Peter Laviolette Will Lead Kings Starting September 30

The veteran coach takes over in Los Angeles as veteran defenseman Drew Doughty assumes the team captaincy role.

Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Hockey

Peter Laviolette Will Lead Kings Starting September 30

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Peter Laviolette will make his debut as Los Angeles Kings head coach on September 30, 2026. The veteran bench boss joins a team undergoing significant roster turnover as it seeks its first playoff series win since 2014.

Why it matters

The organization aims to revitalize an offense that struggled last season while attempting to secure a playoff berth for the sixth consecutive year. Despite preseason projections suggesting they may fall short, the coaching change represents a strategic move to break their long postseason drought.

The team enters the season having recorded 225 total goals during the 2025-26 campaign. Meanwhile, veteran captain Drew Doughty begins his 19th NHL season at 36 years old, and forward Alex Laferriere aims to build on his previous 21-goal, 44-point season.

The players

Peter Laviolette

He is the winningest American-born head coach in the history of the National Hockey League.

Drew Doughty

The veteran defenseman is entering his 19th season in the NHL and has been named the team captain.

Alex Laferriere

He is a 24-year-old forward who recorded 21 goals and 44 points for the team last season.

Anze Kopitar

The longtime team leader and forward recently departed the organization after spending 20 seasons with the franchise.

The details

The franchise implemented new systems following the departure of longtime captain Anze Kopitar and the retirement of Trevor Lewis. The team will also be without forward Kevin Fiala for the first two months of the season due to a leg injury.

2014 was the last year the Kings won a playoff series.
2025-26 was the season where the Kings recorded 225 total goals.
September 30, 2026, marks the date Peter Laviolette coaches his first game for the Kings.

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Sept. 21
Los Angeles Kings Trimmed Training Camp Roster
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Oct. 5
Fiala Skated Following Injury Recovery
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Sept. 29
Lakers Signed Sandro Mamukelashvili to Four-Year Deal

Season Trajectory

This leadership transition directly targets the franchise's decade-long inability to advance past the first round of the postseason since the 2014 NHL playoff series win. Success now depends on whether the new coaching staff can elevate the performance of young core players to sustain their playoff streak.

With Kevin Fiala sidelined for the first two months of the season, the team will need increased scoring production from Alex Laferriere and Quinton Byfield to maintain their power play efficiency. Fantasy owners and fans should note that Drew Doughty's role as captain may increase his ice time as he enters his 19th season.

The takeaway

The Kings are banking on veteran leadership and system changes to overcome the departure of key long-term players. Fans should prepare for a potentially difficult start to the season given the current injury reports and the team's ongoing search for offensive depth.