What Mats Zuccarello Can Bring to the LA Kings’ Lineup

Some bold moves were made during the offseason ahead of the 2026–27 NHL campaign, including the recent acquisition of Mats Zuccarello. After spending seven seasons with the Minnesota Wild, Zuccarello now joins the Los Angeles Kings, bringing his experience and veteran leadership to the lineup. Now that he is in a new city and new market, let’s take a closer look at what he could bring to the team’s roster.

New City, New Chapter

Los Angeles was looking for a skilled winger, and Zuccarello ended up signing a one-year contract worth $1 million with the organization on July 1. It seems to be a perfect fit for both sides, giving the Kings an established forward while giving the Norwegian a fresh and exciting opportunity. The 5-foot-8 winger completed the 2025-26 season with 15 goals and 54 points in 59 games. He also added nine points in eight playoff games with the Wild.

For a team looking to add more depth and skill to their lineup, Zuccarello looks to fit in nicely with the roster. His proven statistics and versatility give Los Angeles another reliable option on the wing. While there have been occasional comments online about his age (38) and that the team should prioritize signing younger talent, his presence could still be valuable for the Kings, as his years of experience could bring strong mentorship, leadership, and guidance to the locker room.

New Era Is Here

With the absence of former captain Anze Kopitar, the Kings look to fill that void with players who can step up, especially veterans, and fill that massive gap. The Slovenian native was a major leader and face of the franchise for over 10 seasons. Replacing him will not be an easy feat. But for this team in this season, Los Angeles will need their veteran unit to support and influence the team culture, while helping the younger players adjust to the routine and responsibilities.

Zuccarello could be one of those players who brings a strong voice and years of NHL experience to the locker room. His knowledge of the game could be especially valuable as the Kings adjust to life without Kopitar. He can also help set the tone and lead by example. There’s an opportunity for him here to make an impact beyond his role on the ice.

What to Expect

It may be unrealistic to expect Zuccarello to join the first line, but he can still make an impact by adding skill and experience to the Kings’ middle-six. He could fit nicely on the second or third line and give the team another option when it comes to creating plays. The 5-foot-8 Norwegian has shown that he can find ways to create scoring opportunities and get involved in the offensive zone. His versatility could also allow him to move around the lineup depending on what the Kings need. If he finds the right chemistry with his linemates, he could end up being a great addition to the group.

Right Around the Corner

The upcoming 2026-27 season is right around the corner, and there is already plenty of thrill and excitement surrounding the Kings. With several changes made during the offseason, the team will have a different look heading into the new era. It will be interesting to see how the new additions fit into the group and what kind of impact they can make. The Kings will also have to adjust to playing without some familiar faces from previous seasons. With a new season comes new opportunities, and Los Angeles will be looking to make the most of them.