In the ever-evolving landscape of the NHL, the “what has this team accomplished in recent games” mantra is a harsh reality. For Trevor Moore, the Thousand Oaks native and local hero, the 2025-26 season has become a cautionary tale of how quickly a player’s value can plummet in the eyes of a demanding and passionate fan base. To understand the frustration currently boiling over regarding the Los Angeles Kings, one must look back at the 2023-24 season, a stretch that now feels like a lifetime ago.
When Moore Was King
During the 2023-24 season, Moore wasn’t just a reliable middle-six winger; he was the statistical pulse of the Kings’ offense. He defied expectations by leading the team in goals, finishing with a career-high 31 tallies. He was the ultimate success story, an undrafted local kid who worked his way through the Toronto Maple Leafs system only to become the leading sniper for his hometown team.
Related: How the LA Kings Can Make a Postseason Run in 2025-26
At his peak, Moore’s game was defined by high-volume shooting. He was the king of the short-handed breakaway and a player who thrived on the second-effort plays that coaches love. Fans and commentators alike praised his four-year, $16.8 million contract as one of the best value deals in the league.
A Tough Reality
Fast forward to the current 2025-26 season, and the narrative has shifted from “hometown hero” to “offensive liability.” As of March 2026, through nine goals, 12 assists, and 21 points in 57 games, Moore’s production has seen a massive dip. If he were to continue this way, his presence on the ice could become a concern for a Kings team trying to clinch a playoff berth.
While Moore was once the primary goal-scoring threat, he has struggled to find the back of the net with any regularity this season. Activated off injured reserve (IR) in January, through late February and into March, Moore seems to have experienced a slump, a far cry from the 31-goal pace he set just two years prior. Even more concerning is his minus-9 rating and a shooting percentage that has cratered, suggesting that his luck has hit a wall.
Why the “Fall” Feels So Dramatic
In the 2023-24 season, Moore was a game-changer, as he boasted a career-high of 31 goals and 57 points. In the 2025-26 campaign, he often appears a step behind the play. There have been numerous instances where Moore has had a clear look at the net, only to hesitate or shoot the puck directly into the goalie’s chest; a sign of a player lacking the confidence that once made him the team’s leading scorer.
The perception that Moore is awful this season stems from three primary factors that have converged at the worst possible time, which point to the rise of the youth. With Quinton Byfield and Alex Laferriere taking massive leaps forward, Moore has been pushed down the lineup. He is no longer receiving the prime power-play minutes or the elite linemates he enjoyed during his career year. Now that Moore is in the latter half of his contract, fans are looking for a return on investment. When a $4.2 million player isn’t producing, the scrutiny intensifies, especially on a team that is tight against the salary cap and looking for any reason to promote younger talent from the American Hockey League (AHL).
Where Moore Stands
While Moore remains an important two-way forward due to his penalty-killing ability and 71 hits, the scoring touch that once defined him has faded. In the high-stakes environment of the 2025-26 season, reliable defense isn’t enough to satisfy a fan base that remembers him as a 30-goal scorer. The 2026 Playoffs will be the ultimate crossroads for Moore. If he can’t find his scoring touch in the first round, the Kings’ front office may have some very difficult decisions to make regarding his future in Los Angeles this coming offseason.
