The Los Angeles Kings' General Manager, Ken Holland, recently shared some intriguing updates following the first day of the 2026 NHL Draft. In a virtual meeting with the media, Holland touched on several pivotal topics, including the future of veteran defenseman Drew Doughty, the promising addition of Elton Hermanson, and the team's strategy heading into free agency.
Starting with Doughty, Holland revealed that both he and the star defenseman have decided to hold off on signing a contract extension for now. Doughty, a cornerstone of the Kings' defense, has expressed his desire to remain with the team.
Holland emphasized that both parties agreed to reassess their positions in a year, aiming for Doughty to retire in a Kings jersey. It's a strategic pause, allowing both the player and the team to evaluate their future needs and circumstances.
When asked about the possibility of negotiating a mid-season extension, Holland noted Doughty's age and the importance of fair compensation. He expressed confidence that Doughty isn’t in a rush to test free agency, allowing the team to focus on the upcoming season and revisit contract talks at the right moment.
Turning to the draft, Holland was visibly excited about the selection of Elton Hermanson in the first round. Hermanson, a forward known for his scoring prowess, led the U-18 tournament in goals. This pick aligns with the Kings' ongoing effort to bolster their offensive lineup, both for immediate impact and long-term growth.
Holland also addressed the idea of trading their first-round pick for an established player. Although there were numerous discussions with other teams, no trade materialized that fit the Kings' strategy. Instead, the team opted to trade back a few spots in the draft, gaining an additional third-round pick - a move that could pay dividends in the future.
On the topic of Brandt Clarke, Holland shared the successful negotiation of a new contract. After extensive discussions, a five-year deal was reached, reflecting Clarke’s potential as a key offensive player. With the salary cap projected to rise significantly, this contract positions Clarke and the team well for the future.
As for the coaching staff, Peter Laviolette is close to finalizing his team of assistants, with an announcement expected soon. Meanwhile, decisions regarding the re-signing of Scott Laughton and Andrei Kuzmenko remain pending, with clarity anticipated in the coming days.
The center position is another area of focus, especially with the departure of Anze Kopitar. Holland mentioned Alex Turcotte as a potential candidate to fill this crucial role, along with exploring other options, including free agents and internal shifts, like possibly moving Adrian Kempe back to center.
Lastly, Holland provided insights into potential changes on the blue line. While Jacob Moverare might not return, the Kings are actively looking to add one or two defensemen to enhance competition for spots. The development of young talents like Jared Woolley, Kirill Kirsanov, and Angus Booth will also be closely monitored during training camp under the new coaching staff.
As the Kings continue to refine their roster and strategy, fans can expect more updates and detailed draft coverage throughout the weekend. Keep an eye out for insights into each of the Kings' selections as they look to build a team capable of making a deep playoff run.
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Kings Still Have One More Chance To Win After The Draft
The Kings finished the 2026 NHL Draft with 11 selections, headlined by first-round pick Elton Hermansson, but the work around the draft board is not done. With development camp approaching early this week, the organization is shifting into the next phase of its summer evaluation, where undrafted players can still carve out a path into the pipeline.
One name to watch is Jakub Frolo, a Czech forward the Kings could look to bring into the mix as an undrafted addition. He fits the kind of player that can catch an eye in this window, with a reputation for strong two-way play, size and physicality, and this is exactly the sort of low-risk opportunity teams use to uncover a useful piece before camp gets rolling. [Read more 🡒]
Kings Just Sent A Major Signal About Drew Doughtys Future
The Kings are moving cautiously with Drew Doughty as he heads into the final season of the deal that has defined the back half of his career in Los Angeles. General manager Ken Holland said the veteran defenseman will not be extended this summer, keeping the focus on the season ahead for a player who has spent all 18 years of his NHL career with the club.
Holland and Doughty are expected to revisit the situation after the 2026-27 season, which leaves the door open without forcing an immediate decision. It is a notable stance for a franchise cornerstone who has long been part of the Kings' identity, and it comes with the understanding that the picture could look very different by the time they sit down again. [Read more 🡒]
Kings Linked To The Blue-Line Target Fans Have Been Waiting For
The Kings have already locked in Brandt Clarke on a long-term extension, and that has only sharpened the search for a blue-line partner who can grow with him. One name now in the mix is Alexander Nikishin, with Elliotte Friedman reporting Los Angeles is among the clubs looking at the 24-year-old defenseman as Carolina sorts through what to do next.
Nikishin is still unsigned as a pending restricted free agent, which means any move would require both a trade package and a fresh contract on top of it. Carolina is unlikely to let a player with his upside go cheaply, but the fit is easy to see from the Kings side, especially with the need for a long-term answer on defense still sitting near the top of the list. [Read more 🡒]