LAK 1: SEASON OF UNCERTAINTY AND OPPORTUNITY

LOS ANGELES, CA — As the Los Angeles Kings begin their 59th season in the National Hockey League, they find themselves facing more uncertainty than one might expect from a team that recently tied a franchise record with 105 standings points and finished sixth overall.

Over the past three seasons, the Kings have averaged nearly 100 points, a mark that is typically a ticket to the playoffs. However, their inability to advance past the first-round has kept them from joining the league’s elite Stanley Cup contenders.

Despite possessing a style of play that is generally effective in the postseason – featuring strong defensive statistics, excellent shot suppression, and depth at center – they have continually fallen short against the Edmonton Oilers in each of the past four seasons.

Recurring Playoff Heartbreak Against Edmonton

The Kings’ four consecutive first-round eliminations at the hands of the Oilers have come in various fashions, some more agonizing than others.

In 2022, Los Angeles squandered a 3-2 series lead, failing to close out the Oilers on home ice and falling in Game 7 after a heroic performance from Connor McDavid. The most recent loss was especially painful: for the first time in this rivalry, the Kings held home-ice advantage and jumped to a 2-0 series lead against an injury-depleted Edmonton roster.

Yet, despite their promising start, the Kings failed to win another game, returning home exhausted and unable to mount a challenge in the final two contests.

Leadership Changes and New Direction

The latest post-season disappointment served as a catalyst for significant organizational change. Rob Blake stepped down after eight years as General Manager, and team president Luc Robitaille selected Ken Holland as his successor.

Holland, a Hall of Fame builder, arrived with a reputation for coming close to a championship with Edmonton, though he fell just short. His hiring represents a shift in management style and experience for the franchise.

Off-Season Moves: A New Approach

Holland moved quickly in his new role, making several acquisitions aimed at addressing the team’s postseason shortcomings.

Fatigue was a notable factor in the latest playoff loss, with Head Coach Jim Hiller shortening his bench, leading to overworked top players and insufficient depth contributions.

Holland’s additions – players with significant playoff experience – are designed to ensure better roster depth moving forward.

Corey Perry, currently sidelined with an injury, is expected to bring the grit and effectiveness he showed with Edmonton. Joel Armia is seen as an upgrade for the fourth line, while Brian Dumoulin’s experience and Stanley Cup pedigree should help stabilize the defense. Cody Ceci’s signing, though contentious, adds size and depth to a previously undersized defensive unit.

Expectations and Defining Progress

Holland believes the Kings are close to breaking through, and with a blend of veteran newcomers and a returning core that finished last season strong, the franchise hopes to finally make significant progress.

However, the question remains: what constitutes meaningful progress?

Is it simply winning a playoff round, something the team hasn’t done since 2014? Or must the Kings reach the Western Conference Final to truly validate their off-season strategy?

A fifth straight encounter with the Oilers in the playoffs, even if successful, may not be enough to elevate the team’s status; only a deep playoff run will mark true advancement.

Keys to the Season

• Maintaining Defensive Identity: The Kings are expected to stick to their defense-first philosophy, continuing to excel in shot suppression and structured play even as Holland hints at minor stylistic tweaks.

• Adrian Kempe’s Contract Extension: Securing Kempe with a long-term deal is a priority, as his development and commitment to the franchise are seen as central to the team’s future.

• Darcy Kuemper’s Performance: Kuemper’s stellar numbers last season provided unexpected stability in net. While a repeat may be unlikely, the improved backup situation and strong defensive system should position him for continued success.

• Offensive Depth: While the Kings’ top-nine forwards may lack the star power of teams like Vegas and Edmonton, the addition of Andrei Kuzmenko and the potential of the Philip Danault line could ensure balanced offense across all four lines.

• Impact Players: Quinton Byfield’s move back to center and Brandt Clarke’s expected increased role are critical. Byfield must assert himself as a top center, while Clarke’s offensive potential could add a new dimension from the blue line.

• Defense Corps Adjustments: The loss of Vladislav Gavrikov leaves a significant gap, increasing the importance of returns to form from Drew Doughty and the integration of Dumoulin and Ceci. Clarke’s ability to find chemistry with a partner and handle increased minutes will also be watched closely.

Challenges and Early Schedule

It’s getting monotonous to say this season is pivotal for the Kings. Missed opportunities in recent years have increased pressure to finally progress. The risk of regression looms, particularly as cornerstone players like Kopitar and Doughty age, and with no clear internal replacements at center once Kopitar completes his 20th and final season.

Early on, the schedule presents a major challenge: the Kings open with back-to-back games against Colorado and Vegas, visit the defending President’s Trophy-winning Winnipeg Jets, and face the NHL’s highest-paid player, Kirill Kaprizov, and the Minnesota Wild – all within their first four games.

Furthermore, after boasting the league’s best home record last year, starting with eight of their first 11 games on the road is far from ideal. A strong start could be crucial in setting the tone for a successful campaign and a potential run at their first Pacific Division title.

Measuring Success

While capturing a Pacific Division championship and securing home-ice advantage would be notable achievements, recent history shows that success in the postseason is the ultimate measure as the Panthers and Oilers reached the 2025 Stanley Cup Final as divisional three seeds.

For the Kings, a fifth straight playoff appearance will be evaluated by their ability to progress further in the post-season and finally overcome recent playoff failures.