With the acquisition of Ryan Smyth from the Colorado Avalanche, and the signing of free-agent defenseman Rob Scuderi, the Kings have taken a big step towards becoming contenders next season, but will it be enough?

Offense

Smyth bolsters an already-powerful but young offense led by Dustin Brown (24), Anze Kopitar (21), and Alexander Frolov (27). Kopitar led the team with 66 points, while Frolov led the way with 32 goals. Look for those forwards to continue their production in the coming seasons, as Frolov is the only player not signed beyond next year.

Brown, the team’s captain, is already mature beyond his years and look for his game to improve even more playing next year with Smyth, who figures to be a big body presence in front of the net on the power play.

Defense

The Kings traded away defensemen Kyle Quincey and Tom Preissing in the Smyth deal, but they have capable replacements ready. Quincey led all Kings defensemen in scoring last season, but the team feels 19-year-old Drew Doughty will be able to take over on offense. Doughty had 27 points in his rookie season last year. Plus, former 3rd overall pick of the Carolina Hurricanes, Jack Johnson, was injured for half of last season, so look for him to take on a bigger defensive role next season.

Johnson has been rumored to be seeking a trade out of LA, but one has to wonder that with the addition of Smyth and Scuderi, Johnson isn’t reconsidering staying. If Johnson remains in LA, the d-corps of the Kings, which also includes underrated Matt Greene, will be pretty solid next season.

Goaltending

This is where things get a little uncertain.

The Kings are convinced that Jonathan Quick can handle the starting duties next year and into the future. Last year, he went 21-18-2 with a 2.48 GAA, but I’m still not completely sold on his abilities. He may be their starter of the future, but the Kings desperately need a veteran goalie in their system to mentor Quick. Something tells me that Erik Ersberg isn’t exactly capable of that.

So, will the Kings make the playoffs next year? They finished 14th in the West last year, so they really couldn’t do any worse. With Minnesota and Edmonton improving their team in the offseason as well, it will be an uphill battle to make the playoffs, but the Kings have acquired the necessary pieces to contend.