Los Angeles Kings Summary

The Los Angeles Kings have signed forward Elton Hermansson to a three-year entry-level contract after selecting him 19th overall in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. Hermansson, who is 18, played last season with MoDo Hockey in Sweden's HockeyAllsvenskan, scoring 11 goals and 10 assists in 38 games.

He also had a brief stint with MoDo Jr., where he recorded 9 points in 13 games. In a separate development, the Kings are preparing for their home opener against the Florida Panthers on October 6, 2026, marking a significant test for new head coach Peter Laviolette and the revamped roster.

The Kings fell to the Panthers 5-2 in their last meeting at Crypto.com Arena, and the upcoming game will showcase new signings like Mats Zuccarello and Erik Haula. Additionally, a report card on Mathieu Joseph's 2025-26 season noted his contributions as a depth player, highlighting his speed and physicality despite not recording points in his limited games with the Kings.

Finally, discussions have surfaced regarding the top centers of the 2000s for the Kings, with Anze Kopitar recognized as a pivotal figure in the team's history, particularly during their transitional years.

These developments underscore the Kings' focus on both immediate performance and long-term player development.