Kings rumors: Former 40-goal scorer could be interested in signing with LA

The Los Angeles Kings are entering a new era. Longtime captain Anze Kopitar has retired from the NHL, meaning Los Angeles is without the greatest player in its history. It’s time for the franchise to move forward and find new talent. One potential name to keep an eye on in NHL Free Agency is veteran winger Patrik Laine.

Laine could have an interest in joining Los Angeles this summer, according to The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta. The former second overall pick is an unrestricted free agent after a tumultuous time with the Montreal Canadiens. The Kings could serve as a place for him to recapture his game a bit.

“Could Patrik Laine take his game to Los Angeles? I believe that’s a spot he’d have interest in, and the Kings were in talks to acquire him from Montreal ahead of the deadline. Picking him up on a low-AAV, bonus-laden deal could work for both parties,” Pagnotta wrote on Thursday.

Laine has struggled with injuries over the last few seasons. He has only skated in 30% of all possible regular-season games in the last three years. However, when he’s on the ice, he’s been valuable. He scored 20 goals in 55 games for the Canadiens in 2024-25, while battling some injuries.

This move would not replace Kopitar, nor would it sufficiently replace the value he brought to the ice. But it could be a step in the right direction for this franchise. It’s a low-risk move, and if Laine can find a clean bill of health, it would help the Kings remain competitive in the Pacific Division.

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