The Kings have finalized their 2026-27 opening night roster, with Drew Doughty, Adrian Kempe and Artemi Panarin among the names leading the way.
The Los Angeles Kings have announced their opening night roster for the 2026-27 season, with 22 players set to begin the year on the active roster.
The roster features 13 forwards, including Adrian Kempe, Quinton Byfield, Trevor Moore, Alex Laferriere, Scott Laughton and Artemi Panarin. The group also includes Joel Armia, Erik Haula, Samuel Helenius, Andre Lee, Corey Perry, Alex Turcotte and Mats Zuccarello.
On defense, the Kings will carry Drew Doughty, Mikey Anderson, Brandt Clarke, Cody Ceci, Brian Dumoulin, Joel Edmundson and Erik Gustafsson. Anton Forsberg and Darcy Kuemper will handle the goaltending duties.
Forsberg, who stole the starting job from Kuemper late last season and started all four postseason games, will likely remain in that position, as Kuemper's struggles have continued through the preseason.
The Kings also announced that defenseman Kirill Kirsanov has been loaned to the Ontario Reign of the American Hockey League, while forward Kevin Fiala remains on injured reserve.
One of the biggest storylines entering the season will be the return of Doughty. The longtime Kings defenseman is entering his 19th NHL season and has 165 career goals with Los Angeles, the most ever by a Kings defenseman.
Kempe also returns after leading the Kings with 73 points last season. Clarke is coming off a breakout year in which he set career highs with eight goals and 40 points in 82 games.
Panarin will also be under the spotlight as he begins his first full season in Los Angeles. Acquired from the New York Rangers in February, Panarin recorded 27 points in 26 regular-season games with the Kings.
Los Angeles opens the season Wednesday night against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. The Kings then visit the San Jose Sharks on Oct. 3 before hosting the Florida Panthers for their home opener on Oct. 6 at Crypto.com Arena.
