5 urgent priorities for Ken Holland as the new LA Kings general manager

LA Kings general manager Ken Holland needs to work on these things immediately
Apr 17, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA;  Los Angeles Kings defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov (84) controls the puck during the second period at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov (84) controls the puck during the second period at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
4 of 6

Get familiar with the 2025 NHL Draft class

What probably will require the most work and the most time over the next few weeks is getting ready for the NHL Draft, which will be the final weekend in June. The Kings have seven draft picks but no second-round pick (which went to the Lightning in the Jeannot trade) but an extra seventh-round pick (which was part of the Kuzmenko trade).

How Ken Holland approaches the NHL Draft could set the tone for free agency and the rest of the offseason. During his time with the Edmonton Oilers, Holland didn't have great results from the NHL Draft and this could push to the team to look to trade picks rather than draft players.

This certainly would also align with what the Kings seem to be focused on and that is not only win now but compete for a Stanley Cup now. The Kings front office should help Holland get up to speed and they won't trade all their picks but it wouldn't be surprising if the Kings make a few trades that includes some of the picks this year.