How Will the Kings Fill the Void Left by Tanner Jeannot
The Los Angeles Kings are facing a difficult situation as they navigate the suspension of forward Tanner Jeannot, who will miss the next three games following a match penalty for a hit on Brock Boeser during a recent game against the Vancouver Canucks. Jeannot’s absence is certainly a blow to the Kings, as his physicality and depth on the fourth line were key components of their overall game plan. Now, with the suspension in place, head coach Jim Hiller and his staff must find ways to fill the gap left by Jeannot while managing a roster already dealing with multiple injuries.
The Kings have a few options for how to fill the void in the short term, but the combination of Jeannot’s suspension and the existing injuries complicates matters. The loss of Jeannot comes at a time when the team’s forward depth is already being tested, with some key players sidelined, including Alex Turcotte, who has missed the last two games due to injury. This is an important stretch for the Kings as they look to maintain their position in the standings, but with some strategic moves, they might be able to overcome Jeannot’s suspension and continue their strong play.
Immediate Line Changes and Replacements
When it comes to replacing Tanner Jeannot, one of the first things to consider is the structure of the Kings’ bottom six. Jeannot was a key part of their fourth line, known for his physical play, energy, and ability to wear down the opposition with his presence on the ice. In the immediate aftermath of his suspension, it is expected that the fourth line would likely consist of players such as Andre Lee, Trevor Lewis, and Akil Thomas, provided that Turcotte is healthy enough to return to the lineup. This line configuration would give the Kings a combination of energy, experience, and defensive responsibility, with Lee and Thomas bringing a bit of youth and speed to the mix, while Lewis provides leadership and a steadying hand in the faceoff circle and along the boards.
However, Turcotte’s status is uncertain for Saturday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, leaving the Kings with some flexibility when it comes to adjusting their lines. If Turcotte is unable to go, Akil Thomas could move up into a higher role, possibly on the second line. This would push Kevin Fiala, who is typically on the second line, to the top line, where he can help provide the necessary offensive punch alongside Anze Kopitar and Viktor Arvidsson. While this change would elevate Fiala’s role, it would also put more pressure on the Kings’ scoring depth, as Fiala would have to continue producing at a high level in a more prominent position.
This shift in line combinations also raises the question of who would step in to round out the fourth line. With both Turcotte’s potential return and Jeannot’s absence in the mix, the Kings will need to find a player who can bring the same level of energy and physicality that Jeannot provided. One option that makes a lot of sense is calling up Samuel Fagemo from the Ontario Reign, the Kings’ AHL affiliate. Fagemo has been playing outstanding hockey lately, notching four goals and three assists in just the past three games. His recent performance makes him an intriguing candidate for a call-up, and his scoring ability combined with his strong skating and physicality could make him an effective addition to the Kings’ fourth line, especially in a situation where depth is key.
Fagemo’s promotion to the NHL would not only provide the Kings with a talented forward, but it would also inject a spark into a lineup that is missing some of its usual firepower. Fagemo has proven that he can handle the pressure of higher levels of competition, and his performance with the Reign has been a testament to his readiness for the next step. He has shown both the offensive upside and the physicality that would make him a natural fit on the fourth line, and his presence could help maintain the team’s balance while Jeannot is sidelined.
However, there are other considerations the Kings must take into account beyond just replacing Jeannot on the fourth line. The team will need to remain mindful of how their lineup changes could affect their overall chemistry and balance. The fourth line plays a key role in wearing down the opponent and providing defensive stability, and the Kings cannot afford to lose that aspect of their game while trying to make up for the loss of Jeannot.
The Bigger Picture: Managing Depth and Injuries
The loss of Jeannot comes at a time when the Kings are already dealing with several other injuries that have tested their depth. Injuries to key players like Turcotte and others have left the Kings without some of their usual contributors, and this is where Hiller’s coaching staff must step in to make sure that the team does not lose momentum. The Kings’ depth has been one of their strongest assets this season, and while they have been able to weather the storm to an extent, the absence of multiple players creates challenges that the team must overcome.
Tanner Jeannot, while not a star offensive player, brought an important dimension to the Kings’ game in terms of physicality, forechecking, and defensive responsibility. The Kings’ ability to play a hard-nosed, aggressive game has been a hallmark of their play this season, and it’s something that they will need to maintain even without Jeannot. His suspension puts more pressure on players like Lee, Lewis, and Thomas to step up and take on bigger roles, particularly when it comes to playing on the defensive side of the puck.
With the potential return of Turcotte and the possibility of calling up Fagemo, the Kings will have some flexibility in terms of how they replace Jeannot’s presence on the ice. However, the team will need to continue getting contributions from their veteran core players, like Kopitar, Doughty, and Fiala, to ensure that they do not miss a beat offensively. The Kings’ top-six forwards, which include players like Adrian Kempe, Kevin Fiala, and Viktor Arvidsson, have been producing consistently this season, but they will need to continue to find chemistry and generate offense even with some of the depth pieces shuffling around.
In addition to the adjustments that need to be made up front, the Kings will also need to maintain their solid defensive play. While much of the focus will be on replacing Jeannot’s physicality and energy, it is just as important for the Kings to continue playing responsible, structured defense. With players like Drew Doughty and Matt Roy anchoring the back end, the Kings have a strong foundation on defense, and it will be critical for them to keep that structure intact. This is especially important on the penalty kill, where Jeannot’s physicality and ability to disrupt plays could be missed. Fortunately, the Kings have a solid penalty kill unit that will need to step up and fill that void in Jeannot’s absence.
Long-Term Impact and Future Plans
While the immediate concern is how the Kings will adjust their lineup over the next few games, the suspension of Tanner Jeannot raises some larger questions about the team’s ability to stay competitive over the course of a full season. The Kings have shown that they are a playoff-contending team, but as the season progresses, injuries and suspensions will continue to be a factor. The loss of Jeannot, while a temporary setback, underscores the need for depth and the ability to adapt to different situations.
The Kings’ success this season has been largely due to their depth, but the team will need to continue finding contributions from unexpected sources as they move forward. Whether it’s Akil Thomas stepping up in a larger role, Fagemo getting a chance to prove himself at the NHL level, or a player like Trevor Lewis providing veteran leadership, the Kings must continue to play as a cohesive unit if they are to remain in the playoff race.
The Kings may look to make adjustments to their roster to add further depth, particularly in terms of physicality and two-way play, if the injury bug continues to bite. However, for now, the immediate focus is on finding ways to overcome the loss of Tanner Jeannot for the next three games and beyond. With a strong organizational foundation, a solid coaching staff, and a talented group of players, the Kings have the tools necessary to navigate these challenges and continue their pursuit of success this season. Whether it’s through internal adjustments or minor tweaks to the lineup, the Kings will need to stay resilient, adapt to the changing circumstances, and keep their eye on the bigger picture.
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