Who Must Step Up for the Los Angeles Kings in Post-Kopitar Era?

The Lead argues that Quinton Byfield must step up as the Los Angeles Kings enter a new era following the retirement of long-time captain Anze Kopitar. Byfield has taken over the role of first-line center, centering a unit alongside Artemi Panarin and Adrian Kempe. The franchise is aiming to stay competitive rather than rebuild, having named Drew Doughty as the new team captain and appointed Peter Laviolette as head coach.

To support the transition, the Kings added veterans Mats Zuccarello and Erik Haula while re-signing Corey Perry and Scott Laughton. However, the writer emphasizes that the franchise's trajectory ultimately relies on Byfield seizing his expanded ice time and establishing himself as a top-line center.