# Will the LA Kings Top 6 center hole be filled from within? Is the defense and goaltending set?

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-kings-daily-podcast-on-the-los-angeles-kings-94741/will-the-la-kings-top-6-center-hole-be-filled-from-within-is-the-defense-and-goaltending-set
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-kings-daily-podcast-on-the-los-angeles-kings-94741/will-the-la-kings-top-6-center-hole-be-filled-from-within-is-the-defense-and-goaltending-set.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: 2026-07-09T09:26:27+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/0ab303e4-ddde-4bc5-bbd0-de19a22bf033/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=94050973-9a7f-42a6-9971-8b91a0098f80&awEpisodeId=0ab303e4-ddde-4bc5-bbd0-de19a22bf033&feed=ZQOfdUyM
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Duration seconds: 1860

## Resource

The Los Angeles Kings' offseason raises big questions as Peter Laviolette takes the helm and new signings shake up the roster. With Matt Zuccarello and Erik Haula joining the forward group and Scott Laughton returning, fans wonder if the Kings’ mix of veteran presence and fresh contracts can compensate for the absence of a true top-six center after Anze Kopitar's retirement. Will Adrian Kempe shift to center, or will Alex Laferriere seize the opportunity? Eddie Garcia breaks down the Kings’ current state, highlighting the stability on defense with Brandt Clarke’s new deal and the uncertainty surrounding Drew Doughty’s future role and captaincy. Goaltending remains unresolved as Darcy Kuemper and Anton Forsberg return, while the logjam with Erik Portillo and younger prospects looms. Can the Kings boost defensive scoring and finally fill the center void, or will these unanswered questions define their 2024-25 NHL season?

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