Among the most underrated moves made by Ken Holland during his first offseason with the Los Angeles Kings was signing veteran winger Joel Armia in free agency.
The Kings signed Armia to a two-year contract deal in free agency last offseason, worth $2.5 million in average annual value through the end of the 2026-27 season.
Armia was never brought to Los Angeles to be a primary scoring option. Instead, the Kings relied on him to provide defensive reliability, penalty-kill value, and experienced depth throughout the lineup.
While his offensive production remained modest, Armia quietly became one of the Kings' more dependable two-way forwards. His ability to win puck battles, kill penalties, and limit opposing scoring chances helped make him a valuable complementary piece throughout the regular season and into the postseason.
Joel Armia's performance for the Los Angeles Kings in the 2025-26 season
In the 2025-26 season, Armia registered 13 goals, a dozen assists, and 25 total points in 67 games played for the Kings. He also played in three postseason games in the first round this spring for the Kings vs. the Colorado Avalanche.
Those numbers may not jump off the page, but they represented solid production from a player whose primary value came away from the puck.
Like several veteran role players on the roster, Armia's contributions often went unnoticed. However, his overall impact on the defensive side of the puck made him an important part of the Kings' lineup throughout the year.
Armia proved early on this past regular season that he deserved more playing time in the roster lineup for now-former head coach Jim Hiller and the Kings. His impact wasn't limited to the stat sheet. His teammates frequently praised the energy and value he brought to the lineup throughout the season.
"It seems like every game he’s getting a chance, or he’s creating a chance on the PK, it definitely gives our team a boost. Whenever you get a shorthanded goal, it’s huge. He’s been a great addition so far; guys love him in his dressing room. He’s been doing it in this league for about 10 years now, and he just keeps getting it done."Joel Edmundson on Joel Armia
His strong season extended beyond Los Angeles. He also led Team Finland in scoring during group play at the Winter Olympics in Italy this past February.
Armia's biggest impact came on the penalty kill, where he became one of the Kings' most trusted special-teams contributors. Armia posted a career-high and team-high four shorthanded goals while playing over 90 minutes on special teams this past regular season.
I think it's accurate to describe Armia as the most underappreciated and undervalued player in the roster lineup offensively and on special teams on the penalty kill this past regular season for the Kings.
Considering his contract value, defensive impact, and special-teams contributions, Armia exceeded expectations during his first season in Los Angeles.
2025-26 Season Grade: B+
What to expect from Joel Armia moving forward with the Los Angeles Kings in the 2026-27 season?
Armia will be under contract for the Kings through the end of the 2026-27 season. I still expect him to play a prominent role on special teams as one of the Kings' top penalty killers next season.
Regardless of who becomes the next head coach, Armia's defensive reliability and special-teams value should keep him in a regular role next season.
If Armia continues producing at a similar level defensively while providing occasional secondary scoring, he could earn additional middle-six opportunities next season.
With another year in the Kings' system and greater familiarity with his teammates, Armia could reasonably push toward the 30-point mark in 2026-27. Any increase in offensive production would only add to the value he already provides as one of the Kings' most trusted defensive forwards and penalty killers.
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