The Los Angeles Kings are under a significant amount of pressure entering this season as they are not only looking to advance in the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade, but could be saying goodbye to a franchise legend in Anze Kopitar.
When looking at the season ahead, these are three things that, if they happen, could have fans viewing it as a failure for the Los Angeles Kings.
Los Angeles Kings don't get out of the first round
The obvious one and the one already mentioned is not getting out of the first round of the playoffs. For the Kings, just getting to the playoffs isn't enough and there is added pressure to win a playoff series.
The Kings have made the playoffs now for four straight seasons, and each season has come up short against the same opponent, the Edmonton Oilers. This past season was their best performance yet, as they would earn home-ice advantage and even get up 2-0 over the Oilers.
Unfortunately, momentum quickly swung back to the Oilers and they would win the final four games to move on ot the next round. General manager Ken Holland believes the fix is to add veteran depth and he did achieve that, but it remains to be seen if it will actually work.
Brandt Clarke doesn't take that next step
The Kings had one of the best blue lines in the NHL last season, but made significant changes this summer as they traded Jordan Spence and saw Vladislav Gavrikov leave in free agency. The solution was to sign free agents Cody Ceci and Brian Dumoulin, but the key to this all working is Brandt Clarke.
The former first-round pick was a full-time NHL player for the first time in his career last season, but his spot in the lineup always seemed to be in question based on how he was utilized by head coach Jim Hiller. That is going to have to change this season, and Clarke has the opportunity to see a significant increase in ice time.
While the opportunity is there, the question is whether or not Clarke can seize it. If he takes that next step, which he certainly has the talent to, then the defense should be fine with the changes. However, if it doesn't happen, then the defense might quickly become a concern for this team.
Los Angeles Kings don't re-sign Adrian Kempe
While not advancing the playoffs would be a disaster on the ice for the Los Angeles Kings, off the ice, the biggest concern would be not being able to re-sign Adrian Kempe. He is probably already their most important player, and his importance to the franchise will only grow if Kopitar actually does end up retiring.
The Kings can't afford to let Kempe get to free agency, as he will generate a ton of interest around the league. It will be a replay of what happened with Vladislav Gavrikov, as they had spent months trying to reach a new deal.
The longer the Kings let these negotiations drag out, the more likely it is that he tests free agency only grows. If the front office lets it linger, it creates unnecessary questions that everyone in the franchise will have to answer.
If a new contract is not signed before the end of the 2025-26 season, it has to be viewed as a failure on the part of Ken Holland the front office.