LA Kings Need More From These 3 Players Next Season

It’s been six weeks since the Los Angeles Kings were handed a first round exit at the hands of the Colorado Avalanche in the 2026 Playoffs. Over the course of an 82-game season, the Kings experienced both impressive highs and frustrating lows. Yet despite their regular season success, the team has still not proven itself to be a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.

The disappointment of another early playoff exit has only intensified questions surrounding the roster and the direction of the franchise. With a new season quickly approaching, the organization faces several critical decisions that could determine whether the Kings remain stuck in the same cycle or finally take the next step toward championship contention. Their ability to take the next step will depend on several key players raising their level of play. Among them, Quinton Byfield, Trevor Moore, and Alex Laferriere stand out as three players whose performance could shape the team’s success next season.

Quinton Byfield: Becoming the Franchise Centerpiece

Drafted second overall in the 2020 Draft, Byfield was expected to develop into a franchise cornerstone, and while his progression has been steady, the next step is the most important. Byfield has already begun to show signs of becoming a two-way force. His combination of size, speed, and puck skill makes him one of the most physically unique forwards in the league.

When his style of play is confident and engaged, he becomes a far more effective presence on the ice. According to Zach Dooley, “He ranked in the 98th percentile in both speed bursts of 20+ MPH and total skating distance, the latter of which he also ranked just outside of the league’s Top-10 in among forwards.” However, the Kings need Byfield to become a top-line driver. That means producing at a near point-per-game level and taking on a larger role. If Byfield can have his breakout season, the Kings’ offense could reach a level it has been missing in recent years.

Trevor Moore: Needs to Bring Consistency

Another player we can take a look at is Moore, as the Kings will need more consistency from him moving forward. If he can consistently produce in the 20-goal range while maintaining strong defensive responsibility, he becomes one of the more valuable depth forwards in the Pacific Division. His speed and work ethic make him an effective player in a variety of situations, whether at even strength or on the penalty kill.

When Moore is playing with confidence, he has the ability to create offense off the rush. The challenge for him will be sustaining that level of play over the course of a full season rather than in short stretches. If he can find that consistency, he could provide the secondary scoring the Kings need to support their top forwards.

Alex Laferriere: Taking the Next Step

Our final player is Laferriere, one of the most intriguing young forwards in the Kings organization. The 6-foot-1 New Jersey native plays a direct and confident style. He is willing to shoot, drive to the net, and engage physically, which makes him a strong fit in a playoff-style environment. The next step in his development is consistency and scoring. In 82 games in the 2025-26 season, Laferriere recorded 21 goals and 44 points. Reaching the 20-goal mark is an encouraging sign, but there is still room for growth in his offensive game. As the Kings look to take the next step as a contender, they will need players like Laferriere to build on their production and become more consistent throughout the season.

Laferriere acknowledged in his 2026 exit interview, “With Kopi leaving, it’s really hard shoes to fill and obviously I’m not going to be Kopi if I’m playing center, but I’m going to try and kind of have my own spin on things. If that’s where they want me to be, that’s where I’m going to try to be.” This reflects both his respect for Anze Kopitar’s legacy and a mature approach to contribute wherever the team needs him. It also underscores his willingness to adapt his game as he continues to develop into a larger role with the Kings.

The Kings are not far from being a true contender, but the gap between being a playoff team and a Stanley Cup threat is major. Bridging that gap will require growth from the three players mentioned above and already in the organization. If all three players continue to strengthen and develop their games, the Kings will not only remain competitive but also become significantly more dynamic in the Western Conference. In a league where teams improve from within, that step forward could mean the difference between an early exit and a long playoff run.