Elite Dynamo Out as Team Prepares for Tough Fixture
The Los Angeles Kings are facing a challenging situation after forward Tanner Jeannot was suspended for three games following a hit on Vancouver Canucks’ forward Brock Boeser in their most recent matchup. The incident, which took place midway through the first period on Thursday night, led to a match penalty for Jeannot and left the Kings scrambling for solutions. As a result of the suspension, Jeannot will miss the next three games, including a home game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, followed by road trips to Calgary and Colorado.
Match penalties in the NHL are relatively rare and often lead to suspensions, and Jeannot’s case is no exception. The play that led to the penalty was deemed to be a reckless or dangerous hit, and while the severity of the penalty was debated, the NHL’s decision to suspend Jeannot for three games was swift. This suspension, although expected, creates a significant gap in the Kings’ lineup and forces head coach Jim Hiller and the team’s management to rethink their strategy for the upcoming games.
Jeannot, who was acquired by the Kings this offseason in a trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning, has been an important addition to the team’s forward group. Los Angeles sent a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft and a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft to Tampa Bay in exchange for Jeannot’s services. Since joining the Kings, Jeannot has played in 15 games, recording one goal and one assist, while averaging around 10:30 in ice time per game. Though not a major offensive contributor, Jeannot has been a physical presence on the ice, providing energy and grit, particularly on the lower lines.
Replacing Jeannot’s physicality and depth will be a challenge for the Kings, particularly because of the other injuries that are currently affecting the roster. Jeannot’s absence leaves a hole on the Kings’ fourth line, which is typically responsible for providing a balance of energy, physicality, and defensive responsibility. Additionally, with the Kings already dealing with some injuries to other players, Hiller has limited options for replacing Jeannot in the short term.
Looking at the Kings’ lineup for the upcoming games, the most likely configuration for the fourth line would have been Andre Lee, Trevor Lewis, and Akil Thomas, assuming that Alex Turcotte would be able to return to the lineup after missing the past two games due to injury. Turcotte was injured last weekend and his status remains uncertain for Saturday’s game against Columbus. If Turcotte is unable to return, Akil Thomas would likely move up to the second line, which could result in Kevin Fiala being bumped up to the top line to maintain offensive balance.
This lineup shuffle raises the question of who will fill the vacant spot on the Kings’ fourth line. One potential solution is to call up Samuel Fagemo from the Ontario Reign, the Kings’ AHL affiliate. Fagemo has been playing excellent hockey recently, scoring four goals and adding three assists in his last three games with the Reign. The Swedish winger has shown promise with his ability to create offense and could provide an additional spark to the Kings’ forward depth. His call-up would not only help mitigate the loss of Jeannot but also inject some youthful energy into the lineup.
Another potential option is to move forward and experiment with different combinations in order to find the right balance. While the absence of Jeannot presents a challenge, the Kings’ organizational depth could allow them to absorb his loss, at least temporarily. The key will be for the coaching staff to adapt and get creative with the line combinations while maintaining the team’s defensive structure and maintaining offensive pressure.
Tanner Jeannot’s absence also highlights some of the bigger picture issues the Kings face as they navigate the season. The team has shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency has been a concern at times. With players like Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, and Fiala carrying much of the offensive load, the Kings have looked competitive but have struggled to maintain their high level of play over the course of a full 60 minutes. The absence of Jeannot, while significant, will force the Kings to test their depth and see how well they can adapt when some of their secondary contributors are unavailable.
In addition to the loss of Jeannot, the Kings have been managing several injuries throughout the lineup, which complicates their task. Depth becomes even more important when key players are sidelined, and the Kings’ ability to adapt to these injuries will be a determining factor in how well they perform in the next stretch of games. Whether it’s Akil Thomas stepping up in a bigger role or Samuel Fagemo getting the call to the NHL, the Kings will need contributions from players up and down the lineup if they are to remain competitive.
Looking ahead to the upcoming schedule, the Kings will face a mix of challenges, both at home and on the road. Saturday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets presents an opportunity for the Kings to make a statement and bounce back after Jeannot’s suspension. The Blue Jackets, while not a top-tier team, have the potential to pull off upsets, and the Kings will need to be sharp to avoid dropping points to an inferior opponent. The road games against Calgary and Colorado will be more difficult tests, with both teams looking to improve their positioning in the Western Conference. The Kings will need to be on their best game if they are to secure any points on this road trip.
One of the key areas the Kings will need to focus on in the coming games is their special teams. The Kings have generally been strong on the penalty kill, but they’ll need to stay disciplined and avoid taking unnecessary penalties, especially with a reduced roster. With Jeannot’s suspension, they’ll need other players to step up and contribute in more significant roles on both the power play and penalty kill units. The penalty kill is particularly important against teams like Calgary and Colorado, who boast potent power-play units.
Another key factor in the Kings’ success will be their goaltending. The team has been getting solid performances from their goaltenders, with both Jonathan Quick and Pheonix Copley providing steady play. Quick, in particular, has been a calming presence in net and has played a significant role in helping the team stay competitive in tight games. The Kings will need both of their goaltenders to continue playing at a high level, especially with their depth being tested due to injuries and suspensions.
Tanner Jeannot’s suspension serves as a reminder of how quickly things can change in the NHL. One moment, you’re contributing to your team’s success, and the next, you’re sidelined due to a penalty or injury. While Jeannot will undoubtedly be missed over the next three games, his suspension presents an opportunity for others within the Kings organization to step up and prove their worth. Whether it’s a call-up from the AHL or a current roster player seizing a larger role, the next few games will test the Kings’ depth and resilience.
Ultimately, the Kings’ ability to weather this storm and continue to perform at a high level will depend on their leadership, both from their veteran core and their coaching staff. Head coach Jim Hiller has always been known for his ability to make adjustments, and this situation will be no different. The Kings will need to make some tweaks to their lineup and perhaps experiment with new combinations, but if they remain focused and disciplined, they can overcome the loss of Jeannot and continue their push for a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference.
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