Last season, the Los Angeles Kings saw an unexpected breakout performance from Trevor Moore, who scored 31 goals. This season, another forward, Alex Laferriere, has sparked similar excitement with his early goal-scoring success, raising hopes that he could be the next 30-goal scorer for the Kings.
Laferriere’s Strong Start
Laferriere has been in impressive form, netting 11 goals in his first 25 games of the season. If he continues on this trajectory, he could very well challenge for the 30-goal mark. His early performance mirrors that of Trevor Moore from the previous season, when Moore also began the year with a strong goal-scoring streak before finishing with 31 goals. Both players have shown flashes of scoring brilliance, but sustaining such a high level of production is difficult, particularly on a team that focuses more on checking than high-volume offense.
Goal Scoring: A Rare Skill in the NHL
Scoring goals is a highly coveted skill in the National Hockey League, and Laferriere has demonstrated an ability to find the back of the net consistently. However, he is not a high-volume shooter, averaging just over two shots per game. His current shooting percentage of 20% is unsustainable and is likely to regress as the season progresses. In the first 12 games, Laferriere scored eight goals, but in his next 13 games, he netted only three. This fluctuation is typical for a player still developing in his NHL career, but it is clear that Laferriere has the potential to produce in bunches.
Power Play Potential
One of Laferriere’s advantages over Moore last season is his role on the Kings’ first powerplay unit, a spot Moore didn’t occupy during his 30-goal campaign. With the Kings lacking a right-handed shot on the powerplay, Laferriere’s placement on the top unit should give him more opportunities to score with the man advantage. If he can contribute a few powerplay goals alongside his even-strength production, a 30-goal season becomes even more plausible.
Challenges Ahead
While Laferriere’s start to the season has been promising, the real test will come as teams adjust and the competition intensifies. Players in their first few seasons often face a difficult challenge as opponents tighten up their defense. Despite this, Laferriere’s 11 goals, combined with his exposure on the first powerplay unit, give him a solid chance at reaching the 30-goal mark.
Even though the odds will be stacked against him as the season wears on, Laferriere’s early success and his ability to perform at both even strength and on the power play make a 30-goal season within reach.
