Expectations for new head coach Peter Laviolette and the Los Angeles Kings are still that the team will contend for the postseason in the upcoming 2026-27 season in the Pacific Division.
That said, there are still some concerns about how the Kings will fare in the post-Anze Kopitar era and with an aging roster that has concerns on the blue line and on special teams.
The Athletic recently included the Kings in a group among the NHL teams "stuck in the middle" entering the upcoming 2026-27 season. And while Kings fans might not like the assessment, it's difficult to argue with the reasoning behind the placement.
The Los Angeles Kings have more to prove than most playoff teams
After five straight first-round playoff exits, the Kings have plenty to prove to show they can finally get over the hump in the Western Conference this upcoming season. The Kings were swept in the first round of the playoffs this past spring by the Presidents' Trophy winner Colorado Avalanche.
The retirement of franchise icon and center Anze Kopitar leaves a massive void in the middle of the lineup as well as a big absence of leadership in the locker room.
Offensively, the Kings have to really improve at even strength at 5-on-5 and on special teams on the power play. The Kings ranked among the bottom five teams in the Western Conference in goals scored per game this past regular season.
Defensively, the Kings still lack puck movers and quality depth on the blue line. It was a priority for general manager Ken Holland and the Kings to add a puck-moving defenseman this offseason, but nothing has come to fruition so far this summer.
On the other hand, the Kings do have some reasons for optimism going into this upcoming season. The Kings got some massive additions offensively this offseason, namely a top six playmaker in former Minnesota Wild veteran winger Mats Zuccarello. LA will also get a full season out of star forward Artemi Panarin for the first time.
Other key franchise players like forwards Adrian Kempe, Quinton Byfield, and Alex Laferriere give the Kings a potential to be more potent in the offensive zone and to raise the ceiling. The same can be said for Brandt Clarke on the blue line.
The Kings clearly don't belong in the rebuilding tier of the NHL. But they also haven't earned the benefit of the doubt to the extent they would be considered a true Stanley Cup contender. Until the Kings can replace Kopitar's impact, generate more consistent offense and finally break through in the playoffs, it's fair to view Los Angeles as a team caught in that tough spot between mediocrity and contention.
The talent is there for the Kings to change that narrative, but now the team has to prove it on the ice.
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