For the fourth year in a row, the Los Angeles Kings suffered yet another first round exit in the playoffs. Now as the team searches for answers, one of the questions may be in the leadership role, both in the locker room and on the ice.
Anze Kopitar was named the 14th captain in Kings history in 2016, succeeding Dustin Brown, and has been a core member of the team since 2006. Dustin Brown was relieved of his captaincy due to what team management described as part of a broader evolution and team progression. The management at the time included GM Dean Lombardi and Head Coach Darryl Sutter.
Currently, the Kings are searching for a new General Manager and the 2025-26 season is sure to bring plenty of other changes as well. One thing to consider is how this team will evolve and progress.
This may fall into the hands of the captain of the team. Now, I am certainly not suggesting that Anze Kopitar is not a leader or a great captain, and his play on the ice is still very threatening every night. I also believe that giving up the captain “C” is not a demotion either.
The LA Kings have the potential of bringing another Stanley Cup to Los Angeles, and the recipe for their success relies on several ingredients like goaltending, physicality, offensive creativity, and leadership. Is it time for Kopitar to play a different role, just like Dustin Brown did? Is there another able to fill those shoes?
The next generation of leaders are emerging for the Los Angeles Kings
Core players like Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty have provided consistency, experience, and leadership through the years, but it might be time for some of the younger players to take command of more influential and accountability roles. In the past few years, several players have elevated their game on the ice, and as the off-season changes continue, who can elevate their voice in the locker room?
Some of the LA Kings fan favorites include Adrian Kempe, Quinton Byfield, Kevin Fiala, and Phillip Danault. Of course, there are other traits that can factor in being a leader and go beyond wearing the “C.” It is about fostering team unity and setting the standard both off and on the ice. And it is tailoring leadership to be team-specific because what you say in one locker room might not work in another.
Anze Kopitar is currently the LA Kings captain, and I am proud to have his jersey in my hockey collection. As the Kings prepare their team ingredients for next season, a substantial portion is going to rely on their leadership. It is this leadership that is going to play a pivotal role in maintaining and shaping team confidence and morale. Cultivating a positive team culture will lead to accomplishing their winning goals.