Explore every episode of the podcast Los Angeles Kings News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kings Draft Hermansson at 19 | 27 Jun 2026 | 00:01:23 | |
The LA Kings made a savvy early move in the 2026 NHL Draft, trading their 17th pick to Utah for a better draft position and an extra third-round pick. With the 19th overall selection, they chose Elton Hermansson — a dynamic Swedish winger known for speed, shot, and hockey sense. While he’s undersized and needs to bulk up defensively, his offensive upside and playmaking fit perfectly with the Kings’ rebuilding goals. This pick, paired with their added draft assets, positions them to keep building a strong prospect pipeline as they look to replace their retired captain.
Support the show:
Advertise on DNN:
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
View sources & latest updates: | |||
| Kings Draft Hermansson in Smart Move | 27 Jun 2026 | 00:01:20 | |
The LA Kings pulled off a savvy move in the NHL Draft, trading down to snag 18-year-old Swedish forward Elton Hermansson with the 19th pick. Hermansson lit up Sweden’s U18 World Championship, leading all scorers with 12 points and earning All-Star honors as Best Forward while helping his team win gold. Though he spent most of last season in Sweden’s second-tier league, his international performance proves he’s ready to make an impact in North America.
Support the show:
Advertise on DNN:
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
View sources & latest updates: | |||
| Kings Lock Down Clarke for 5 Years | 27 Jun 2026 | 00:01:31 | |
The LA Kings just signed defenseman Brandt Clarke to a five-year, $7.4M annual deal, locking him in through 2031 — a crucial move as the NHL Draft looms. Drafted 8th overall in 2021, Clarke’s breakout season — 40 points (8G, 32A) and multiple game-winners — made him indispensable. This team-friendly extension secures a cornerstone of their young defense and clears the way for bigger offseason priorities, positioning the Kings for sustained growth.
Support the show:
Advertise on DNN:
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
View sources & latest updates: | |||
| Brandt Clarke Locked In for Years | 26 Jun 2026 | 00:01:28 | |
The LA Kings just signed defenseman Brandt Clarke to a massive five-year, $37M deal—making him a cornerstone of their future. At just 23, Clarke’s already a top-two defenseman on the team, leading all Kings’ blueliners with 40 points (8G, 32A) and 185 blocked shots last season. Drafted 8th overall in 2021, he’s played over 180 games, made his playoff debut, and continues to grow—proving he’s worth every penny of this long-term commitment.
Support the show:
Advertise on DNN:
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
View sources & latest updates: | |||
| Kings Draft Strategy Unveiled | 26 Jun 2026 | 00:01:47 | |
The Kings are poised to make waves at the NHL Entry Draft with a deep roster of picks and strategic flexibility. GM Ken Holland could move up, trade down, or even skip the first round entirely to land a proven impact player—prioritizing immediate roster upgrades over long-term prospects. With a loaded forward class and potential defensemen falling early, the Kings may target a top-six center or scoring winger to boost their playoff chances this season, while still securing future assets.
Support the show:
Advertise on DNN:
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
View sources & latest updates: | |||
| Kings Draft Strategy Revealed | 26 Jun 2026 | 00:01:47 | |
The LA Kings are poised to make a big move at the NHL Draft with their 17th overall pick—their highest since 2021—aiming to add a high-impact skater to fill critical gaps in their top-six forward or top-four defenseman ranks. With their prospect depth thinning and a need for elite talent beyond their strong goaltending, this pick is vital. Director of Amateur Scouting Mark Yannetti confirms the work is done, with final touches and late-scouting updates shaping final decisions. While mock drafts favor defensemen early, the Kings are laser-focused on their own board, preferring to trade down for more assets—though they’ve traded up before if a prized player slips. General Manager Ken Holland could still pivot with a trade, but the scouting team is ready for whatever unfolds on draft day.
Support the show:
Advertise on DNN:
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
View sources & latest updates: | |||
| Kings Draft Preview: Nine Picks to Watch | 26 Jun 2026 | 00:01:26 | |
The LA Kings kick off their NHL Draft weekend with nine picks, starting at 17 overall in the first round tonight at 4 PM Pacific — live on ESPN or ESPN+. Rounds 2-7 continue tomorrow at 8 AM Pacific on NHL Network or ESPN+. Meanwhile, the Kings are busy signing forwards Pinelli and Chromiak to one-year deals, announcing development camp and preseason dates — all while fans gear up for what could be a breakout draft class.
Support the show:
Advertise on DNN:
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
View sources & latest updates: | |||
| Pinelli’s Prove-It Moment with Kings | 25 Jun 2026 | 00:01:12 | |
The Kings just signed Francesco Pinelli to a one-year, two-way deal through 2027 — a high-stakes opportunity that demands he prove he belongs in the NHL. With limited time to impress, Pinelli faces pressure to elevate his game or risk being left behind. The team sees potential but needs tangible results fast — a calculated gamble that could either launch his career or expose his ceiling. All eyes are on him now.
Support the show:
Advertise on DNN:
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
View sources & latest updates: | |||
| Pinelli’s NHL Breakout Chance | 25 Jun 2026 | 00:01:26 | |
The LA Kings are betting big on young talent, signing center Francesco Pinelli to a one-year, two-way deal worth $850K if he cracks the NHL roster. A second-round pick in 2021, Pinelli exploded offensively last season with 35 points (14G, 21A) for the Ontario Reign — his best year yet. After inconsistent early seasons, he’s finally earning his shot, joining teammates Martin Chromiak and Aatu Jamsen in a clear organizational push to develop homegrown stars. At just 23, Pinelli now has a full season to prove he can handle NHL competition — and the Kings are watching closely.
Support the show:
Advertise on DNN:
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
View sources & latest updates: | |||
| Kings Draft Hermansson With Deep Roots | 28 Jun 2026 | 00:01:41 | |
The LA Kings strike gold again in the 2026 NHL Draft, selecting Elton Hermansson from MoDo Hockey — a direct heir to their 2014 Adrian Kempe pick, with a personal connection to Kempe’s dad who coached him. Hermansson’s resume? MVP of the U-18 World Championship, plus 11 goals in Sweden’s second-tier pro league at just 17. Scouts loved his grit and growth, especially against men — and the Kings got him plus an extra third-round pick by trading down. He’s headed to LA for the first time soon — a promising new piece for their future.
Support the show:
Advertise on DNN:
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
View sources & latest updates: | |||
| Kings Draft Haul Builds Future Depth | 27 Jun 2026 | 00:01:38 | |
The LA Kings unloaded eleven draft picks, starting with first-round forward Elton Hermansson, then adding a mix of forwards, defensemen, and a towering goalie. Standouts include second-round forward Liam Lefebvre, who led his QMJHL team to a title, and defenseman Adam Goljer, a silver-medalist at the U18 Worlds. They also snagged the Gaudreau Award-winning Blake Zielinski and six-foot-seven netminder Yegor Rybkin. Later-round gems like 17-year-old power-play scorer Thomas Vandenberg and veteran WHL defenseman Giorgos Pantelas round out a well-rounded haul focused on depth, international experience, and future potential.
Support the show:
Advertise on DNN:
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
View sources & latest updates: | |||
| Kings Draft Zielinski for Future Center Depth | 27 Jun 2026 | 00:01:35 | |
The LA Kings struck gold again at the draft, snagging center Blake Zielinski in the third round—pick 80 overall—and fans are already buzzing. Hailing from the Des Moines Buccaneers, Zielinski brings relentless energy, physicality, and a confident, take-charge style that makes him a perfect fit for the Kings’ rebuild. His quick wrist shot, puck skills near the net, and ability to create chaos in front of goal show flashes of elite potential. While he’s still developing offensively and needs time to mature physically, his instincts, compete level, and high ceiling make him a smart long-term bet. This pick continues the Kings’ successful pattern of drafting USHL gems—and adds another promising center to their future pipeline.
Support the show:
Advertise on DNN:
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
View sources & latest updates: | |||
| Kings Draft Goljer for Defense Depth | 27 Jun 2026 | 00:01:30 | |
The Kings snagged defenseman Adam Goljer at 49th overall, a big, mobile shutdown specialist with NHL upside. Though not flashy, his skating, shot, and transition play hint at future offensive growth. With a few years of development, he could become a reliable second or third-pairing defenseman — adding depth to a promising draft class.
Support the show:
Advertise on DNN:
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
View sources & latest updates: | |||
| Kings Draft Big Center Liam Lefebvre | 27 Jun 2026 | 00:01:26 | |
The Kings strike gold with their 46th overall pick, selecting big, physical center Liam Lefebvre — a 6’3”, 205-pound force who lit up the QMJHL with 59 points in 59 games and added 12 playoff points to a championship run. A perfect fit for their need to rebuild center depth after Kopitar’s retirement, Lefebvre combines grit, puck-winning ability, and surprising speed to transition play — and he’s just getting started.
Support the show:
Advertise on DNN:
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
View sources & latest updates: | |||
| Kings Defense Future in Focus | 27 Jun 2026 | 00:01:43 | |
Drew Doughty and the Kings are delaying his extension talks, aiming to play out the next two seasons before deciding his future in LA, while Brandt Clarke locked in a five-year deal that buys out one year of unrestricted free agency. With six defensemen already signed, any major moves will likely require trades, and Ken Holland confirmed center and mobility upgrades remain top priorities, with Jacob Moverare unlikely to return and younger players like Jared Woolley and Kirill Kirsanov on the radar. The team is still exploring center options, possibly moving Alex Laferriere or pursuing free agency, and remains active in trade talks — with plenty of time left before September to see what unfolds.
Support the show:
Advertise on DNN:
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
View sources & latest updates: | |||
| Drew Doughty’s LA Kings Future | 27 Jun 2026 | 00:01:33 | |
Drew Doughty’s LA Kings tenure is nearing its end as the team declines to extend his contract this summer, leaving his future uncertain. A franchise legend since 2008, Doughty’s recent drop in production and ice time contrast with his Hall of Fame legacy — including two Cups and 700+ points. With captaincy now open after Kopitar’s retirement, Doughty’s desire for the “C” may be sidelined by salary demands and team strategy. His final season in LA could end without the captain’s insignia — and possibly in a different jersey.
Support the show:
Advertise on DNN:
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
View sources & latest updates: | |||
| Krestan's Late-Round Upside | 27 Jun 2026 | 00:01:24 | |
Late-round steal or hidden gem? The Kings took Tobias Krestan with the 209th pick, a 6’2 winger who dazzled with point-per-game production for HV71 Jr. and Germany’s U17/U18 squads — despite missing key tournament time due to injury. Now back on the ice, he’s showing elite offensive instincts, quick hands, and net-front scoring prowess. His game needs skating polish and puck battle grit — but if he nails those, he could become a seventh-round steal with serious upside.
Support the show:
Advertise on DNN:
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
View sources & latest updates: | |||
| Kings Add Depth With Ambrosio | 27 Jun 2026 | 00:01:23 | |
The Kings close out their draft with a seventh-round steal: Lucas Ambrosio, a solid, versatile defenseman from Erie Otters, picked for his reliability, skating, and two-way play—even if he lacks elite flash. In a deep defenseman class, Ambrosio’s steady development and NHL-ready tools make him a smart, low-risk addition to LA’s blue line depth, perfectly fitting their long-term, position-balanced strategy.
Support the show:
Advertise on DNN:
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
View sources & latest updates: | |||
| Kings Draft Big Winger With Scoring Potential | 27 Jun 2026 | 00:01:21 | |
The LA Kings snagged a hidden gem in the 6th round of the 2026 NHL Draft with Alex Kostov, a towering winger from Flint who went undrafted twice before exploding with 24 goals in 45 games. At 6-foot-4 with elite reach and scoring instincts, he’s got NHL upside — but needs to sharpen his skating and defensive awareness. Headed to Quinnipiac for college, Kostov’s journey proves patience pays off, and the Kings are betting he’ll become a key depth piece down the road.
Support the show:
Advertise on DNN:
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
View sources & latest updates: | |||
| Doughty’s Future with Kings on Hold | 27 Jun 2026 | 00:01:21 | |
Drew Doughty’s future with the LA Kings hangs in the balance as GM Ken Holland confirms no extension deal is imminent—though both parties agree finishing his career with the franchise would be ideal. With one year left on his $11M contract and nearing the end of his legendary 20-year tenure, Doughty’s recent offensive dip and playoff silence are fueling a cautious, one-year wait before re-evaluating his future. The Kings aim to balance honoring a franchise icon with long-term strategy as Doughty heads toward unrestricted free agency next season.
Support the show:
Advertise on DNN:
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
View sources & latest updates: | |||
| Kings Draft Physical Defenseman Pantelas | 27 Jun 2026 | 00:01:23 | |
Kings snag fifth-round sleeper Giorgos Pantelas at 153rd overall — a gritty, smart defender who scouts thought could’ve gone second round. While his offensive output dipped late season, his early 20+ point pace and shutdown instincts make him a solid gamble. Could become a reliable third-pairing anchor if his puck-moving game develops.
Support the show:
Advertise on DNN:
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
View sources & latest updates: | |||
| Svensk’s Skating Brilliance Shines | 27 Jun 2026 | 00:01:33 | |
The Kings snagged Finnish defenseman Vertti Svensk at 145th overall — a steal with elite skating, puck magic, and flashes of offensive brilliance that fans are already loving. Not a shutdown defenseman yet, but his speed, agility, and playmaking make him a unique, high-upside prospect with serious NHL potential.
Support the show:
Advertise on DNN:
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
View sources & latest updates: | |||
| Kings Trade Up for Versatile Vandenberg | 27 Jun 2026 | 00:01:34 | |
The LA Kings pulled off a bold move in the fourth round, trading up to land gritty, two-way center Thomas Vandenberg—10 spots higher than his original pick. A breakout season saw him double his points and outscore his previous year, all while bringing physicality, relentless forechecking, and smart playmaking to the table. At 6’0” and 180 lbs, he’s not just a scorer—he’s a winner in the corners, a puck winner, and a faceoff specialist. With three centers drafted this year, the Kings are clearly building depth down the middle, and Vandenberg’s all-around game makes him a standout addition to their future plans.
Support the show:
Advertise on DNN:
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
View sources & latest updates: | |||
| Kings Draft Massive Russian Goalie | 27 Jun 2026 | 00:01:13 | |
The LA Kings snagged a giant goalie in the third round, selecting 6-foot-7, 210-pound Russian prospect Yegor Rybkin at 89th overall. Scouts rave about his physical dominance and athleticism, though he’ll need to refine his technique and seal the five-hole. With limited game experience, he’s a high-upside gamble—but exactly the kind of depth the Kings needed to round out their draft strategy across all positions.
Support the show:
Advertise on DNN:
This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
View sources & latest updates: | |||