While Toffoli played a full 82 games for the third time in four seasons, there was little else to praise him for last year, as his 13 goals was his lowest output since 2013-14. Despite his 31-goal tease a few years ago, the 27-year-old has never been able to establish himself as a top-line sniper, instead settling in as a skilled middle-six winger who can contribute in a variety of situations. Toffoli's production this season will depend a great deal on who his linemates are -- if he skates regularly with Anze Kopitar, or provides a veteran presence alongside a breakout youngster, Toffoli has the talent to return to the 20-goal, 50-point range.
Toffoli started out fantastically, scoring 15 points in his first 20 games in 2017-18. But when Jeff Carter went down, so did Toffoli. With Carter out, Toffoli's point averages fell from roughly three points every four games to two points every four games, making the 26-year-old a far less effective weapon after the first quarter of the season. This year, Carter should be back, which means Toffoli should be an effective scorer for the Kings and for your fantasy team. He's a good target to grab in the early double-digit rounds and can provide some nice depth for your lineup.
After posting his first 30-goal campaign in 2015-16, Toffoli dropped to just 16 tallies and 34 points through 63 games last year. He missed 19 games in the middle of the season due to a lower-body injury, but the winger never hit an offensive groove on either side of the absence. Toffoli is notoriously streaky, which can hinder his fantasy value. However, there is no questioning his high-end offensive talent and vision. After posting a 12.3 shooting percentage through the previous three seasons, last year's 9.7 mark was the key culprit in his decline in the goals column. Toffoli averaged 2.62 shots per game and logged a career-high 2:17 of power-play ice time, so with a marginal rebound to his shooting percentage, a bounce-back showing is within reach. Additionally, the 25-year-old winger is in the heart of his offensive prime.
Toffoli enters his age-24 season as one of the game’s finest young snipers and most accomplished two-way forwards, having last year potted 31 goals and one-upped teammate Anze Kopitar with a plus-35 rating, best in the NHL. That’s only the tip of the iceberg of his capability, though – a two-time 100-point scorer in juniors and proven AHL performer, he’s increased his output three years running in the big leagues, and there’s certainly still room to grow. Although Toffoli and Jeff Carter have played well together on the second line in the past, the kid’s a good bet to serve a full season as Anze Kopitar’s first-line right winger – a move that would nearly guarantee another season of 30-plus goals and his first campaign over 60 points. Not everyone’s caught on yet to just how valuable Toffoli is, so you can still get in ahead of the rush.
Toffoli took a great leap forward in 2014-15, carrying over the momentum he developed during the team’s Stanley Cup run the year prior. After scoring 14 points in 26 games during the 2013-14 playoffs, Toffoli ratcheted that production up to 23 goals and 26 helpers in the regular season, while posting a team-high plus-25 rating. What also makes Toffoli so valuable is his work on special teams. Last season, the rising winger tallied three power-play goals and a league-leading five shorthanded markers. An excellent two-way player, Toffoli even began garnering Selke Award votes, and saw his ice time rise to 14:35 per game. If the 23-year-old can continue developing at the rate he has been, he should seamlessly slide into the role Justin Williams occupied on the wing, while bringing greater upside as a scorer than the departed veteran.
Toffoli's first extended look with the Kings resulted in 29 points in 62 games, with the youngster playing his way into a top-six role by the time the season ended. He clicked with Tanner Pearson and Jeff Carter on the team's second line -- hereafter known as That 70s Line -- and really excelled in the playoffs with 14 points in 26 games. He's had a nose for the net while coming up in the minors and has the look of a legitimate sniper at the NHL level. This could be the first of many times he flirts with 50 points in The Show.
Toffoli backed up his pair of 100-point campaigns in the OHL with a fine 2012-13 debut in the AHL at Manchester. He scored 28 goals in 56 games before chipping in five points in 10 games with the Kings. And he capped off his season with six points in 12 playoff games with the big club. There's a log jam at pivot, though, so he's likely headed back to the AHL unless the Kings decide to try him at wing. He's an elite prospect with a nose for the net, but may have to wait for his opportunity with the Kings.
After leading the OHL in goals and points in 2010-11, Toffoli had another fine junior season, scoring a league-leading 52 goals and picking up 48 assists in 65 games. He's easily the Kings' best offensive prospect and could push for a roster spot as soon as this season, though he's likely headed to the AHL to round out his game. The 20-year-old projects as a pure sniper at the NHL level and definitely needs to be rostered in dynasty formats if he's still available.
Toffolli led the OHL in goals (57) and points (108) in just 68 games and projects as a pure sniper at the NHL level. He'll head back to the OHL for what figures to be another fine season to work on refining his game and skating but is definitely one to watch.
Toffoli was the Kings' 2nd round draft pick in the 2010 draft after lighting the lamp 37 times in 65 games in the OHL. He'll need to improve his skating if he wants to make much of an impact at the NHL level however.
