As the captain of the Kings, Dustin Brown has seen things slowly evolve in Los Angeles – moving from a team full of prospects and role players into a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.
With the acquisitions of Mike Richards, Simon Gagne and Ethan Moreau, he says this year is “entirely different” than any other year up to this point.
“We’ve been making steps and progress every year,” explained Brown earlier today. “I remember three or four years ago though, everyone might have been saying ‘I’m excited for the season’ – but in their mind they knew there was no chance we were going to do anything here. This year, it’s a different feeling. That’s exciting and, in a sense, a lot more serious. For this team, in talking to some of the other players, we’re excited but we have to be focused because this is our time.”
More later from Brown – including detailed thoughts about why the Kings had to add a guy like Moreau to their bottom-6 this season. Plus, comments from several other players who attended Hockey Fest today.
[UPDATE: Brown talks about the off-ice value of Richards here]
