What is traditionally viewed as the least important pivot on a team, is in actuality a critical cog in a roster's structure. Fourth-line centers Colin Fraser and Mike Richards won cups with LA. Hard-checking and responsible, this role is meant to saw off opposing talent instead of plugging in top-tier talent to fill the back of the net. Now, while the LA Kings are not quite a cup contender, they might have finally found a player ready to assume the role.
While most eyes were on Brandt Clarke at the 2021 draft, the Kings also nabbed a quality prospect in the second round. Enter Samuel Helenius.
At a hulking 6'6, the 21-year-old center is proving that he can set up shop on the fourth line. In his first game on November 9th, he collected his first career point with an assist. Helenius has two points in four games and is a plus player (+1) in his limited time on the ice.
Helenius does the little things that mean more to the team than the scoresheet implies. He collected four blocked shots in the win against the Detroit Red Wings including one that directly led to a goal. Shot blocks are an excellent representation of individual sacrifice for the overall benefit of the team. It's a tiny sample size, but he is averaging a shot block a game, the most of any forward.
Helenius is using his size with aplomb. He's averaged three hits per game, with five registered against Calgary.
He's dead even on his draws, which is critical for a center iceman in the National Hockey League. In 26 faceoffs, he's won 13. His overall numbers were deflated against the Red Wings, going 4-11.
With Alex Turcotte being activated off injured reserve, and Caleb Jones and Darcy Kuemeper getting injured, a plethora of roster moves occurred. Andre Lee was sent down, leaving Helenius as a survivor of the big day of roster moves.
In the pregame media scrum before the Detroit game on Saturday, Head coach Jim Hiller's was asked why Lee instead of Helenius. The answer was focused on Lee getting more offensive zone time in the AHL, but the team has to be taking a more extended look at Helenius.
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He could be penciled in as your future 4C if he continues at this rate. He uses his size, is not out of pace with the league, and more importantly, is reliable. His next challenge for Helenius is earning a spot on the penalty kill, which has been solid lately.
What more can you ask of a 4C?