The Center of Attention: How the LA Kings Are Rebuilding Their Forward Core for 2026-27
The Los Angeles Kings are in the midst of a profound transformation. Following the retirement of franchise icon Anze Kopitar, the organization has been forced to confront a reality they haven’t faced in nearly two decades: life without their foundational number one center. General Manager Ken Holland and new Head Coach Peter Laviolette have spent the early days of the 2026 offseason aggressively reshaping the roster, bringing in a wave of veteran talent during the July 1 free agency frenzy.
However, as the dust settles on the initial signings and the focus shifts toward training camp, the most pressing questions surrounding the Kings revolve around their forward alignment. How will Laviolette deploy his new weapons? Who will step up to fill the massive void down the middle? And what does the future hold for the team’s young stars? As we look ahead to the 2026-27 season, the answers to these questions will define the next chapter of LA Kings hockey.
The Great Center Experiment: Adrian Kempe’s Return to the Middle
Perhaps the most intriguing storyline emerging from the Kings’ offseason is the potential position change for Adrian Kempe. For the past several seasons, Kempe has established himself as one of the NHL’s premier goal-scoring wingers, thriving alongside Kopitar on the Kings’ top line. But with Kopitar gone and the team lacking a proven, elite top-six center beyond Quinton Byfield, Laviolette and Holland are exploring a bold strategy: moving Kempe back to the middle.
Laviolette recently confirmed that he has had conversations with Kempe about the possibility of playing center this season. “After talking with Kempe, it was easy to see that he had played there before,” Laviolette explained. “I think he said either two or three of his first seasons were down the middle and that he liked it and he had opportunity and some experience and then he got moved to the wing and then [playing center] kind of got pushed off to the side and he stayed there. He’s grown into a really good winger.”
This potential move is not without risk. By shifting Kempe to center, the Kings would be taking away their most consistent offensive threat on the right wing. However, Laviolette’s philosophy emphasizes balance and depth, particularly down the middle. “I find that most teams now, they really have two top lines and it gets spread out a little bit between those two top lines,” Laviolette noted. “When you can have that, I think you get more balance in your lineup.”
If Kempe embraces the challenge and successfully transitions back to center, it would dramatically alter the complexion of the Kings’ forward group. A one-two punch of Byfield and Kempe down the middle would give Los Angeles the size, speed, and skill necessary to compete with the heavyweights of the Western Conference. It would also open up opportunities for other wingers to step into elevated roles.
Projecting the Top Six: A Wealth of Wingers
Assuming Kempe and Byfield anchor the top two lines, the Kings have a fascinating puzzle to solve on the wings. The offseason additions of Artemi Panarin and Mats Zuccarello have injected a massive dose of elite playmaking and offensive creativity into the lineup. Both players are proven point-producers who excel at distributing the puck and elevating the play of their linemates.
Ken Holland has hinted at how these two dynamic wingers might be deployed. “Mats Zuccarello, for his entire career, he’s provided offense, high hockey IQ, distributes the puck, plays a lot like a centerman in the o-zone… a lot like Panarin,” Holland said. “I’m not sure what the coach has in mind in terms of putting people together, but with Panarin, with Zuccarello, we’ve added… two offensive-minded forwards that create scoring chances for their linemates.”
This suggests that Laviolette will likely split Panarin and Zuccarello, placing one on each of the top two lines to ensure a balanced offensive attack. A potential top line could feature Panarin alongside Kempe, with a hard-working, forechecking winger like Alex Laferriere rounding out the trio. Laferriere’s ability to retrieve pucks and create space would perfectly complement the high-end skill of Panarin and Kempe.
On the second line, Zuccarello could find himself paired with Byfield and Kevin Fiala. Zuccarello and Fiala have a history together from their time in Minnesota, and their chemistry could pay immediate dividends for the Kings. This line would possess incredible offensive upside, with Byfield’s size and driving ability creating room for the dual playmaking threats of Zuccarello and Fiala.
Fortifying the Bottom Six: Depth and Identity
While the top six will be relied upon to generate the bulk of the offense, Laviolette understands the importance of a strong, identity-driven bottom six. “When you have a third line that you can send over the boards and they can really chew up some time and they can take defensive-zone starts and play against other teams’ top lines and top players, that becomes a really important line,” Laviolette emphasized.
The Kings have assembled a group of forwards perfectly suited for this role. Trevor Moore, a relentless worker with underrated offensive skill, is a lock for the third line. He will likely be joined by offseason acquisitions Erik Haula and Scott Laughton. Haula brings speed, versatility, and penalty-killing expertise, while Laughton provides grit, leadership, and defensive responsibility. A line of Moore, Laughton, and Haula would be a nightmare for opposing teams to play against, capable of shutting down top lines while also contributing offensively.
The fourth line will be tasked with providing energy, physicality, and size. The return of veteran Corey Perry adds a layer of sandpaper and experience to the bottom of the lineup. He could be joined by Joel Armia, another big-bodied forward who excels along the boards and on the penalty kill. The final spot on the fourth line will likely be a battleground during training camp, with young players like Alex Turcotte, Samuel Helenius, and Kenny Connors vying for an opportunity to prove themselves at the NHL level.
The Trade Market: Is Another Move Coming?
Despite the influx of talent, the Kings’ roster may not be finalized just yet. The team currently has a surplus of forwards, and Holland has never been one to shy away from making a deal if it improves the club. Recent reports indicate that the Kings have inquired about Vancouver Canucks star Elias Pettersson, signaling that Holland is still exploring avenues to add a true, elite number one center.
While a blockbuster trade for Pettersson would require a massive package of assets and significant salary cap maneuvering, the fact that the Kings are even having those conversations speaks volumes about their ambition. If a major deal doesn’t materialize, Holland could still look to move a forward or two to alleviate the logjam and create cap flexibility for future moves.
The Road Ahead: Embracing the Challenge
The 2026-27 season represents a new era for the Los Angeles Kings, even if we aren’t supposed to use that exact phrase. The departure of Anze Kopitar has left a void that cannot be filled by a single player. Instead, the Kings are relying on a collective effort, a blend of established veterans and rising stars, to forge a new identity under Peter Laviolette.
The potential move of Adrian Kempe to center is a bold experiment that could redefine the team’s offensive structure. The additions of Artemi Panarin, Mats Zuccarello, Erik Haula, and Scott Laughton have provided Laviolette with a wealth of options and the depth necessary to compete in the grueling Western Conference.
As training camp approaches, the competition for roster spots and ice time will be fierce. The Kings have the pieces in place to be a dangerous and dynamic team, but it will be up to Laviolette to solve the puzzle and maximize the potential of this newly constructed roster. The journey begins now, and the hockey world will be watching closely to see how the Kings navigate this critical transition.
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