When the NHL puts the Pacific Division back in place for the 2021-2022 season, the Seattle Kraken will see a lot of the once mighty Los Angeles Kings. It seems like just yesterday they won two Stanley Cups in three years – the last win was 2014 – but since then the Kings have missed the playoffs in five of seven seasons.

Their two playoff appearances – in 2016 and 2018 – both ended in first-round knockouts.

The key players, like Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, and Jonathan Quick, from those Cup teams are still on the roster. So, what gives? Why are they bad? Time has played a role as those players are not as effective as they once were, but also, the supporting cast is gone, replaced by younger players.

Seattle should beware, however, because the Kings have cap space and some promising young prospects on the rise. Could an improving Kings team turn a division rivalry into a full-on hate fest? It’s easy not to like Doughty so the chance is definitely there for Seattle to lean into some Kings abhorrence.

Let’s get to know the Kraken division rival Los Angeles Kings

Established:  1967

Nickname history: The name ‘Kings’ came from a fan contest and was liked by original owner Jack Kent Cooke. The team’s original colors were ‘Forum Blue’ and yellow. The colors were changed to black, silver, and white for the 1997 season.

First season in NHL: 1967-1968 (31-33-10 record)

AHL affiliate: Ontario Reign

ECHL affiliate: None

Stanley Cup Final appearances: 1993 (lost to Montreal), 2012 (beat New Jersey), and 2014 (beat New York Rangers)

Presidents’ Trophies: none

Division titles: One (1990-1991)

All-time leading scorer: Marcel Dionne (1,307)

All-time leading goals: Luc Robitaille (557)

All-time leader in assists: Marcel Dionne (757)

2020-2021 record: 21-28-7 (sixth in West Division)

2020-2021 leading scorer: Anze Kopitar (13 goals, 37 assists, 50 points in 56 games)

Cap space: $9.1 million

Highest-paid player: Drew Doughty, D, $11 million through 2026-2027

Players with no-move clauses: Drew Doughty

Top prospect: Quinton Byfield

Potential Expansion Draft exposures: Austin Wagner, Lias Andersson, Olli Maatta, and Jonathan Quick

Chance of becoming heated Kraken rival: Fair

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