Kings general manager Rob Blake notices it the most away from the ice.
It could be between periods or at practice. Blake will pick up on the mood when he makes his way through the hallway or passes through the Kings’ locker room. There, in those closed-door moments of preparation or rest, Blake sees where Jonathan Quick truly makes a difference.
“I think we missed him in the room, his leadership, his voice, his demeanor between periods, all the stuff that fans never see,” Blake said. “This team missed that direly last year. We understand what he does on the ice.