2026-27 Off Season Thread

[LAKINGSFAN]

Completely my bad, I thought they were UFA next summer for some reason, they are both UFA summer 2028.

That changes things, Holly is signed through that same summer and will not be here me thinks so another GM will have to chase them if they even hit UFA. That's also dependent on what the Kings do next summer, they will have a lot of cap space with all these expiring contracts (8 between UFA and RFA on the NHL roster alone). They may not have the space to go after either of them.

With that in mind, no the Kings do not have the necessary or attractive assets to trade for them next summer. Holly will fill out the roster through UFA mostly is my guess as he starts his final year as GM. The Kings are screwed from various combinations of draft busts, draft picks not developing, bad trades and overpayments. Most of this as we mention is due to Bowlby.

The Stash haha, I call him Nostrils because he's sucking up everyone's air flaring those things.

If Holly doesnt do any stupid moves between now and the end of the 27-28 season the Kings base players still under contract would be Kempe, Fiala QB, Laughton, Clarke, Anderson and unfortunately, Ceci.
With the exception of Ceci, it looks like a pretty descent core for whoever the new guy is.

 

[xis]

If Holly doesnt do any stupid moves between now and the end of the 27-28 season the Kings base players still under contract would be Kempe, Fiala QB, Laughton, Clarke, Anderson and unfortunately, Ceci.
With the exception of Ceci, it looks like a pretty descent core for whoever the new guy is.

Just wanted to add Clarke to your list of players signed for the 27-28 season. Also lets not forget Mike Richards is signed through 2030-2031.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

If Holly doesnt do any stupid moves between now and the end of the 27-28 season the Kings base players still under contract would be Kempe, Fiala QB, Laughton, Clarke, Anderson and unfortunately, Ceci.
With the exception of Ceci, it looks like a pretty descent core for whoever the new guy is.

Peepee is to Holly what J Blow was to Andy Murray.

Just wanted to add Clarke to your list of players signed for the 27-28 season. Also lets not forget Mike Richards is signed through 2030-2031.

Richards can stay on the payroll as long as he wants as far as I'm concerned. That guy was instrumental in both Cups and they don't win without him, especially in 2012.

 

[Stunner_At_Staples_Kings]

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DcURjB2xgfg/?igsi=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Chara takes his skates off and finally hangs them up. Random video I found.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Kuemper trade article and information why:

https://www.nhltraderumor.com/darcy-kuemper-trade-rumors-los-angeles-kings/

 

[PuckinUgly57]

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DcURjB2xgfg/?igsi=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Chara takes his skates off and finally hangs them up. Random video I found.

Dude was a beast, lot of fun to watch.

Total fitness freak, check out some of his workout videos. I go to the gym and pulled a groin just watching them.

 

[LAKINGSFAN]

Kuemper trade article and information why:

https://www.nhltraderumor.com/darcy-kuemper-trade-rumors-los-angeles-kings/

This goes back to what I said earlier. I am onboard with them trading and freeing up his salary. BUT, what are they going to do with it? If they are essentialy mailing in this season, then why not trade him and go with Foresberg and Portillo. Or use the backup as a showcase for a potential trade piece.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

This goes back to what I said earlier. I am onboard with them trading and freeing up his salary. BUT, what are they going to do with it? If they are essentialy mailing in this season, then why not trade him and go with Foresberg and Portillo. Or use the backup as a showcase for a potential trade piece.

A lot is contingent on Portillo and if he shows he's NHL ready. If so and because of the non exempt waiver situation I believe the Kings will carry three goalies, at least to start the season.

In Kuempers case, he is not coming into camp as the de facto starter, he is coming in to reclaim his job. He also has a lot to prove.

Forsberg definitely has the edge to get the starter status but even then he has never been a long term starter on any team he has been on.

Way too much uncertainty currently in the goalie room. As for the freed up dollars, bank them and use it for a TDL acquisition if the Kings are looking good to make the POs.

Obviously a 1C would be the target but also a puck moving LHD would be a close second. Anderson, Edmundson and Dummy are essentially non offensive clones of each other.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Looks like Kopitar is pretty happy in retirement, well earned.

https://www.nhl.com/news/anze-kopitar-happy-in-retirement-after-storied-nhl-career

Check out the video in the article, some gems we all remember over his 20 year Kings career.

 

[LAKINGSFAN]

Looks like Kopitar is pretty happy in retirement, well earned.

https://www.nhl.com/news/anze-kopitar-happy-in-retirement-after-storied-nhl-career

Check out the video in the article, some gems we all remember over his 20 year Kings career.

Already miss him a ton and the season hasnt even started yet. Its going to be weird not seeing him but so happy for him and his family. Class act

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Already miss him a ton and the season hasnt even started yet. Its going to be weird not seeing him but so happy for him and his family. Class act

The amount of respect he commanded on the farewell tour last season in opposing arenas says all that needs to be said.

Yeah I wish he was a different type of captain, more of the JT Miller/Getzlaf/Benn type, but he led this team quite well. Just wish the Kings could have gotten him another Cup or at the very least a deep run before retirement.

Kind of odd to think the last time he played meaningful PO games was 12 damn years ago. Little did we know he wouldn't see that again, 60% of his career.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

Our old pal Petersen signs a PTO with the Caps. You'd think after the Kuemper disaster they'd avoid Petersen but if he even makes it he is tabbed for the AHL. Last seen in the NHL during the 2024 season.

Also trade rumors popping up on Quinn Hughes, he will be a UFA in summer 2028. Minnesota gave up a lot for him in December 2025, would be strange to see him moved so quickly. Guerin and his camp continue to talk contract but I think if he isn't signed by the start of the season he could be a TDL acquisition for a team. Concerning situation for the Wild for sure.

Would be interesting to see him go to NJ to play with his brothers Jack and Luke.

 

[LAKINGSFAN]

The amount of respect he commanded on the farewell tour last season in opposing arenas says all that needs to be said.

Yeah I wish he was a different type of captain, more of the JT Miller/Getzlaf/Benn type, but he led this team quite well. Just wish the Kings could have gotten him another Cup or at the very least a deep run before retirement.

Kind of odd to think the last time he played meaningful PO games was 12 damn years ago. Little did we know he wouldn't see that again, 60% of his career.

He was never going to be that the fire and brimstone type of captain. Curious if he ever yelled in the locker room to get guys hyped up or hold guys accountable

 

[LAKINGSFAN]

Our old pal Petersen signs a PTO with the Caps. You'd think after the Kuemper disaster they'd avoid Petersen but if he even makes it he is tabbed for the AHL. Last seen in the NHL during the 2024 season.

Also trade rumors popping up on Quinn Hughes, he will be a UFA in summer 2028. Minnesota gave up a lot for him in December 2025, would be strange to see him moved so quickly. Guerin and his camp continue to talk contract but I think if he isn't signed by the start of the season he could be a TDL acquisition for a team. Concerning situation for the Wild for sure.

Would be interesting to see him go to NJ to play with his brothers Jack and Luke.

You beat me to it. I saw Peterson signed the PTO last night and was going to mention it here. LOL. What type of tendy issues are they having in WA to even consider this??

That would be crazy to see all of them on one team. The Devils would definately need to be creative with their cap as he is due a nice raise. Capwages is saying around 8x15m but maybe he gives them a discount to play with his brothers.

 

[Kings4OT]

Curious if he ever yelled in the locker room to get guys hyped up or hold guys accountable

That is my problem, I dont think he really did go the route of holding guys accountable and was more of a we'll do better or get em' next time kinda leader. Sure there might be a time or 2 when he "exploded" and yelled, but that would be rare I think. While there are a couple of Kings that I have above him as my favorites, they do not compare to Kopistar, who is the greatest King imo.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

He was never going to be that the fire and brimstone type of captain. Curious if he ever yelled in the locker room to get guys hyped up or hold guys accountable

Not that type at all, he commanded respect with words and quiet two way play.

He would have been the perfect captain during the Cup era, those team's didn't need someone in their ear - plenty of leadership, sandpaper and team toughness collectively. Something happened and there was always a response coming no matter L1 or L4.

Clifford, Richards, Mitchell, Regehr, Greene, etc, no instructions necessary. I liked Brown too but I think he fit the same mold, he tailed off with the physical response about 3-4 years into his tenure and a change was necessary based on Dumbo, how he built the team and what he expected from his players. I mean crap, Brown was rumored to be traded the spring of the 2012 Cup run, says enough.

It would have been ceremonious more than anything for Kopitar too, so many players on those teams could have worn the C. I doubt he ever raised his voice.

This iteration, bunch of softies. They need a fire and brimstone captain. Closest to that is Kempe.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

You beat me to it. I saw Peterson signed the PTO last night and was going to mention it here. LOL. What type of tendy issues are they having in WA to even consider this??

That would be crazy to see all of them on one team. The Devils would definately need to be creative with their cap as he is due a nice raise. Capwages is saying around 8x15m but maybe he gives them a discount to play with his brothers.

I raised an eyebrow too, like wow. Petersen is awful, I haven't looked at their depth chart recently but if Go See Cal is in the mix, probably not good.

Hughes will be a UFA in summer 2027, not 2028 as I posted earlier. He has no trade protection so if he is on the move Minnesota can just take the best offer. If its circulating he wants to play with his brothers and NJ is the only true suitor, they are screwed just like NY was sending Panarin here with no other choices. Especially if no sufficient deal comes through, he leaves and can sign for straight up cash next summer in NJ.

He probably would take a discount too to play with his brothers, Scott Neidermeyer did just that to play with his brother Rob in Anaheim. Left a lot of money on the table.

Tough spot for the Wild.

 

[PuckinUgly57]

He was never going to be that the fire and brimstone type of captain. Curious if he ever yelled in the locker room to get guys hyped up or hold guys accountable

Forgot to mention on this one, Benn is awesome and exactly what I want to see in a captain.

A few years ago against Vegas McNabb wipes out a much smaller Stankhoven in the OZ, recovers the puck and goes to the middle to take a shot from the slot (weird for McNabb to be in that position in the first place).

He takes the shot and out of nowhere Benn comes flying in, obliterates and decleats McNabb, literally sending him horizontal in.the air. Don't mess with the rookie/kid.

Loved it, he dropped him like a bad habit and sent a clear message.

 

[LAKINGSFAN]

Not that type at all, he commanded respect with words and quiet two way play.

He would have been the perfect captain during the Cup era, those team's didn't need someone in their ear - plenty of leadership, sandpaper and team toughness collectively. Something happened and there was always a response coming no matter L1 or L4.

Clifford, Richards, Mitchell, Regehr, Greene, etc, no instructions necessary. I liked Brown too but I think he fit the same mold, he tailed off with the physical response about 3-4 years into his tenure and a change was necessary based on Dumbo, how he built the team and what he expected from his players. I mean crap, Brown was rumored to be traded the spring of the 2012 Cup run, says enough.

It would have been ceremonious more than anything for Kopitar too, so many players on those teams could have worn the C. I doubt he ever raised his voice.

This iteration, bunch of softies. They need a fire and brimstone captain. Closest to that is Kempe.

I agree about Kempe, but I would also add DD8. I dont think DD is a true C. First, he is a FA at years end. Also, I think he lets his emotions get in the way of things. The A is good enough for him.

You mentioning all of those names from the teams really brought back some good memories. That team was so well assembled. Compared to what they have now, the word soft is so appropriate.

 

[LAKINGSFAN]

I raised an eyebrow too, like wow. Petersen is awful, I haven't looked at their depth chart recently but if Go See Cal is in the mix, probably not good.

Hughes will be a UFA in summer 2027, not 2028 as I posted earlier. He has no trade protection so if he is on the move Minnesota can just take the best offer. If its circulating he wants to play with his brothers and NJ is the only true suitor, they are screwed just like NY was sending Panarin here with no other choices. Especially if no sufficient deal comes through, he leaves and can sign for straight up cash next summer in NJ.

He probably would take a discount too to play with his brothers, Scott Neidermeyer did just that to play with his brother Rob in Anaheim. Left a lot of money on the table.

Tough spot for the Wild.

The current WA goalies are Thompson, Logan and Lindgren, Charlie. Thompson is making $5.8m and Lingren $3m. Add to that they have nearly zero cap space, I can only see Cal being insurance for the minors.