Los Angeles Kings News

The Kings have received more consistent goaltending lately from Anton Forsberg and, with the team struggling to remain in playoff contention, will turn to him on Monday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The 33-year-old Swedish goalie was solid in a 4-2 losing effort to the league-leading Colorado Avalanche last week, saving 35 of 38 shots (.921 SV%). He has a 1.59 GAA and .955 SV% in his last two games (1-1-0). The Kings enter Monday's contest as +130 road underdogs against a Blue Jackets team that is 3-0-2 in their last five games.

Byfield has missed two consecutive games due to an illness, but could play on Saturday against the Montreal Canadiens. The 23-year-old Byfield has been held off the scoresheet in eight of his last 12 games. He has 33 points (13G / 20A) in 58 games this season.

Laughton was acquired by the Toronto Maple Leafs ahead of the 2024-25 trade deadline and has been flipped before the 2025-26 deadline, heading to the Los Angeles Kings. The 31-year-old Laughton averaged 13:40 time-on-ice and scored 12 points (8G / 4A) in 43 games with the Maple Leafs this season.

Joseph was unable to secure a regular role with the St. Louis Blues this season and had his contract terminated earlier this week. He has quickly moved on and signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Kings. The 29-year-old Joseph averaged 12:41 time-on-ice and had 11 points (2G / 9A) in 39 games with the Blues this season.

Doughty was limited to 15:15 time-on-ice in last Thursday's 8-1 blowout loss to the Edmonton Oilers, exiting the game with a lower-body injury, and has been sidelined for two games since. The 36-year-old Doughty is averaging 22:48 time-on-ice and has 14 points (3G / 11A) in 50 games this season.

Kuemper did not suit up for the Kings' previous game due to illness, but will be be ready for Thursday's game against the New York Islanders. The 35-year-old Kuemper had an awful outing in his return from the Olympic break, allowing four goals on 15 shots (.733 SV%) in an 8-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers, picking up on a poor stretch pre-stoppage, when he was riding a 10-game streak with seven losses (2-4-3) along with a dreadful 3.36 GAA and .864 SV%. Kuemper and the Kings enter action on Thursday at -130 on the money line.

Doughty was limited to 15:15 time-on-ice in last Thursday's 8-1 blowout loss to the Edmonton Oilers, exiting the game with a lower-body injury, and has been sidelined for two games since. The 36-year-old Doughty is averaging 22:48 time-on-ice and has 14 points (3G / 11A) in 50 games this season.

Joseph was unable to secure a regular role with the Blues this season and was placed on waivers last week. He has been placed on waivers again with the intention of terminating his contract. The 29-year-old Joseph averaged 12:41 time-on-ice and had 11 points (2G / 9A) in 39 games with the Blues this season.

With the trade deadline less than 48 hours away, the Maple Leafs are protecting their assets and keeping several players out of the lineup on Wednesday, including Scott Laughton. The Maple Leafs acquired Laughton at the deadline last season, but he could be on the move again. The 31-year-old forward is averaging 13:40 time-on-ice and has 12 points (8G / 4A) in 43 games this season.

Byfield was a surprise scratch on Monday, with the Kings not announcing his absence prior to warmups. Despite the two-day break between games, Byfield will remain out of the lineup for a second consecutive game on Thursday against the New York Islanders. The 23-year-old Byfield has been held off the scoresheet in eight of his last 12 games.

Doughty was limited to 15:15 time-on-ice in last Thursday's 8-1 blowout loss to the Edmonton Oilers, exiting the game with a lower-body injury, and has been sidelined for two games since. The 36-year-old Doughty is averaging 22:48 time-on-ice and has 14 points (3G / 11A) in 50 games this season.

Moore did not play in the Kings' previous game due to an illness, but was back at practice on Wednesday and should be ready for Thursday's game against the New York Islanders. The 30-year-old Moore tallied an assist in his most recent outing, but has had a down season offensively, with only 16 points (7G / 9A) through 47 games (0.34 PTS/GP). Coming into the 2025-26 season, Moore had 174 points (76G / 98A) in 293 games over the last three seasons (0.59 PTS/GP).

Moore did not play in the Kings' previous game due to an illness, but was back at practice on Wednesday and should be ready for Thursday's game against the New York Islanders. The 30-year-old Moore tallied an assist in his most recent outing, but has had a down season offensively, with only 16 points (7G / 9A) through 47 games (0.34 PTS/GP). Coming into the 2025-26 season, Moore had 174 points (76G / 98A) in 293 games over the last three seasons (0.59 PTS/GP).

Kuemper did not suit up for the Kings' previous game due to illness, but was back at practice on Wednesday, suggesting he should be ready for Thursday's game against the New York Islanders. The 35-year-old Kuemper had an awful outing in his return from the Olympic break, allowing four goals on 15 shots (.733 SV%) in an 8-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers, picking up on a poor stretch pre-stoppage, when he was riding a 10-game streak with seven losses (2-4-3) along with a dreadful 3.36 GAA and .864 SV%.

Moverare was designated non-roster status ahead of the Kings' previous game, but has been re-activated. The 27-year-old Moverare is averaging just 8:47 of ice time in 15 games this season and has not registered a point.

Wright was a sixth-round pick of the Los Angeles Kings that made his professional debut with the Ontario Reign (AHL) last season after spending three years playing with the University of Denver. He has 28 points (15G / 13A) in 53 games with Ontario this season. He made his NHL debut for the Kings on Monday, but will return to the AHL.

With Darcy Kuemper (illness) out on Monday, Los Angeles has recalled Portillo from Ontario (AHL) to serve as Anton Forsberg's backup. The 25-year-old Portillo has a 2.47 GAA and .905 SV% in 20 games (14-3-1) with Ontario this season, but he has been reassigned to the AHL, indicating that Kuemper is ready to return.

Booth made his NHL debut in Monday's 4-2 loss to the Colorado Avalanche and scored a goal, but will return to the Ontario Reign in the AHL. The 21-year-old defenseman was selected in the 4th round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. He has one goal and nine assists in 43 AHL games this season.