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When the Los Angeles Kings finish their season, they will look back at a young player who is earning his paycheck. One that is getting better and a core piece of the future ahead. Forward Alex Laferriere has come out of nowhere and put his name on every game he has played. He has exceeded organization expectations and looks to have a promising NHL career ahead of himself.
Laferriere was a third-round pick of the Kings in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. At pick #83, he heard his name called and was instantly filled with excitement. However, he knew the easy part was over and the hard work was about to begin. The workouts would get harder, the opposition bigger and faster, and the point production may be lackluster in the early going but he knew what he was capable of and wanted to put in the work.
He knew what hockey skills he could contribute to stay successful, with or without producing offense. He could fight, he could play any forward position, and he could battle along the boards. He was an exceptional defensive player, but most of all, he was a player who could put in the work to be great and better than his last game.
During the 2024-25 season, he posted a career high of 42 points. he slotted in well with every line he played on and Kings management knew he had not reached his full potential. He got himself up to speed and adjusted to the NHL game surprisingly quickly. He has developed into a player that the Kings should count on as they March towards another Stanley Cup.This season, he has 18 goals and 17 assists for 35 points in 71 games, roughly a point every other game. With eight more points, he could have a new career high in points. In his last six games, he has two goals and four assists for six points. For his career, Laferriere has 49 goals and 51 assists for 100 points in 229 games.
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In order for Laferriere to reach a new career high in points production he is running out of time but will need seven points in the final 11 games for Los Angeles.
Laferriere adds stability to a lineup that is solid from top to bottom. He is versatile enough to play and forward position on any line and can be successful in doing so. On August 1, 2025, he would sign a new contract with the Kings, a new three-year deal worth $12.3 million. He was not given this money, he earned it through hard work and dedication.
What is his projection over the length of the contract? He is a solid forward whose offensive totals could reach a 20+ goals and 60+ points per season pace. With captain Anze Kopitar retiring Laferriere could be placed in a permanent top-six role to help replace some of the offense. He continues to improve so the added pressure and ice time should only see his overall game increase in all areas.
As for a heavier workload, he could also be a top penalty killer as he has developed into one of the more sacred penalty killers on the team. His speed and defensive awareness allow him to put pressure on the opposing team, causing turnovers.
He will be a huge part of the young core going forward. The Kings could use more of him down the stretch as Los Angeles has not yet secured a playoff spot with only weeks to go. The last few games are going to be tough but with players like Laferriere the Kings have a solid shot to sneak into the playoffs, where he could shine based on his overall game and playing style. The Kings got a good one in the third round and he has turned out to be quite a player.
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