Voting is underway for the Kings’ 2012-13 season awards. Just got my ballot and am starting to give it some thought. My initial reaction on the awards:

MVP (Bill LIbby Memorial Award): I’m leaning toward forward Jeff Carter with a team-leading 24 goals in 43 games.

Best Newcomer (Mark Bavis Memorial Award): I’m thinking about rookie defenseman Jake Muzzin with seven goals and nine assists and a plus/minus rating of plus-14.

Outstanding Defenseman: Leaning toward Slava Voynov, who’s having a breakthrough season with five goals and 19 assists.

Best Defensive Player: Toss-up between forward Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams, who have been terrific two-way players this season.

These are the awards voted on by reporters. The players vote on the Most Inspirational (Ace Bailey Memorial Award) and Unsung Hero.