Mats Zuccarello is headed to Los Angeles, and the Kings are betting his game still has plenty left to give.
The veteran winger, who spent seven seasons with the Minnesota Wild, signed a one-year contract worth $1 million with the Kings on July 1. At 38, he arrives as part of a busy offseason for a club heading into the 2026-27 NHL campaign with a noticeably different look. For Los Angeles, the move brings in a proven forward who can add skill, stability and a seasoned voice.
Zuccarello’s 2025-26 season still showed plenty of production. The 5-foot-8 winger finished with 15 goals and 54 points in 59 games for Minnesota, then chipped in nine points in eight playoff games. Those numbers help explain why the Kings saw him as a useful fit for a roster that needed more depth and ability on the wing.
That need becomes even more important with the absence of former captain Anze Kopitar. The Slovenian native was the face of the franchise and a major leader for more than 10 seasons, leaving a huge gap to fill.
Los Angeles is going to lean on its veterans to help steady the room and support the younger players as they get used to new responsibilities. Zuccarello could be one of the players asked to help carry that load.
His value may extend well beyond the box score. Even with some online chatter about his age and whether the Kings should have focused on younger talent, his experience can still matter in a room that is adjusting to change. He can set a tone, lead by example and bring a voice that younger teammates can learn from.
On the ice, the expectation is not that Zuccarello jumps straight onto the top line. More likely, he slides into the middle-six, where his playmaking and offensive instincts can still make a difference.
He gives Los Angeles another option at second- or third-line wing, and his versatility means he can move around depending on what the team needs. If he clicks with his linemates, he could turn into a very useful piece for this group.
With the season approaching, the Kings are entering a new era and will have to adjust to familiar faces no longer being there. But there is also a real opening for new additions to make their mark. Zuccarello is one of them, and Los Angeles will be counting on him to help shape what comes next.
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