General manager Ken Holland hired Peter Laviolette to overhaul a Los Angeles Kings offense that has lagged for years. The move signals a shift away from the defensive style that won championships in 2012 and 2014 but failed to produce a series win recently. Laviolette intends to implement an aggressive, attack-oriented system focused on transition play.

This transition is vital after the Kings finished 29th in scoring last season. Laviolette previously helped Artemi Panarin reach career highs with the Rangers, and he now reunites with Panarin in Los Angeles. While Panarin posted nine goals and 18 assists in 26 games, the team's blue line struggled, managing only one goal and one assist against Colorado.

Holland hinted at potential defensive personnel changes following meetings at the scouting combine to address this lack of creativity. Laviolette expects all defensemen to follow a single offensive plan regardless of their natural skill set. His history includes reaching the Stanley Cup Final with three different teams, including a 2006 championship with Carolina, within his first two years.