Editors’ Note: According to the NHL, “Tonight’s game between the Los Angeles Kings and Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL Game No. 828) at Nationwide Arena has been postponed due to severe winter weather in Columbus. The game is rescheduled for March 9 in Columbus and its start time will be announced when available.“
Here are the key storylines for the Los Angeles Kings and their upcoming schedule for the week of Jan. 26 – Feb. 2, 2026.
Center Depth
The biggest story surrounding the team is the absence of captain Anze Kopitar, who was placed on Injured Reserve (IR) earlier in January with a lower-body injury. With the captain out and rookie/younger centers like Quinton Byfield struggling to consistently fill the void as a true No. 1 center, the team is being tested down the middle. This has forced wingers like Alex Laferriere to shift positions and step up in production.
Heating up Trade Rumors
With the trade deadline approaching and the obvious hole at center (exacerbated by Kopitar’s injury and pending retirement discussions), General Manager Ken Holland is reportedly active in the market. Rumors have linked the Kings to high-profile centers, including Nazem Kadri (Calgary Flames) and potentially Vincent Trocheck (NY Rangers), as they look to stabilize their top six for a playoff push.
A “Defining” East Coast Road Trip
The Kings are currently in the midst of a crucial road trip that could define their season. Sitting fifth in the Pacific Division and fighting for a Wild Card spot, they need to stack points away from home. They recently snapped a losing skid with a win over the Rangers and a follow-up win against the St. Louis Blues, but consistency remains their biggest hurdle.
Goaltending Health (Kuemper & Forsberg)
Goaltender Darcy Kuemper returned from injury recently but left the game against the Rangers on Jan. 20 with an upper-body injury. In his absence, Anton Forsberg stepped in and played well. The stability of the crease is a major watch point this week as the team plays a dense schedule.
Kings Schedule Jan 26 – Feb 2
| Date | Time (ET) | Opponent | Venue | Broadcast/Notes |
| Mon, Jan 26 | 7:00 PM | @ Columbus Blue Jackets | Nationwide Arena | Road trip continues |
| Tue, Jan 27 | 7:00 PM | @ Detroit Red Wings | Little Caesars Arena | Top Red Wings team |
| Thu, Jan 29 | 7:00 PM | @ Buffalo Sabres | KeyBank Center | Hot Sabres team |
| Sat, Jan 31 | 12:30 PM | @ Philadelphia Flyers | Xfinity Mobile Arena | Early start |
| Sun, Feb 1 | 3:00 PM | @ Carolina Hurricanes | Lenovo Center | Back-to-back |
AI tools were used to support the creation or distribution of this content, however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of The Hockey Writers editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our Editorial Standards page.
