Kings face center depth issues following Anze Kopitar's retirement

With Anze Kopitar's retirement, the Los Angeles Kings are confronted with uncertainty at center. Kopitar had been a franchise cornerstone, leading the offense and providing key leadership for nearly two decades. As they prepare for the 2026-27 NHL season, the Kings lack a clear No. 1 center. Quinton Byfield, drafted second overall in 2020, is expected to step up, but his development remains a question mark. The addition of Artemi Panarin aims to bolster offensive capabilities, though the team acknowledges that a single player cannot remedy their depth concerns. General manager Ken Holland faces pressure to explore solutions to enhance center depth, particularly as the franchise seeks to advance past the first round of the playoffs.

• 6:52 AMYahoo Sports — The Kings’ Biggest Weakness Is Staring Them In The Face After Kopitar’s Retirement