In this episode, John and Dennis discuss a recent trip to Europe and their upcoming travel plans. John talks about their experiences in Berlin, Frankfurt, Heidelberg, and Madrid, including attending concerts and witnessing the celebration for the Spain team winning the Euro Cup. DB shares his excitement for their upcoming trips to Vienna, Salzburg, and Wrexham. In the second period, The Mayor interviews Eric Lacroix, a former member of the LA Kings, who shares his journey in hockey and his son's participation in the Kings' development camp.

KOTP Shots from the Point:

• Quinton Byfield signed a five-year contract with the LA Kings for $6.25 million AAV
• The contract provides security for Byfield and flexibility for the Kings to add pieces to their roster.
• Byfield is expected to center a line with Kevin Fiala as his winger.
• The lineup and potential combinations of wingers, including Warren Foegele, Akil Thomas, and Tanner Jeannot, are discussed.
• Jordan Spence's contract and other prospect notes are mentioned.
• The LA Kings have several prospects participating in the World Junior Camps, which is a summer evaluation camp for young players.
• Liam Greentree, the Kings' first-round draft pick, has signed a three-year entry-level contract but is not eligible to play in the AHL next year.
• Koehn Ziemmer, a top draft pick from two years ago, is AHL eligible this coming season due to his birthday falling on December 31st.
• There is uncertainty about where Ziemmer and Jacob Dvorak will play next season, as their roles could be affected by other players' progress.
• Arthur Kaliyev, a highly regarded prospect, has not generated much trade interest, and the Kings may try to increase his trade value by giving him more playing time. Kaliyev's future with the Kings is uncertain, and it will depend on his performance and willingness to commit to the organization.
• Fans will have the opportunity to join an upcoming episode of Kings of the Podcast for the show's 200th episode

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LAK G Darcy Kuemper returns to both the Kings and KOTP! He stops in for a 1-on-1 with The Mayor.

KOTP bullet points:

• The LA Kings have been active in making trades, including acquiring goaltender Darcy Kuemper.
• There are rumors about the Kings being interested in Nikolaj Ehlers, but it may not make sense given the team's need for a right-handed shot.
• The history of players wearing number 35 for the Kings is discussed.
• The Kings' lineup for the upcoming season is still uncertain, but there are options for right-handed shots.
• The guys tease fun stories about Vegas in the third period of the episode.

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LAK Coach Jim Hiller stops by in the second period of the show to chat about various topics in the aftermath of the NHL Draft and Free Agency.

In the first period of the episode, John and Dennis discuss the LA Kings' roster reshaping in free agency. They analyze the team's strategy of adding players with size, grit, and testicular fortitude to change the team's identity. They also address the concerns and expectations of fans, emphasizing the need to wait and see how the new roster performs. The conversation touches on the importance of young players like Quinton Byfield and Alex Turcotte, as well as the potential for further roster changes. They also discuss the transparency of the front office in regards to the departure of Steven Stamkos from the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The third period conversation includes In this conversation, the guys analyze the potential line combinations and positions for players like Byfield, Turcotte and Arthur Kaliyev. They also mention the impressive performances of goaltenders at the development camp and discuss the possibility of naming an MVP trophy after Roman Vopat. The conversation concludes with a lighthearted discussion about what to call Jim Hiller.

You can find us on X/Twitter at @kingsofthepod