The Laviolette Blueprint: How the LA Kings Are Preparing for a Franchise-Altering Offseason
The Los Angeles Kings are officially on the clock. With the Stanley Cup Final drawing to a close and the 2026 NHL Draft just days away, the front office is working overtime to reshape a roster that fell short of expectations last season. The hiring of Peter Laviolette as the 32nd head coach in franchise history signaled a clear shift in philosophy, but the real work for General Manager Ken Holland is just beginning.
From finalizing the coaching staff to navigating complex trade rumors and preparing for the 17th overall pick, the Kings are facing a summer that will define the trajectory of the organization for years to come. The stakes have never been higher, and the decisions made over the next few weeks will determine whether Los Angeles can return to its status as a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.
Finalizing the Coaching Staff: The Laviolette Effect
When Peter Laviolette was introduced as the new head coach, he made it clear that he wanted to evaluate the existing staff before making any sweeping changes. That process is currently underway, with Laviolette conducting extensive interviews and meeting with current assistant coaches Newell Brown and Matt Greene.
According to recent reports, the situation behind the bench is fluid. Brown, who was brought in to help spark the offense, has one year remaining on his contract. However, the Kings struggled mightily to score last season, ranking 29th in the league with just 220 total goals and a dismal 17 percent success rate on the power play. Given Laviolette’s history of bringing in his own trusted assistants—such as Kevin McCarthy or potentially Phil Housley—Brown’s return is far from guaranteed.
Matt Greene presents a different scenario. The former Kings defenseman stepped into an assistant role late last season and earned high praise from the players for his intensity and communication skills. However, Greene has historically preferred his role in player development, avoiding the grueling travel schedule of a full-time NHL coach. Whether he caught the coaching bug during his brief stint behind the bench remains to be seen, but his presence would provide valuable continuity for a defensive corps that is in transition.
Laviolette’s ultimate decisions regarding his staff will offer the first glimpse into how he plans to implement his aggressive, “attack mode” system. The Kings need a spark, and finding the right voices to deliver that message is step one.
The Goaltending Carousel: What to Do With Darcy Kuemper?
One of the most pressing issues facing the Kings this offseason is the logjam in the crease. The goaltending depth chart is crowded, and the future of veteran netminder Darcy Kuemper is suddenly a major talking point.
Kuemper, who was acquired in the blockbuster trade that sent Pierre-Luc Dubois to Washington, has seen his role diminish. Once the backbone of a Stanley Cup run in Colorado, Kuemper is now facing uncertainty as the Kings reevaluate their options. With Anton Forsberg proving to be a reliable and cost-effective alternative, and prospects like Eric Portillo, Carter George, and Hampton Slukynsky pushing for opportunities, Kuemper’s $5.25 million cap hit is becoming increasingly difficult to justify.
Trade chatter surrounding Kuemper has intensified in recent days. While moving a goaltender with his salary and recent track record is no easy task, the Kings may need to explore all options to free up valuable cap space. A rotational setup with Forsberg is possible, but if Holland can find a suitor willing to take on Kuemper’s contract—perhaps a team desperate for veteran stability—it would provide the financial flexibility needed to address other glaring holes on the roster.
The emergence of Forsberg cannot be overstated. His calm demeanor and competitive drive have stabilized the crease when called upon, making him a fan favorite and a trusted option for the coaching staff. If the Kings decide to move on from Kuemper, Forsberg is more than capable of shouldering a heavier workload while the younger goaltenders continue their development.
Trade Rumors Swirl: The Darnell Nurse Connection
As the Kings look to upgrade their roster, the rumor mill has been working overtime. One name that has consistently popped up in connection with Los Angeles is Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse.
The connection is obvious: Ken Holland was the general manager who signed Nurse to his massive eight-year, $74 million contract extension in Edmonton. With Nurse reportedly on the trade block, it’s natural to assume that Holland might be interested in a reunion. However, a closer look at the Kings’ current situation suggests that pursuing Nurse would be a significant misstep.
Nurse carries a staggering $9.25 million cap hit through the 2029-30 season. While he remains a capable top-four defenseman, absorbing that kind of financial commitment would cripple the Kings’ ability to address their most glaring need: center depth. Los Angeles is desperate for help down the middle, and allocating nearly $10 million to a defenseman who will be 35 years old when his contract expires is a risk the team simply cannot afford to take.
Furthermore, the Kings already have a promising young defenseman in Brandt Clarke who is poised to take on a much larger role next season. Clarke’s offensive instincts and puck-moving ability make him a perfect fit for Laviolette’s system, and the organization needs to ensure his path to top-pairing minutes is not blocked by an expensive veteran.
If the Oilers are willing to retain a massive portion of Nurse’s salary and attach premium assets to move him, the conversation might change. But as it stands, the Kings must prioritize their cap space for impact forwards who can drive the offense and support the likes of Anze Kopitar and Quinton Byfield.
The 17th Overall Pick: Drafting for the Future
With the 2026 NHL Draft set to take place in Buffalo next week, the Kings hold the 17th overall pick. This selection represents a critical opportunity to inject high-end talent into a prospect pool that needs replenishing.
The consensus among scouts and analysts is that the Kings must target offensive skill and upside. After struggling to score consistently last season, adding a dynamic forward who can eventually step into a top-six role is paramount. Several intriguing names have been linked to Los Angeles in recent mock drafts.
One player who fits the bill is Maddox Dagenais, a towering 6-foot-4 center from the QMJHL. Dagenais possesses a lethal shot and the physical tools to dominate down the middle, making him an ideal target for a team looking to solidify its center depth for the future. Other potential options include highly skilled wingers like Nikita Klepov or Adam Benak, both of whom offer the offensive creativity the Kings sorely lack.
Of course, there is always the possibility that Holland uses the 17th overall pick as trade bait. If a package involving the first-round pick can land a proven, top-six center who can help the team win immediately, the Kings will undoubtedly explore that avenue. The pressure to compete now is immense, and Laviolette was not brought in to oversee a long-term rebuild.
Looking Ahead: A Defining Summer
The next few weeks will be a whirlwind of activity for the Los Angeles Kings. From finalizing the coaching staff to navigating the draft and free agency, every decision will be scrutinized. The hiring of Peter Laviolette has set the tone, but it is up to Ken Holland and the front office to provide him with the tools necessary to succeed.
The challenges are clear: resolve the goaltending situation, avoid costly mistakes in the trade market, and find a way to inject much-needed offense into the lineup. Whether that comes through a blockbuster trade, a savvy free-agent signing, or the development of young stars like Brandt Clarke and Quinton Byfield, the Kings must find a way to evolve.
As fans eagerly await the start of the 2026-27 season, the anticipation is building. The foundation is there, but the finishing touches will determine whether this team can rise to the occasion. Be sure to check out our YouTube channel and tune in to “LA Sparks Weekly” for all the latest updates and analysis as the summer unfolds. The work has just begun, and the Kings are ready to make their move.
