LOS ANGELES — Nelson Emerson finds himself strapped tightly into the front seat as the L.A. Kings endure the rough ride of rebuilding in the NHL.
The former Winnipeg Jets 1.0 forward is in his first season as director of player personnel for the lowly Kings, who occupy last place in the Western Conference and are just a step up on the Ottawa Senators from the NHL basement.
The Kings raised Stanley Cup banners at Staples Center in 2012 and again in 2014 but appear light years away from regaining their championship form.
The Kings were 25-38-8 and had lost two straight prior to Monday’s matchup with the Winnipeg Jets at Staples Center.