INSIDER JOINS: LA Kings Under Peter Laviolette to REINVENT Offense, Eyeing Adrian Kempe at Center

The LA Kings offseason is highlighted by a big coaching hire and a couple of minor additions. Can Adrian Kempe successfully transition to center and fill the void left by Anze Kopitar’s retirement, or will new signings like Mats Zuccarello and Erik Haula reshape the team dynamic? Peter Laviolette’s arrival signals a shift towards offensive creativity and revamped special teams, while Phil Housley and Ray Whitney join a coaching staff designed for results. Eddie Garcia and Kings Insider Zach Dooley break down the Kings’ approach at center, the return of Scott Laughton and Corey Perry, and the outlook for defensemen Brandt Clarke and Drew Doughty under Laviolette’s system. Key conversations focus on goaltending prospects Carter George, Hampton Slukynsky and Eric Portillo, as well as the promising 2026 NHL Draft class led by Elton Hermansen. Is this the new era that can catapult the Los Angeles Kings back into Stanley Cup contention? 00:00 Kings Offseason & Coaching Changes 11:15 New Forwards & Roster Depth 17:41 Defense, Prospects & Goaltending Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonlakings.supercast.com Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcastright now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOLAKings?sid=... Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL #LosAngelesKings #LAKings #NHL