Okay, so the Los Angeles Kings just extended a qualifying offer to Alex Laferriere, and it's the first step in signing him to what could be a monster contract. With the Kings bringing in a few older pieces, remaking a younger core is much-needed, and Laferriere has the potential to be that franchise player following a solid 2024-25 season.
Now, some might scoff at what I just said, and that's fine. But Laferriere nearly doubled his points total from 2023-24, when he put up 23 of them with 12 goals and an 8.2 shooting percentage across 81 games. Not the greatest numbers in the world, but they set the stage for the jump that was last season.
In 2024-25, Laferriere put up 42 points and 19 goals in 77 games. Again, these aren't phenomenal numbers, and I won't pretend that they are, especially when his shooting percentage dipped below 10 percent again.
But, Laferriere has made a living taking shots at the net, and to be real, the winger's giving me David Pastrnak vibes. And no, that's not a joke, as Pastrnak does something similar in Boston. Oh, and he's good for landing 100-plus body checks every year.
Alex Laferriere deserves a long-term deal with the Los Angeles Kings
And hey, if the Kings believe in Laferriere, then sign him to a long-term contract and let him keep growing into his potential. Laferriere's going to be more than just the solid, yet unspectacular player he's been throughout the first two years of his career, and the Kings may regret it if they don't lock him in now.
Want proof? Look at JJ Peterka, formerly of the Buffalo Sabres. Buffalo moved the winger to Utah last week, losing out on a potential star to the new team out in the Wasatch Mountain Range. The Kings, while they'd sign Laferriere to at least a bridge deal if they don't go long-term, don't need to put themselves in that predicament.
Just sign the kid, because this season, he's probably giving you a good 60-65 points. Come 2026-27, Laferriere's breaking into the 70-plus-point range. Don't give another team a chance to snag him in the not-so-distant future.
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