In a season when the Los Angeles Kings were dwelling in the basement for the vast majority of the year, a number of prospects received brief try-outs with the NHL club to gauge their level of development. Seemingly taking the pulse of the farm system, GM Dean Lombardi ushered rookies in and out of the lineup looking to separate the prospect from the suspect. Twelve rookies would don the Kings sweater -- some making considerable impressions -- while most would not appear in more than ten games each.
Those having the most significant impacts were on the defensive end. Jack Johnson came into the season with only five games of professional experience, but was already hailed as one of the anchors on the blueline, trusted in all game situations and logging over 20 minutes of ice time per game while bringing an intensity and physical aspect that has been lacking on the blueline for the Kings. His offensive game was temporarily put on the back-burner as the coaching staff demanded more attention to defense and making the smart play. His 11 points are not indicative of his importance and progress with the team as he was far and away the most significant rookie of the season for the Kings.
Kings 2007-08 rookie review (Hockey's Future) 
