The Peter Laviolette Impact: How the LA Kings Are Shifting to “Attack Mode”
The Los Angeles Kings have officially turned the page on a frustrating chapter of their history, making a bold and decisive move behind the bench. In a decision that signals a clear shift in organizational philosophy, General Manager Ken Holland has named Peter Laviolette as the 32nd head coach in franchise history. The hiring brings one of the most experienced and successful coaches in the National Hockey League to Southern California, armed with a mandate to revitalize an offense that had grown stagnant and predictable. As the Kings prepare for the 2026-27 season, the focus is squarely on implementing Laviolette’s aggressive, “attack mode” system and reshaping the roster to fit this new, high-octane vision.
A Proven Winner Takes the Helm
The decision to hire Peter Laviolette is not one rooted in familiarity or past relationships, a departure from how many NHL front offices operate. Ken Holland and Laviolette have never worked together in the same organization, making this a hire based purely on merit, resume, and a shared vision for the future of the Kings. Laviolette brings a staggering level of experience to Los Angeles. He has served as a head coach for 23 seasons, standing behind the bench for ,1594 regular-season games—the ninth-most in NHL history and the second-most among U.S.-born coaches.
His track record of success is undeniable. Laviolette ranks sixth all-time with 846 career wins. More importantly for a Kings franchise desperate for postseason success, he knows what it takes to navigate the grueling two-month journey to a championship. Laviolette led the Carolina Hurricanes to a Stanley Cup victory in 2006 and is one of only four coaches in NHL history to guide three different franchises to the Stanley Cup Final, having also accomplished the feat with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2010 and the Nashville Predators in 2017.
The Kings are banking on that pedigree. After consecutive first-round playoff exits and a noticeable decline in offensive production—the team fell to 29th in scoring during the 2025-26 season—the organization recognized the need for a drastic change in approach. Laviolette is not a coach who will accept the status quo; he is a demanding leader who expects his teams to dictate the pace of the game rather than simply reacting to the opposition.
Embracing “Attack Mode”
The most significant takeaway from Laviolette’s introductory press conference at the Toyota Sports Performance Center in El Segundo was his unwavering commitment to an offensive overhaul. For years, the Kings have been defined by a rigid, defense-first structure. While that system brought them two Stanley Cups over a decade ago, the modern NHL has evolved into a league defined by speed, skill, and relentless offensive pressure. Laviolette intends to drag the Kings into this modern era.
“Through my experiences and even just watching the playoffs right now, this is an attack-orientated game,” Laviolette explained during his introduction. “You have to be willing to move, you have to be able to have a plan in place when there’s no offense available. I think 5-on-5 is the hardest way to score a goal, when there’s 10 guys in the zone, there’s got to be a plan and we’ll work on that plan from day one of camp.”
This “attack mode” philosophy represents a seismic shift for the current roster. It means defensemen will be expected to activate and join the rush more frequently. It means forwards will be encouraged to take calculated risks to generate scoring chances rather than always defaulting to the safe, defensive play. Laviolette emphasized that this approach cannot be reckless, but it must be intentional and relentless.
“That attack mode for me is something that I’ve believed in my whole life,” he continued. “I do think that we have the personnel here to execute that style and execute that plan. It can’t be reckless, but there has to be a plan to attack and we’ll work on that.”
The challenge now lies in execution. Players who have spent their entire Kings careers playing a conservative style will need to adapt quickly. Veterans like Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty will be tasked with leading this transition, while younger stars like Quinton Byfield and Brandt Clarke—whose offensive instincts perfectly align with Laviolette’s system—could be poised for breakout seasons under this new regime.
Roster Construction and the Offseason Ahead
While Laviolette believes the Kings currently have the personnel to execute his system, both he and Ken Holland acknowledged that roster changes are inevitable. You cannot completely overhaul a team’s stylistic identity without bringing in players who naturally fit that mold. Holland has stated that he will consult closely with Laviolette on all personnel decisions this summer, ensuring that any additions align with the new “attack mode” philosophy.
The Kings face several critical decisions in the coming weeks. The center position remains a glaring area of need, and the team must find a way to add dynamic, top-six talent to support Kopitar and Byfield. The upcoming NHL Draft, where the Kings hold the 17th overall pick, presents an opportunity to either draft a high-end prospect or use the selection as trade capital to acquire immediate NHL help.
Furthermore, the Kings must navigate the complexities of free agency. While this year’s crop of unrestricted free agents may lack franchise-altering superstars, there are several intriguing options who could bolster the team’s depth and add the necessary speed and skill to thrive under Laviolette. Holland will need to be aggressive but calculated, maximizing the team’s salary cap space to build a roster capable of competing in the highly competitive Pacific Division.
Securing Depth: The Martin Chromiak Extension
Amidst the sweeping changes at the top of the organization, the Kings have also begun taking care of internal business, securing the depth necessary to withstand the rigors of an 82-game season. The team recently announced the signing of forward Martin Chromiak to a one-year, two-way contract extension worth $850,000 at the NHL level.
Chromiak, a fifth-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, has been steadily developing his game within the Kings’ system. He spent the entirety of the 2025-26 season with the Ontario Reign in the American Hockey League, where he established himself as one of the team’s most reliable offensive contributors. His ability to generate scoring chances and his improved play away from the puck earned him the trust of the coaching staff and positioned him as a legitimate candidate to compete for an NHL roster spot this fall.
The one-year, two-way nature of the contract is significant. It provides Chromiak with a clear opportunity to prove he belongs in Los Angeles, but it also maintains flexibility for the organization. If he fails to make the NHL roster out of training camp, he will need to clear waivers before being assigned back to Ontario. This adds an element of pressure to his upcoming training camp performance, but it also demonstrates the Kings’ belief in his potential.
Under Laviolette’s new offensive system, a player like Chromiak—who possesses natural scoring instincts and a willingness to shoot the puck—could find himself in a favorable position. If he can demonstrate the necessary speed and tactical awareness to execute the “attack mode” philosophy, he could be a surprise contributor for the Kings this season.
Looking Ahead: A Crucial Training Camp
The hiring of Peter Laviolette has injected a renewed sense of optimism and urgency into the Los Angeles Kings organization. The days of relying solely on defensive structure and goaltending are over; the Kings are now committed to playing a fast, aggressive, and entertaining brand of hockey.
However, the true test will come in September when training camp opens. Laviolette will have a limited amount of time to implement his complex system and evaluate which players are capable of executing it. The transition will undoubtedly feature growing pains, and there will be moments of frustration as players adjust to new expectations and responsibilities.
But if Laviolette can successfully instill his “attack mode” mentality, and if Ken Holland can provide him with the necessary personnel, the Kings have the potential to be one of the most dangerous and exciting teams in the Western Conference. The foundation has been laid, the philosophy has been established, and the work has just begun.
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