucial as the Kings seek to improve their goal-scoring efforts.
Strengthening the Defensive Line
Cal Petersen’s return is a strategic move to enhance the Kings’ defensive line. His previous experience with the team and proven track record will provide stability and confidence in net.
Building Team Chemistry
Integrating new players into the existing roster is vital for team chemistry. The coaching staff will need to focus on creating effective line combinations that maximize each player’s strengths.
Benefits of the Roster Changes
The LA Kings’ roster shakeup presents several advantages that could benefit the team throughout the season.
Improved Competitiveness
With the integration of skilled players, the Kings are positioning themselves to be more competitive in the Pacific Division. The new roster additions are expected to elevate the team’s overall performance.
Fan Engagement
New faces and numbers often spark renewed excitement among fans. The LA Kings’ community can look forward to a season filled with enthusiasm as they rally behind the new lineup.
Long-term Growth
This roster shakeup is not just about the immediate season. Building a strong foundation with young talent like Alex Turcotte allows for long-term team growth and development.
Practical Tips for Fans
As the new season approaches, here are some practical tips for fans to make the most of the LA Kings’ roster changes:
- Follow Player Stats: Keep an eye on the performance of new players to understand their impact on the team.
- Attend Pre-Season Games: Watching the Kings in pre-season action is a great way to familiarize yourself with the new roster.
- Engage on Social Media: Follow the Kings on social media for updates, player interviews, and fan events.
First-Hand Experience: Expectations from Players
Hearing from players about their expectations can provide valuable insights into the upcoming season.
Alex Turcotte’s Perspective
“I’m excited to join this franchise and be part of a team with a rich history. I aim to contribute right away and help bring the Kings back to the playoffs.”
Cal Petersen’s Commitment
“Returning to LA feels like coming home. I’ve learned a lot over the past year, and I’m ready to bring my best game to help the team succeed.”
Tyler Toffoli’s Return
“Coming back to LA is special. I’ve always loved the fans here, and I’m eager to help this team grow and achieve our goals.”
Monitoring the Kings’ Progress
As the new season unfolds, monitoring how the LA Kings adapt to these changes will be crucial. Fans can stay updated through various platforms:
- NHL Official Website: Provides live updates, statistics, and news about the Kings.
- Local Sports News: Follow local sports networks for in-depth analyses and coverage of the team’s progress.
- Social Media Channels: The Kings’ official accounts are a great source for real-time updates and player interactions.
Looking Ahead: The Kings’ Future
The LA Kings’ roster shakeup for the 2024-25 season represents a significant step towards building a competitive team. With new players and strategies in place, the franchise aims to reclaim its place among the elite teams in the NHL.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these changes will unfold throughout the season, making it a highly anticipated chapter in the Kings’ storied history. As the team works to integrate new talent and build camaraderie, the excitement surrounding the roster changes continues to grow.
