# AFTER KOPITAR: LA Kings Must CHANGE—Kempe, Byfield, and Laferriere in SPOTLIGHT

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-kings-daily-podcast-on-the-los-angeles-kings-94741/after-kopitar-la-kings-must-change-kempe-byfield-and-laferriere-in-spotlight
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-kings-daily-podcast-on-the-los-angeles-kings-94741/after-kopitar-la-kings-must-change-kempe-byfield-and-laferriere-in-spotlight.md
Podcast: [Locked On Kings - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Kings](https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-kings-daily-podcast-on-the-los-angeles-kings-94741)
Published: 2026-04-30T10:04:31+00:00
Episode link: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-los-angeles-kings/
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdrl.fm/f0d437/lockedon.simplecastaudio.com/94050973-9a7f-42a6-9971-8b91a0098f80/episodes/2d142715-e73f-4521-9165-c632f36a8d50/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=94050973-9a7f-42a6-9971-8b91a0098f80&awEpisodeId=2d142715-e73f-4521-9165-c632f36a8d50&feed=ZQOfdUyM
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Duration seconds: 1761

## Resource

The Los Angeles Kings face major offseason questions as Anze Kopitar’s retirement leaves a leadership and lineup void. Can Quinton Byfield emerge as the next cornerstone? Eddie Garcia recaps the raw reactions from locker room exit interviews, spotlighting Kempe’s doubts about moving to center, Byfield’s battle through injury, and Alex Laferriere’s willingness to adapt. Key storylines include Scott Laughton’s strong desire to stay in LA contrasted with Andrei Kuzmenko’s uncertain future and the impact of missed opportunities in the regular season. With pivotal decisions looming on center depth, roster turnover, and coaching, Eddie explores whether this tight-knit Kings squad can reclaim contender status next year—or if roster moves and internal growth are enough to fill the Kopitar-sized gap. Will Drew Doughty or another veteran step into the captaincy, and is the current core truly built for a deep playoff run? Plus the Ontario Reign struggle in their playoff opener.

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## Transcript

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