League: NHL Sport: Hockey Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Kings face key questions entering 2026-27 NHL season amid Kopitar's retirement

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 15, 2026, 5:09 AM

Last updated Sep 15, 2026

Kings face key questions entering 2026-27 NHL season amid Kopitar's retirement

Summary

The Los Angeles Kings begin the 2026-27 NHL season following Anze Kopitar's retirement. Kopitar, who led the Kings to their first Stanley Cup, leaves a significant void in leadership. The Kings look to new veterans like Mats Zuccarello and Corey Perry while evaluating Quinton Byfield as a potential successor at center. With an aging roster, the Kings aim to contend for the playoffs despite the challenges ahead.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Anze Kopitar retires, leaving a leadership gap for the Kings.
•Veterans Mats Zuccarello and Corey Perry join the roster.
•Quinton Byfield is expected to step up as a top center.
•Kings have the oldest roster in the NHL with an average age of 30.
•Team aims for a deep playoff run despite aging players.

Latest Updates

5:09 AMYahoo Sports — 3 burning Kings questions entering 2026-27 NHL season

What they're saying

"
The Los Angeles Kings are entering a completely new era for their franchise. Anze Kopitar has retired from the game of hockey after spending his entire playing career in Los Angeles. He is the only captain in franchise history to lead the Kings to the Stanley Cup. Now, Los Angeles has to find its next superstar. Kopitar is a future Hall of Famer, […] The post 3 burning Kings questions entering 2026-27 NHL season appeared first on ClutchPoints.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Los Angeles Kings NHL Hockey