The 10 best players from each NHL team: Los Angeles Kings

Darcy Kuemper is the backbone of the Kings’ goaltending unit — a trusted veteran who brings both stability and confidence to his team. With years of NHL experience under his belt, Kuemper has proven time and again that he can handle the demands of being a number-one goaltender. His calm demeanor, sharp positioning, and ability to read the game make him a tough challenge for any opposing shooter.

What sets Kuemper apart is his consistency. He rarely gets rattled, even when the pressure rises, and that steadiness has a ripple effect on the entire lineup. The Kings know they can count on him to keep games within reach, make critical stops, and anchor the team through the ups and downs of a long season.

He may not be flashy, but Kuemper’s value lies in his dependability and his ability to rise to the moment when it matters most. As the clear-cut number one option in Los Angeles, he’s a key piece of the puzzle as the Kings push forward.

Brant Clarke is quickly establishing himself as one of the most promising young defensemen in the NHL. With impressive hockey IQ, elite offensive instincts, and the confidence to make plays under pressure, he has all the tools to become a star on the Kings’ blue line for years to come.

What’s most exciting about Clarke is how naturally the game seems to come to him. He skates well, moves the puck with poise, and isn’t afraid to jump into the rush or quarterback a power play. At just the beginning of his NHL journey, he already looks comfortable handling top-four minutes and facing high-level competition.

Los Angeles sees Clarke as a cornerstone for the future — a player who can shape the way the team plays from the back end. His upside is enormous, and if his development stays on track, he could soon be among the league’s elite at his position

Drew Doughty remains the emotional heartbeat and veteran backbone of the Los Angeles Kings. With over a decade of experience, a Norris Trophy to his name, and two Stanley Cups, he continues to bring leadership, intensity, and a winning pedigree to the lineup every night.

Even as he gets older, Doughty’s game has hardly lost a step. He still logs big minutes, plays in all situations, and thrives in high-pressure moments. His hockey sense, physical presence, and ability to control the tempo of a game make him one of the most impactful defensemen of his generation.

Beyond his skill, it’s his competitiveness that sets him apart — he plays with edge, pride, and a fierce determination to win. For the Kings, Doughty isn’t just a core player — he’s the standard for what it means to wear that jersey.

Corey Perry recently signed a new deal with the Los Angeles Kings, adding another chapter to a remarkable NHL career that has spanned nearly two decades. Known for his gritty style, clutch performances, and willingness to get under the skin of opponents, Perry brings a unique mix of experience and edge to the Kings’ locker room.

Though he’s no longer the high-scoring winger he once was in Anaheim, Perry has evolved into a valuable depth piece — someone who can step up in key moments and lead by example. He’s played in multiple Stanley Cup Finals in recent years and knows exactly what it takes to win when it matters most.

His arrival in Los Angeles gives the Kings a proven playoff performer and a voice of experience for the younger players. Even at this stage in his career, Perry still finds ways to make an impact — and his presence could be a key ingredient in a deep postseason run.

Andrei Kuzmenko finished the season on a high note with the Los Angeles Kings, re-establishing himself as an offensive threat after earlier stints in Calgary and Philadelphia. It took him some time to find his rhythm following those transitions, but once he settled into the Kings’ system, his creativity and scoring touch came back to life.

In the latter part of the season, Kuzmenko played with noticeable confidence, generating chances almost every time he touched the puck. His ability to find soft spots in coverage and finish plays added a new layer to L.A.’s forward group.

Given how strong his finish was, the Kings have every reason to believe that Kuzmenko could play an even bigger role moving forward. His journey this season had its ups and downs, but he turned it into an opportunity — and delivered when it mattered most.

Phillip Danault plays a vital role down the middle for the Los Angeles Kings. He’s the kind of center every coach loves — reliable in all three zones, responsible defensively, and capable of chipping in offensively when needed.

His versatility is beyong charts. He can shut down top lines, win key faceoffs, kill penalties, and still contribute on the scoresheet. Whether it’s slowing down the opposition’s best forwards or leading by example with smart, hard-nosed hockey, Danault consistently finds ways to impact the game.

Within the Kings’ lineup, his presence is indispensable. Simply put, he’s a do-it-all forward who quietly makes everyone around him better.

Adrian Kempe brings a unique blend of speed, skill, and tenacity to the Kings’ forward group. He’s not just a goal scorer — he’s a constant threat in transition, capable of turning a routine play into a scoring chance with a single burst of acceleration or a well-placed shot.

He reads the game so well. He’s always moving, always hunting the puck, and rarely takes a shift off. Over the years, he’s developed into one of Los Angeles’ most consistent offensive producers, all while maintaining a high level of compete.

He gives the Kings an edge — a mix of finesse and grit that makes him difficult to contain. Whether on the power play or at even strength, Kempe is a major part of what makes this team dangerous offensively.

Quinton Byfield continues to grow into the player the Kings envisioned when they drafted him second overall. His size, reach, and skating ability make him a rare type of forward — one who can control the pace of the game with both power and finesse.

What’s most encouraging is how much more confident and assertive he’s become. Byfield doesn’t just fit in anymore; he’s starting to stand out. He protects the puck well, creates space for his linemates, and has taken noticeable steps in his offensive production.

Still just in his early 20s, Byfield’s ceiling remains incredibly high. The Kings view him as a future pillar of their forward core — someone who can impact games in multiple ways for years to come.

Anze Kopitar is still one of the cornerstones for the Kings, showcasing why he’s considered one of the most reliable two-way centers in the league. Even as he advances in age, his hockey IQ and leadership continue to set him apart on the ice.

During the 24-25 season, Kopitar still demonstrated his ability to influence games beyond scoring, excelling in faceoffs and playing a vital role in both the power play and penalty kill units. His experience and calm under pressure help stabilize the team in crucial moments.

Kopitar’s work ethic and consistency make him an invaluable asset. The Kings benefit from having a veteran presence who leads by example and mentors younger players. His all-around game and professionalism remain key reasons why he’s still an essential part of the roster… and why he’s the captain of the club. 

Kevin Fiala stands out for his dynamic offensive capabilities and impressive agility on the ice. His knack for creating scoring opportunities, whether by threading precise passes or finding open space himself, makes him a constant threat to opponents.

Since is arrival in LA, Fiala proved to be a consistent contributor, delivering timely goals and setting up teammates with his sharp vision. His ability to maneuver through tight defenses with ease showcases his excellent puck-handling skills and quick decision-making.

Beyond his offensive talents, Fiala’s commitment to the defensive side of the game helps balance his impact. His willingness to backcheck and disrupt opposing plays makes him a valuable two-way forward, key to the Kings’ competitiveness in every game.