The LA Kings Offseason Heats Up: Coaching Finalists, Development Camp, and Prospect Extensions
The Los Angeles Kings are navigating a critical juncture in their 2026 offseason. With the NHL Draft rapidly approaching and the opening of free agency looming on the horizon, the front office is working diligently to shape the future of the franchise. The most pressing matter remains the vacant head coaching position, a decision that will undoubtedly set the tone for the upcoming campaign. Simultaneously, the organization is preparing to evaluate its next wave of talent at the annual Development Camp, while also securing the services of promising prospects like Aatu Jamsen. Let’s dive into the latest developments surrounding the Kings as they prepare for a pivotal summer.
The Coaching Search Narrows: Smith vs. Woodcroft
The search for the next head coach of the Los Angeles Kings appears to be entering its final stages. After parting ways with interim head coach Jim Hiller following another disappointing first-round playoff exit, General Manager Ken Holland has cast a wide net in his quest to find the right leader for this roster. Recent reports indicate that the list of candidates has been whittled down to two primary finalists: D.J. Smith and Jay Woodcroft.
This development is particularly intriguing as it suggests a specific direction for the franchise. Rather than pursuing a complete organizational reset with a high-profile, outside hire like Peter Laviolette or Craig Berube, Holland seems to be prioritizing familiarity, NHL experience, and established relationships.
D.J. Smith is a name well-known to the Kings’ locker room. He served as an assistant coach under Hiller during the latter part of the season and earned the respect and support of several key players. Smith’s familiarity with the current roster, its strengths, and its glaring weaknesses could provide a seamless transition. He understands the defensive structure the Kings have historically relied upon, but he also recognizes the need to inject more offensive creativity into the system. If the front office believes the current core is close to contending and simply needs a slight tactical adjustment and a familiar voice to guide them, Smith is the logical choice.
On the other hand, Jay Woodcroft presents a compelling alternative. Woodcroft brings a wealth of experience, most notably from his tenure as the head coach of the Edmonton Oilers. During his time in Edmonton, Woodcroft demonstrated an ability to maximize offensive production, a trait the Kings desperately need after struggling to score consistently in the postseason. Furthermore, Woodcroft has a pre-existing relationship with Ken Holland from their time together with the Oilers. This familiarity between the general manager and the head coach is often a crucial factor in building a successful organizational culture. Woodcroft’s experience working with elite offensive talents could be exactly what players like Quinton Byfield and Kevin Fiala need to take the next step in their development.
The decision between Smith and Woodcroft will ultimately reveal Holland’s assessment of the team’s current trajectory. Are they a team that needs continuity and minor tweaks, or do they require a fresh perspective and a more offensively-minded approach? The answer to that question will be standing behind the bench when the puck drops in October.
Preparing for the Future: 2026 Development Camp
While the coaching search dominates the headlines, the Kings’ scouting and development staff are focused on the future. The organization’s annual Development Camp is scheduled to take place at the Toyota Sports Performance Center in El Segundo from June 29th to July 2nd. This four-day event is a crucial opportunity for the franchise to evaluate its prospect pool, integrate new draft picks, and set expectations for the upcoming season.
The Development Camp roster is expected to feature a blend of recent draft picks, undrafted free agent invitees, and players looking to make the jump to the professional ranks. Among the notable forwards expected to attend are Vojtech Cihar, Jan Chovan, and Kenny Connors. Connors, in particular, will be closely watched after completing his first full professional season with the Ontario Reign. His development trajectory is a positive sign for the Kings’ ability to draft and develop talent outside of the first round.
The defensive group at camp will be highlighted by players like Henry Brzustewicz, Jakub Dvorak, and Kirill Kirsanov. Brzustewicz, acquired in a previous trade, possesses intriguing offensive upside from the blue line and will be looking to impress the coaching staff. The Kings have also been active in the undrafted free agent market, securing commitments from collegiate standouts like Hank Cleaves, Hayden Stavroff, Ty Hanson, and Isaiah Norlin. These additions bolster the depth of the prospect pool and create healthy competition for future roster spots.
In goal, the spotlight will be on Carter George and Hampton Slukynsky. Slukynsky, in particular, has been generating significant buzz within the organization. His strong performance in the junior ranks has elevated his status, and he will be eager to showcase his abilities against higher-level competition at Development Camp.
The culmination of the camp will be the traditional black and white scrimmage, providing fans and management alike with a glimpse of the talent that will eventually shape the future of the Los Angeles Kings.
Securing the Pipeline: Aatu Jamsen’s Extension
In the midst of the broader organizational decisions, the Kings have also taken care of some important internal business by signing prospect Aatu Jamsen to a one-year contract extension. The 2020 draft pick has been steadily developing his game and is viewed as a potential contributor at the NHL level in the near future.
Jamsen’s journey has been an interesting one. After making a strong impression at the 2022 Rookie Faceoff tournament, he faced adversity with a significant facial injury while playing in Finland. However, he rebounded impressively, showcasing his skill and determination during the 2024 training camp, where he notably scored a highlight-reel “Michigan” style goal.
This past season, playing for the Ontario Reign under head coach Andrew Lord, Jamsen took significant strides in his overall game. Lord praised Jamsen’s commitment to improving his defensive awareness and physical play, noting that he became much harder to play against. Jamsen finished the AHL campaign with a respectable 16 goals in 59 games.
The new contract is a two-way deal, meaning Jamsen will need to clear waivers if he fails to make the NHL roster out of training camp and is assigned to Ontario. This adds an element of pressure to his upcoming training camp performance. The Kings clearly believe in his potential, but he will need to prove that he can consistently contribute at the highest level to secure a permanent spot in Los Angeles.
The 2026 NHL Draft: Capitalizing on the 17th Pick
Looming large over the entire offseason is the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, scheduled for June 26th and 27th. The Kings currently hold the 17th overall selection, a valuable asset that could be used to add a high-end prospect to the system or packaged in a trade to acquire immediate NHL help.
If the Kings choose to retain the pick, they will have several intriguing options available to them. The draft class is considered deep, particularly at the center position. Prospects like Tynan Lawrence and Caleb Malhotra have been frequently linked to the Kings in mock drafts. Adding a dynamic, young center would address a long-term organizational need and provide a potential successor to Anze Kopitar.
However, the Kings are also in a position where they need to win now. The core group of Kopitar, Drew Doughty, and Adrian Kempe is aging, and the window for contention is not infinite. This reality has fueled speculation that Holland might be willing to trade the 17th pick, along with other assets, to acquire a proven, top-six forward. Names like Dylan Larkin and Auston Matthews have been floated in rumors, though acquiring players of that caliber would require a massive package going the other way.
The decision of what to do with the 17th pick will be a defining moment of the offseason. It will signal whether the Kings are prioritizing long-term sustainability or pushing all their chips to the center of the table for an immediate Stanley Cup run.
Looking Ahead
The coming weeks will be transformative for the Los Angeles Kings. The hiring of a new head coach will establish the tactical identity of the team, while the Development Camp will provide a glimpse into the future. The decisions made at the NHL Draft and in free agency will determine whether this roster has the necessary firepower and depth to finally break through the first round of the playoffs.
As the offseason unfolds, fans can expect a flurry of activity and significant changes. The pressure is on Ken Holland and the front office to deliver a team capable of competing for a championship. The pieces are in place, but the puzzle is far from complete.
For more in-depth analysis and coverage of the LA Kings and all your favorite Los Angeles sports teams, be sure to check out our YouTube channel and tune in to our weekly shows for the latest updates, highlights, and expert commentary. The Kings’ future is bright, and we’ll be here every step of the way to cover it.
For more in-depth analysis and coverage of the LA Kings and all your favorite Los Angeles sports teams, be sure to check out our InfanityTV YouTube channel and tune in to our weekly shows for the latest updates, highlights, and expert commentary. The Kings’ future is bright, and we’ll be here every step of the way to cover it.
