FLEXIBILITY: LA Kings Set to MAKE Major Moves After the Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty Era Ends?

FLEXIBILITY: LA Kings Set to MAKE Major Moves After the Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty Era Ends?

From Locked On Kings - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Kings by Eddie Garcia, Locked On Podcast Network

July 18, 2026 · 25 min · Episode 1559

About this episode

Eddie Garcia discusses the potential for major changes in the LA Kings' roster as they prepare for a significant offseason following the era of Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty.

The LA Kings set the stage for a furture blockbuster offseason as NHL insider Elliotte Friedman hints at a potential game-changing move. With major contracts like Drew Doughty and others expiring, Ken Holland’s flexibility could put Los Angeles in play for superstars such as Connor McDavid or Auston Matthews. Could the Kings finally land another “LA-type” marquee talent, reminiscent of the Gretzky era, and shake up the NHL landscape? Eddie Garcia breaks down the LA Kings’ strategic path, highlighting possible roster overhauls, the future of Peter Laviolette’s offensive system, and the development of prospects like Elton Hermansson and Henry Bzrustewicz. Key points include the impact of upcoming free agents, internal replacements from the Ontario Reign and what must happen for the Kings to transition from first-round exits to legitimate Stanley Cup contention. Are the Kings on the brink of an overdue rebuild?

People in this episode

Host: Eddie Garcia

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Organizations: NHL, Ontario Reign

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