Bad News For Kopitar & Kings, But Another Forward Close To Returning

The LA Kings have started the 2025-26 season with a record of 1-3-1, but things get worse. The team has now lost its captain and top line center, Anze Kopitar, for the time being. It was reported that he will be out week-to-week with a foot injury after being hit in the foot by a puck in the previous game against the Minnesota Wild.

Kopitar will be out week-to-week with a foot injury…hit by a puck vs Minnesota https://t.co/MB3CVEhUj2
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) October 17, 2025

Moving up the lineup to take his place could be Philip Danault or Alex Laferriere. Considering the latter has been playing lower in the lineup do to a rough start to the season, it makes more sense for Danault, the closest replacement in regards to two-way ability, to take over duties on the top line, shutting the opposing top lines down and contributing on the scoresheet.

That won't be the only area that needs addressing, as Kopitar's spot on the power play needs to be filled as well. The top unit should now include Quinton Byfield, Andre Kuzmenko, Kevin Fiala, Adrian Kempe, and Drew Doughty, but could change. Losing Kopitar at this stage of the season, with how poorly the team has started, isn't ideal, and they will have to manage or fall out of contention early.

On the bright side, Corey Perry appears to be close to returning to action. He hasn't played a game this season after getting injured prior to the season starting. He was seen skating in a regular practice jersey at the Kings' practice.

Joel Armia has done a solid job on the second line wing, so it appears as though Perry will be coming in on the fourth line to replace either Jeff Malott or Samuel Helenius, who has played just one game this season.

The Kings are in a bad spot after injuries and offseason changes. It is an uphill battle and will take a lot to turn things around.