Brian Dumoulin’s first year in Los Angeles came with a little bit of everything: durability, some steady minutes, and enough rough edges to keep the debate going around his fit with the Kings.
After spending the 2024-25 season with the Anaheim Ducks and New Jersey Devils, Dumoulin landed with the Kings in the offseason on a three-year deal worth $4 million. The contract, like Cody Ceci’s, drew criticism because of Dumoulin’s age.
Once the season started, though, he was a fixture. He appeared in all 82 games, finished with 2 goals and 15 assists for 17 points, and averaged 17 minutes per night.
A big part of that workload came next to Ceci. The Kings were fine with the pairing at times during the regular season, but the playoffs exposed them. Colorado went after that duo and found plenty of offense when Ceci and Dumoulin were on the ice.
The numbers also showed some inconsistency on Dumoulin’s part. He led the Kings’ defensemen with 94 giveaways, most of them coming in the defensive zone. But he also finished second on the team in takeaways, a sign that he often recovered the puck after losing it.
There was another split in his season, too. Dumoulin was better when he wasn’t skating with Ceci. With a different partner, his on-ice goal share was the best on the Kings, which suggests the third-pairing setup limited what he could show statistically.
So while it wasn’t a perfect first season in Los Angeles, Dumoulin did have stretches that looked strong. If he’s not tied to Ceci next year, his numbers could look better by the end of 2026. Peter Laviolette may decide that separating the two gives the Kings a stronger defensive group.
In Other News...
One Kings Prospect Has More Riding On This Week Than Anyone
The Kings are bringing a large group of prospects back to El Segundo when development camp opens June 29 at the Toyota Sports Performance Center, and the week should offer the organization a first real in-person look at its newest draft class alongside a few familiar names. Forty players are set to attend, including all 11 picks from the 2026 NHL Draft, with group practices and scrimmages spread across several days as the club begins sorting out who is ready to take the next step.
For Los Angeles, the camp also puts a spotlight on the players trying to make the strongest early impression, from goalie Carter George to winger Elton Hermansson, who will be under particular attention after hearing his name called in the first round. Hayden Stavroff is another one to watch closely, and his situation gives the week a little extra weight as the Kings evaluate whether there is a fit beyond just another development camp invitation. [Read more 🡒]
Kings Just Made A Notable Coaching Move Fans Will Feel
The Kings are reshaping Peter Laviolettes staff in a move that brings two well-known hockey voices back into the NHL coaching ranks. Phil Housley and Ray Whitney are joining the bench as assistant coaches, giving Los Angeles a mix of decorated playing careers and varied behind-the-scenes experience as it settles into Laviolettes first season behind the wheel.
Newell Browns departure opens the door for a different look in the room, and the additions hint at a staff built to handle a team in transition. Housley arrives with a Hall of Fame resume and multiple previous NHL coaching stops, while Whitney is stepping into his first pro coaching role after a long career as a forward and a Stanley Cup run with Carolina, leaving the Kings with an interesting blend of pedigree and fresh perspective as they sort out what comes next. [Read more 🡒]