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Dustin Penner could be a catalyst for the LA Kings this year. The guy is a beast at 6’4" & 245 lbs. He can play the power forward role as good as anyone, but he can also disappear from play seemingly as well as anyone. He’s a bit of an enigma. How Penner plays this season could well help decide the fate of the Kings in the race for top spot in the competitive Pacific division. Let’s face it, the Kings are going to need to be near perfect to beat the retooled Sharks. The Ducks will hang around, but the crown will be fought for by the Kings and Sharks for that top 3 seed in the West. Penner must do his part for it to be a success story in LA.

Penner has the talent. He scored 32 goals two seasons ago. Last year though he slipped, especially after joining the Kings, where he scored just twice in 19 games. Dismal. Some critics will say that the 32 goal year was the anomaly but it’s tough to write this guy off … he has the skill and the size. Just needs the desire.

Penner is approaching this year with a new focus on fitness … something that can only benefit him. When he came over from Edmonton, he was around 260 lbs. He weighed in the other day at 242-243 lbs. He said he’s down 4% on the body fat index from where he was. He’s come out with the quote of being in the best shape heading into a season, sounds as though he really means it though.

Add to all that the fact that Penner just might line up beside Kopitar to start the year, and the big forward could be in for a big season. Just what the Kings need. Imagine how good LA could be if they have Penner scoring 30-35 goals this year.

It’s fun to see a player apply himself rigorously to an off-season workout regimen … even better if it pays off. Certainly the fact that Penner will be looking for a new deal following this season has nothing to do with any of this At 29, this year could well decide the bulk of the rest of his NHL career. A huge season for him could land a fat contract which could carry him through the next 5-6 seasons and close to retirement.

It’s certainly worth keeping an eye on Penner out of the gun this season. Could really help your Fantasy club as he’s playing in the weak LW position. The Kings are going to be a lot of fun to watch this season.

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