Prospective Standout Players for the 2025-26 Los Angeles Kings Hockey Season

Los Angeles Kings' 2024-25 Season Recap

The Los Angeles Kings had a strong showing in the 2024-25 NHL season, finishing second in the Pacific Division with a record of 48-25-9. However, their playoff hopes were once again dashed by the Edmonton Oilers in the first round for the fourth consecutive year.

Goalie Darcy Kuemper had one of the best seasons of his career, posting a record of 31-11-7, a 2.02 goals against average, and a .922 save percentage. Forward Adrian Kempe scored 25 goals and had 70 points, marking his third time scoring 25 goals and his second straight 70-plus point campaign. Kevin Fiala also had a career-high 35 goals and 60 or more points for the fourth consecutive season.

One of the standout performers for the Kings was Alex Laferriere. His overall impact on the offense in five-on-five situations grew significantly, with his point total increasing from 20 to 36. Laferriere's expected goals, shooting percentages, and creation of high-danger scoring opportunities all took major steps forward in 2024-25. The Kings recently signed Laferriere to a new three-year deal, and he is growing into a solid scoring option for the team.

Quinton Byfield, another young talent for the Kings, had a breakout performance in the final month of the 2024-25 season, scoring 13 goals and eight assists as the team went on a 17-5-0 winning streak. Byfield has had two straight seasons of 50-plus points, but his consistency has been a challenge, as he has struggled to maintain high point totals over the course of a full season. If Byfield can have a full breakout season, he could solidify his role with the Kings.

Brandt Clarke completed his first full season at the NHL level, playing in 78 games and scoring 5 goals with 28 assists. Clarke averaged 23:05 per game of ice time and was solid offensively, ranking in the top 15 percent of defensemen in points per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations. However, questions remain about Clarke's potential to become a top-level NHL defenseman.

The loss of Vladislav Gavrikov, a major defender for the Kings, to the New York Rangers could impact the team's performance in the upcoming season. If players such as Byfield, Clarke, and Laferriere can have breakout campaigns, the Kings could potentially end their losing streak against the Oilers and become a legitimate threat to win the Stanley Cup for the first time since 2014.