Andrei Kuzmenko's Debut Brings New Energy into the LA Kings

The Los Angeles Kings increased their forward depth at the NHL Trade Deadline by bringing on Andrei Kuzmenko. Kuzmenko's ability to attack the open ice brings some new energy to the LA offense.

On March 7, 2025, the Kings acquired Kuzmenko and a 2025 seventh-round pick from the Philadelphia Flyers for a third-round 2027 NHL Draft pick. The Flyers also retained 50% of Kuzmenko’s remaining salary. This is Kuzmenko's fourth team in three years, but his goal-scoring potential may be priceless as the Kings compete for a late playoff push into the second half of the season.

Why Kuzmenko’s Addition Matters for the Kings' playoff push

The Kings' power play has been their biggest weakness this season, often depleting the team’s momentum instead of building on it, particularly their inconsistency with the man advantage. The signing of Kuzmenko adds another element of creativity to the man-advantage. Even though Kuzmenko has been struggling this season and may not be the piece that can push the Kings' offense to the top, he’s still a two-time 20-goal scorer and can help the Kings in some areas.

The Kings are a below-average offensive team, scoring 177 goals and having a power play percentage of just 15.4%. But Kuzmenko is famous for his quick release, which has helped him become an excellent scorer. He also has deceptive puck handling and is skilled in finding open space. Kuzmenko is excellent in goal-scoring areas, particularly in front of the net and the half wall.

In his debut with the Kings, Kuzmenko didn't have to wait long to make an impact, as he had three shots on goal in a wild 6-5 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on March 10. Despite finishing with no points, Kuzmenko still showed flashes of the skill set that made him a target for Kings GM Rob Blake. The Kings jumped out to a dominant 3-0 lead early in the game, getting goals from  Anze Kopitar, Brandt Clarke, and Quinton Byfield. Kuzmenko's quick rapport with his linemates was promising as Los Angeles snapped their recent losing skid and picked up back-to-back wins.

Kuzmenko’s Skill Set and Impact

It may not seem like Kuzemnko is doing much when you look at the box score after the game, but the eye test shows what kind of energy and tenacity he potentially brings in the long run.

Kuzmenko’s surprise rookie season with the Vancouver Canucks in the 2022-23 season showed his potential to score goals at a high level. There, he tallied 39 goals and 35 assists. For the Kings, Kuzmenko can revert to his timing on offense in a system that values puck possession and forechecking in the opponent's zone.

Kuzmenko’s most significant skill is his ability to generate scoring chances off the rush. His acceleration, ability to open up a hole in defensive coverages, and vision to find passing lanes for others should greatly benefit the Kings.

Strengthening the Power Play

The King's biggest weakness this season has primarily been their power play, which has stalled near the NHL’s bottom third in conversion rate. Kuzmenko brings a dramatic upgrade to this issue the Kings have and is perfect in tight spaces.

Kuzmenko’s willingness to be a net-front presence in the King’s system should help them acquire a valuable asset on both the power play and at even strength. His ability to absorb contact while maintaining control in scoring areas mirrors a bit of Viktor Arvidsson's presence before leaving LA.

Should he bring the intensity right away to this team, his presence may also relieve some of the pressure from Kopitar and Kempe, allowing the Kings’ top forwards to shift into more effective shooting positions.

Chemistry with Key Players

The acquisition timing gives Kuzmenko time to gel with this team and create chemistry before the playoffs. This will help the Kings gain momentum to solidify their playoff standing in the ferociously competitive Pacific Division, possibly catching the Oilers for the second spot and securing home-ice advantage in the first round.

It should be interesting to see how the Kings decide to use Kuzmenko moving forward and if his goal-scoring ability can be the missing piece to power their playoff push.

Kuzmenko’s Motivation

Since his rookie year, Kuzmenko has battled inconsistency, bouncing from team to team over the last three seasons, but he is poised to showcase what he has and find a new home here in LA.

“I understand there are big things about this team. We want to go to the playoffs, that’s my dream, I want to play in the playoffs,” Kuzmenko said. “It’s my third year, and I haven’t been able to. I want to try to make every game better.”

Given the Kings’ tight playoff race, a player with Kuzmenko's potential can help provide instant offense and energy down the stretch.