Get ready for a thrilling start to the LA Kings' 2025-26 season, but not everything is as it seems with the roster just hours before the puck drops. As the Kings prepare to face the Colorado Avalanche on Opening Night, there’s a mix of optimism, uncertainty, and strategic maneuvering behind the scenes. Here’s the latest on key players, roster moves, and what it all means for the team’s kickoff.
Alex Laferriere: The Question Mark Turned Hopeful Sign
All eyes are on Alex Laferriere, whose status for Opening Night has been a rollercoaster. After briefly leaving the penultimate preseason game with an undisclosed injury, Laferriere returned to finish but was held out of the finale against Anaheim. Coach Jim Hiller initially labeled him “not a guarantee” for Tuesday’s game, citing he wasn’t “100 percent.” But here’s where it gets intriguing: Laferriere practiced in full today alongside his usual linemates, Quinton Byfield and Kevin Fiala, and even skated with the PP2 unit. Hiller’s tone has shifted to “optimistic,” leaving fans cautiously hopeful. Could this be the comeback story we’re all rooting for?
Kyle Burroughs: A Procedural Move with Implications
Kyle Burroughs, who suffered an upper-body injury blocking a shot on September 30, was placed on Injured Reserve (IR) yesterday. And this is the part most people miss: While this move is largely procedural—allowing his IR stint to be backdated—it opens a roster spot without freeing up cap space. Burroughs has been skating solo, and Hiller confirmed his injury isn’t serious. Still, don’t expect him in the lineup tomorrow. Is this a strategic pause, or a sign of deeper concerns?
Who’s Next? The Kings’ Calculated Roster Strategy
With back-to-back games to start the season, the Kings are playing it cool. They currently have 12 healthy forwards (excluding Laferriere) and Samuel Helenius ready to step in if needed. Jacob Moverare is the extra defenseman, and the team could even go with 11 forwards and 7 defensemen if absolutely necessary—a tactic they’ve used before. But here’s the controversial part: The Kings are prioritizing salary-cap flexibility by avoiding unnecessary recalls. With $1,893,333 in cap space, every dollar counts for potential trade deadline moves. Are they sacrificing depth for financial strategy, or is this a masterclass in roster management?
Corey Perry: The Long Road Back
Corey Perry, who underwent knee surgery after a summer injury, is slowly reintegrating. He skated for the first time today but remains separate from the main group. Hiller plans to bring him on the road trip to Vegas for Game 2, but this is where it gets controversial: Perry is still “a ways off” from game action, and rushing him could risk setbacks. Is this a smart, patient approach, or are the Kings missing out on his veteran presence?
Opening Night Lineup: Familiar Faces with a Twist
Today’s practice likely previewed the Game 1 lineup, with Laferriere slotted back in alongside Byfield and Fiala—assuming he’s cleared. If not, Joel Armia or Alex Turcotte could step up, with Armia impressing in the preseason finale. The fourth line could feature a heavy, hard-to-play-against trio of Malott, Helenius, and Armia, or a speedier version with Turcotte. But here’s the question: With 22 players expected on the roster (2 goalies, 7 defensemen, 13 forwards), are the Kings leaving themselves too thin? Is this lineup built for consistency, or are they one injury away from chaos?
Final Thoughts: A Season of Strategic Choices
As the Kings gear up for a season with more lineup stability than recent years, the decisions made today will echo throughout the campaign. From Laferriere’s potential return to Perry’s gradual comeback, every move is calculated. But what do you think? Are the Kings playing it too safe with their roster, or is this the perfect balance of caution and ambition? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
