Los Angeles Kings Summary

The Los Angeles Kings are focusing on contract extension talks with veteran defenseman Drew Doughty as free agency approaches. According to NHL Analyst David Pagnotta from Yahoo Sports, the Kings plan to negotiate a deal with Doughty, who acknowledges that his ice time will decrease in the coming years and that this will impact his value for the next contract.

Doughty, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, is currently in the final years of a massive eight-year, $88 million deal that expires at the end of the 2026-27 season. Meanwhile, the Kings are also dealing with roster changes, as their former interim head coach D.J.

Smith has joined the Edmonton Oilers as an associate coach under Mike Babcock. Smith previously led the Kings to an 11-16-6 record after stepping in midseason. Additionally, two Kings players, Andrei Kuzmenko and Scott Laughton, have been highlighted as top unrestricted free agents by The Hockey Writers, which emphasizes their potential market value and the Kings' roster decisions this offseason.

Kuzmenko has shown offensive potential despite injuries limiting his play, while Laughton is recognized for his leadership and versatility. With center Anze Kopitar's retirement, depth at the center position has become a pressing need for the Kings.

As the 2026 NHL Draft approaches, the Kings are preparing by focusing on scouting reports and player evaluations, which are critical for building a competitive future. The draft will occur at KeyBank Center in Buffalo on June 26 and 27, 2026.