LA Kings Made the Right Choice Not to Re-Sign Andrei Kuzmenko

It’s safe to say this NHL offseason has been a wild ride. With jaw-dropping trades, surprising signings, and nonstop news around the league, it almost feels strange to have a quiet Wednesday morning. One of the more unexpected stories this offseason was Andrei Kuzmenko leaving the Los Angeles Kings in free agency and signing with the Pittsburgh Penguins. After posting 25 points in 52 games with Los Angeles last season, Kuzmenko hit the open market before agreeing to a one-year deal with Pittsburgh.

Instead, Kuzmenko left the Kings as an unrestricted free agent (UFA) and signed a one-year contract with the Penguins worth $5 million in average annual value (AAV). With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at whether allowing “Kuzy,” as fans like to call him, to walk in free agency was the right decision for Los Angeles.

Kuzmenko Just Needed More Time

It’s quite well known that Kuzmenko is a fan favorite and a solid winger. For a 5-foot-11 lean Russian, he uses his quick hands and exceptional puck handling to control the pace of a play. The skilled forward brings a contagious energy every time he steps on the ice. However, the Kings should have re-signed him and kept him on the roster. His skill set brought something different to the team and the Kings could have benefitted from having him in the lineup.

In the 2025-26 season, Kuzmenko finished with 13 goals and 25 points in 52 games. While those numbers were not the best of his career, they represented a step forward from his 2024-25 campaign, when he recorded five goals and 17 points in 44 total games split between the Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers, and Kings. His improved production showed his ability to bounce back and make a greater impact when given the opportunity.

With his puck control, playmaking ability, and offensive creativity, Kuzmenko gave the Kings another dynamic weapon on the wing and proved he could still be a contributor at the NHL level. His confidence and energy made him a valuable presence in the lineup, and Los Angeles could have benefited from keeping him as part of its offensive attack.

Inconsistency Became an Issue

One of the factors that likely contributed to Kuzmenko’s departure from the Kings was his inconsistency during his time with the team. While he showed flashes of his offensive ability and provided energy in the lineup, there were stretches where he struggled to maintain that level of impact. His scoring production fluctuated, and he occasionally had difficulty finding a consistent rhythm within the lineup. Although Kuzmenko brought a unique skill set and offensive creativity, his inconsistency may have played a role in the Kings’ decision not to re-sign him.

In 81 games with the Vancouver Canucks during the 2022-23 season, the creative winger recorded 39 goals and 74 points. The difference between that breakout season and where Kuzmenko is now is significant, as maintaining that level of production proved to be a challenge in the seasons that followed. His greatest strengths came from creating scoring opportunities and contributing on the power play, but the Kings needed a player who could provide value in more areas beyond offense.

Aside from the expectation of greater versatility, injuries also became a concern. Kuzmenko missed 30 games during the 2025–26 season after suffering a torn meniscus on February 25, 2026. The Kings simply couldn’t afford to dedicate that much cap space to a player whose role had changed.

Kings Had to Make a Tough Decision

Ultimately, Los Angeles decided not to re-sign Kuzmenko and commit $5 million annually to keep him on the roster. From a fan perspective, the decision was a difficult one to accept and left many supporters disappointed. However, the move also reflected the reality of managing a salary cap and building a roster with long-term goals in mind.

While Kuzmenko’s offensive skill, creativity, and chemistry with teammates such as former captain Anže Kopitar made him an exciting player to watch, his inconsistency made that level of financial commitment more difficult to justify. In the end, the Kings prioritized maintaining cap flexibility and allocating resources toward players who better fit the organization’s long-term plans.