Kings Season Review: LA Locks Down Wild Card Spot
The Los Angeles Kings wrapped up the 2025-26 season Thursday, securing the second Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. LA entered the final game of the season with an opportunity to sneak into a higher spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but a win from the Anaheim Ducks prevented them from claiming a higher seed. They finished the season with a 35-27-20 record, finishing four points above the St.
Louis Blues. Biggest Storylines from the LA Kings’ 2025-26 Season The Kings had a rather unique NHL season this year, and there are plenty of big moments to focus on looking back at the season. Anze Kopitar’s Final Season The Kings drafted Anze Kopitar in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, and he has spent his entire career with LA.
A catalyst for both of the Kings’ two Stanley Cup triumphs in the early 2010s, Kopitar has put together a fantastic career during his time with the team. The center announced his retirement at the beginning of the season and still put together a solid campaign in his age-38 season, ranking seventh on the team with 38 points. On top of his two Stanley Cups, Kopitar is a two-time Frank J.
Selke Trophy winner and a three-time Lady Byng Memorial Trophy winner. He has also served as LA’s captain since the 2016-17 season. Apr 14, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Los Angeles Kings forward Alex Laferriere (14) and forward Quinton Byfield (55) and defenseman Mikey Anderson (44) celebrate Byfield’s goal against the Vancouver Canucks in the first period at Rogers Arena.
Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images Kings Trade for Artemi Panarin The Kings made a blockbuster deal with the New York Rangers in February, acquiring star winger Artemi Panarin via trade. LA extended Panarin through the 2027-28 season. Over the course of the season with both of his teams, Panarin notched 84 points, which ranks first among all Kings players.