Veteran defenseman Brian Dumoulin just finished up his first season playing for the Los Angeles Kings after playing for three teams in two years in the previous two seasons.
Dumoulin was signed to a three-year contract by general manager Ken Holland and the Kings in the 2025 offseason to provide a reliable veteran presence on the blue line and get more postseason experience in the mix for the team.
Brian Dumoulin's performance for the Los Angeles Kings in the 2025-26 season
In the 2025-26 season, Dumoulin registered two goals, 15 assists, and 17 total points while playing all 82 regular season games for the Kings. He also played all four postseason games for the Kings in the first round vs. the Colorado Avalanche.
This past regular season was a roller coaster ride for both Dumoulin and fellow newly-signed defenseman Cody Ceci. Dumoulin and Ceci played on the same defensive pairing together for most of the last regular season, generating mixed results for the Kings on the blue line.
The Kings and then-head coach Jim Hiller tried separating Dumoulin and Ceci early in the season, but the alternatives proved to be even less effective. Despite the criticism, the only defensive partner Dumoulin registered an on-ice goals-for percentage better than 50 percent with this past season was Ceci (per Natural Stat Trick).
There were some bright spots for Dumoulin for the Kings. He was a steady quarterback of the breakout in the defensive zone and the neutral zone for the Kings. Dumoulin led all Kings defensemen in defensive zone start percentage and neutral zone controlled entries at even strength this past regular season (according to NHL player stats).
Dumoulin was a regular contributor on special teams on the penalty kill for the Kings this past regular season, ranking in the top four among defensemen in penalty kill minutes.
The pairing of Dumoulin and Ceci just wasn't all that effective together for the Kings last season. While they were better when paired together than when they played separately on the blue line, the Dumoulin-Ceci pairing still ranked at the bottom among qualifying Kings defensive pairings in goals-for percentage at even strength last season.
That pairing led the Kings in defensive zone and neutral zone giveaways, led the team in goals against per 60 minutes, and ranked at the bottom in on-ice save percentage.
While it wasn't entirely Dumoulin's fault, it was still a bit disappointing to see what he provided for the Kings on the blue line this past regular season.
2025-26 Season Grade: C+
What to expect from Brian Dumoulin moving forward with the Los Angeles Kings in the 2026-27 season?
Dumoulin is still under contract for the Kings for two more years after signing last offseason in unrestricted free agency. Whether he stays paired alongside Ceci or plays with another defensive partner will likely depend on any additional moves the Kings make before training camp.
With the turbulent season Dumoulin experienced with the Kings this past year, it sounds like Holland and the front office are looking for some possible changes to shake up the blue line entering the 2026-27 season.
We'll see if Holland and the Kings make any big moves before training camp and the preseason this fall to bring in an impact defenseman. For now, though, I still foresee Dumoulin playing an active role in the top six on the blue line for the Kings this upcoming season.
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