LA Kings UP and DOWN season recap, MAJOR moments and an EARLY look ahead to next season

The Los Angeles Kings suffer another first-round playoff exit after a season marked by inconsistency and crucial turning points. Eddie Garcia looks back at this season spotlights the arrival of Artemi Panarin in a blockbuster trade, Kevin Fiala’s devastating Olympic injury, and franchise legend Anze Kopitar eclipsing Marcel Dionne’s all-time points record—each moment redefining the Kings’ rollercoaster campaign. Key topics include the Kings' alarming struggles on home ice, D.J. Smith’s effect as interim head coach following Jim Hiller’s dismissal, and looming offseason questions about the team’s search for a top-six center. Get a comprehensive look at contract outlooks for core players and upcoming decisions on unrestricted free agents. Can General Manager Ken Holland turn the Kings into true Stanley Cup contenders, or is a reset on the horizon for L.A.'s hockey faithful? 00:00 Kings Season Recap Review of the LA Kings' up-and-down season, key trends, and overall assessment of team performance. 09:50 Season-Defining Moments Analysis of four major events that shaped the Kings' year, including the Panarin trade, Fiala's injury, coaching change, and Kopitar's record. 19:04 Next Season Roster Outlook Roster breakdown for next year, contract situations, free agents, potential moves, and priorities for the offseason. Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: lockedonlakings.supercast.com/   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. 5-Hour ENERGY The Cotton Candy flavor is HERE on https://5hourEnergy.com or Amazon, crack open Cotton Candy 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today! Warby Parker It’s the perfect time to upgrade your glasses for spring. Buy one prescription pair and get 20% off any additional prescription pairs at https://WarbyParker.com/LOCKEDONNHL.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.