Top 3 Questions the Kings Face Ahead of the 2026-27 Season

With the 2026-27 season just a few months ahead, the Los Angeles Kings are at a pivotal stage in franchise history. The 2025-26 campaign resulted in a not-so-ideal outcome, with the Kings exiting in the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Colorado Avalanche. With franchise icon Anze Kopitar officially retired, a roster in transition, and growing pressure on management to build a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, the organization now faces three important questions in the offseason.

Who Is the Next Leader of the Team?

Not just a “wear the C” question, but rather, which individual is fit to represent the team’s identity and steer them in a direction of success and accountability. Kopitar wasn’t only a captain, he was the heartbeat behind the team and a true icon. The Kings now need someone who can be a driving force on and off the ice. My take is Adrian Kempe would be suitable for the role. He remains calm in critical situations, allowing him to make smart decisions under pressure and contribute effectively to the game.

Kempe also sets an example through his work ethic. Over the years, he has developed from a promising player into one of the Kings’ most reliable offensive contributors. His growth demonstrates discipline and commitment. As the team’s leading scorer, he amassed 36 goals and 73 points in 81 games. A notable accomplishment is that in the NHL, only seven players have scored over 35 goals four times over the last five seasons. Kempe is part of that pack. The 6-foot-2 Swede’s organizational experience and dependable play make him a player who could provide valuable leadership for the Kings.

Is This Roster Built for the Playoffs?

Five consecutive playoff appearances sound impressive, but for the Kings, those appearances have led to first-round exits. They have now suffered five straight first-round eliminations, including a sweep at the hands of the Colorado Avalanche in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The last time this franchise won a playoff series was when they won the Stanley Cup in the 2014 Playoffs. Taking a look at the roster, one question remains: is this team built to be a playoff contender? My answer is, there’s still a lot of work to be done before the 2026-27 season arrives.

The Kings still possess a strong foundation, led by a mix of experienced veterans and players entering their prime. With the Pacific Division becoming increasingly competitive, Los Angeles may need more than its current roster to take the next step. For one, the Kings need a coach before the opening game in October. While D.J. Smith led a nice turnaround to end the season, the Kings need a playoff-experienced and strong communicator who has a knack for developing young talent.

Had the Vegas Golden Knights allowed Bruce Cassidy to speak with the Kings, he could’ve fit nicely within the system. As of now, the Kings will continue to face the same issues until a coach is set, as the organization’s direction remains uncertain. Beyond the bench, the Kings need a player who can elevate their attack when games tighten in the postseason. Until those changes are made, questions about the Kings’ ability to contend will continue to linger.

Can Byfield Become a Franchise Center?

The final question remains as to whether Quinton Byfield has the means to become a true franchise center. Selected second overall in the 2020 NHL Draft, he arrived with the expectations of someone who could eventually anchor a top line and lead in high-stakes playoff hockey. While patience has been shown with his development, at this stage, he is no longer viewed as a prospect but as a player entering the phase where expectations shift from a young talent to a full-time contributor expected to make a consistent impact on games.

For Byfield to become the franchise center Los Angeles has envisioned, he needs to deliver not just quick glimpses of dominance, but sustained impact across an entire 82-game season. Byfield’s size, skating ability, and on-ice awareness give him the tools to succeed in those situations, but he must continue to grow his confidence with the puck and become a more reliable offensive driver.

In the 2025-26 season, Byfield struggled to find his footing and posted 49 points, down from the 54 points he had in 2024-25. His production lacked consistency throughout the season; however, his skill set and versatility indicate there is still untapped potential as his role increases.

If the Kings can answer these three questions and find a suitable head coach to properly take the reins and lead them in a new direction, they could position themselves to finally move past their recent playoff frustrations and reestablish themselves as a legitimate contender in the league.