The LA Kings’ 2026-27 Blueprint: Schedule Release, Preseason Battles, and the Doughty Contract Decision

The Los Angeles Kings are staring down one of the most fascinating seasons in recent franchise history. As the 2026-27 campaign approaches, the organization finds itself at a unique intersection of win-now urgency and necessary transition. With Peter Laviolette taking the reins behind the bench and general manager Ken Holland aggressively reshaping the roster, the Kings are projected to be the oldest team in the NHL. This veteran-heavy approach is a calculated gamble, one that relies heavily on the offensive wizardry of newly acquired superstar Artemi Panarin and a deep, talented group of wingers.

As the dog days of summer roll on, the Kings’ front office is still evaluating the market, looking for those final pieces to solidify the roster before training camp opens in September. The departure of Anze Kopitar has left a massive void down the middle, but the Kings are hoping their elite talent on the flanks can drive the offense.

The NHL recently released the full 2026-27 regular-season schedule, and for the first time since the 1993-94 season, teams will play an 84-game slate. This change brings a new dynamic to the grueling NHL calendar, and for the Kings, it means navigating a challenging opening stretch and a condensed second half.

The 84-Game Grind: Breaking Down the Kings’ 2026-27 Schedule

The return to an 84-game schedule is a significant shift for the NHL, and it alters the competitive landscape. For the Kings, the additional two games will be played within the Pacific Division, ensuring four matchups against every divisional rival—two at home and two on the road. This balanced approach eliminates the scheduling quirks of past seasons and guarantees intense, high-stakes battles against familiar foes like the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights.

The Kings will open their season on the road, facing the Colorado Avalanche on September 30. This marks only the third time in franchise history that the Kings will play a regular-season game in September, a testament to the league’s adjusted calendar. Following a quick trip to San Jose to face the Sharks on October 3, the Kings will return to Los Angeles for their highly anticipated home opener against the defending Eastern Conference champion Florida Panthers on October 6 at Crypto.com Arena.

October will be a demanding month for Laviolette’s squad, with eight of their first 12 games played away from home. This early road-heavy stretch will test the team’s resilience and provide an immediate gauge of how quickly the new additions, including Panarin, Mats Zuccarello, and Erik Haula, can integrate into the system.

However, the schedule also offers opportunities to build momentum on home ice. The Kings will enjoy two season-high seven-game homestands. The first spans from October 29 to November 14, providing a crucial window to establish dominance at Crypto.com Arena. The second homestand, stretching from December 30 to January 13, will be vital as the team pushes toward the All-Star break.

The second half of the season will be a true test of endurance. Following an eight-day break in early February, the Kings will play 31 games in just 62 days to close out the campaign. This condensed stretch, featuring a game every other day, will demand peak physical conditioning and strategic roster management from Laviolette and his staff. March will be particularly grueling, with the Kings slated to play nine home games, making it their busiest month at Crypto.com Arena.

Preseason Showdowns and the Rookie Faceoff

Before the regular season begins, the Kings will use the preseason to evaluate their roster and finalize line combinations. The NHL has reduced the preseason schedule to just four games per team, placing a premium on every shift.

The Kings will kick off their exhibition slate with the annual “Empire Classic” against the Vegas Golden Knights on September 19 at Toyota Arena in Ontario. This matchup will offer fans a first look at the revamped roster and provide a crucial evaluation opportunity for players fighting for roster spots. The Kings will then host the Utah Mammoth on September 22 at Crypto.com Arena, followed by a home-and-home series against the Anaheim Ducks on September 23 and 26.

For the organization’s top prospects, the journey begins even earlier. The NHL Rookie Faceoff tournament is returning to San Jose from September 12-15, featuring a six-team format that includes the Kings, Ducks, Sharks, Avalanche, Golden Knights, and the newly minted Utah Mammoth.

This tournament is a premier showcase for the Kings’ deep prospect pool. Fans can expect to see highly touted youngsters like Henry Brzustewicz, Kirill Kirsanov, Hampton Slukynsky, Carter George, and recent first-round pick Elton Hermansson in action. The Kings will play three games during the tournament, facing the Sharks on September 12, the Ducks on September 13, and the Mammoth on September 15. This event will be a critical stepping stone for these prospects as they aim to make an impression before main training camp opens.

The Drew Doughty Contract Decision

While the schedule release and preseason preparations have dominated recent headlines, a significant off-ice development has also emerged. General Manager Ken Holland recently confirmed that the Kings will not sign franchise cornerstone Drew Doughty to a contract extension this summer.

Doughty, who has spent his entire illustrious career in Los Angeles, is entering the final year of his current contract. The decision to delay extension talks is a calculated move by both the player and the organization. Holland indicated that both sides have agreed to evaluate the situation next year, allowing them to assess the team’s trajectory and Doughty’s performance before committing to a new deal.

This approach makes sense given the Kings’ current transitional phase. With a veteran-heavy roster and significant salary cap commitments, the front office needs flexibility. Doughty remains an elite defenseman, leading all Kings pairings in expected 5-on-5 goals for percentage alongside Mikey Anderson last season. However, at this stage of his career, a long-term extension requires careful consideration.

The decision not to extend Doughty immediately adds an intriguing layer of intrigue to the upcoming season. It places the onus on both the team to prove they are legitimate contenders and on Doughty to demonstrate he can still perform at a Norris Trophy level. If the Kings thrive under Laviolette and Doughty continues to anchor the blue line effectively, an extension next summer seems highly probable. However, if the team struggles, the conversation could shift dramatically.

The Captaincy Question and the Next Generation

The departure of Anze Kopitar has left a massive leadership void in the Kings’ locker room. Kopitar was the heart and soul of the franchise for over a decade, and replacing his presence will be a monumental task.

As the team prepares for the 2026-27 season, the question of who will wear the “C” remains unanswered. Quinton Byfield, the 23-year-old phenom, is widely viewed as the future face of the franchise. Following a breakout season, Byfield is expected to take on a more prominent leadership role. However, the Kings may opt for a more experienced player to bridge the gap.

Adrian Kempe, who recently signed an eight-year extension, is a strong candidate for the captaincy. Kempe has evolved into an elite goal scorer and a vocal leader on and off the ice. His commitment to the organization and his consistent performance make him a natural successor to Kopitar.

Regardless of who wears the “C,” the Kings will rely on a collective leadership approach. Veterans like Doughty, Phillip Danault, and the newly acquired Panarin will need to guide the younger players and set the standard for the team.

Looking Ahead: A Season of High Stakes

The 2026-27 season is shaping up to be a defining chapter in the history of the Los Angeles Kings. The organization has made bold moves, acquiring elite talent and reshaping the coaching staff, all in pursuit of another Stanley Cup.

The return to an 84-game schedule presents new challenges, demanding endurance and consistency. The preseason will be a critical period for Laviolette to implement his system and evaluate the roster. And the decision to delay Drew Doughty’s contract extension adds a layer of urgency to the campaign.

As the Kings prepare to hit the ice, the expectations are sky-high. The talent is there, the leadership is evolving, and the stage is set. Now, it’s up to the players to execute the blueprint and prove that this veteran-heavy roster has what it takes to compete with the NHL’s elite. The journey begins on September 30 in Colorado, and Kings fans are ready for the ride.

For more in-depth analysis and the latest updates on the LA Kings, be sure to check out the “LA Kings Weekly” show on our YouTube channel. We’ll be breaking down all the preseason action and previewing the regular season as the Kings embark on this highly anticipated campaign.