LA Kings Prepare for Return to Ice with Kempe, Panarin Reunion

Kings practice ahead of matchup with Vegas Golden Knights, focus on power play and Kempe's integration with Panarin

Feb. 24, 2026 at 10:49pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The LA Kings held their final practice before returning to game action tomorrow against the Vegas Golden Knights. Key storylines included the return of Adrian Kempe from the Olympics, his integration onto a line with Artemi Panarin, and the team's power play alignments featuring the new-look top unit.

Why it matters

The Kings are looking to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season as they fight to secure a playoff spot. Kempe's return and his chemistry with Panarin could provide a major boost, while the power play's performance will be crucial down the stretch.

The details

During practice, the Kings' lines featured Kempe reunited with Panarin and Alex Laferriere. Kempe said he's been watching video of Panarin and players who have found success playing with him, in order to get up to speed as quickly as possible. The team's top power play unit had Kempe, Panarin, Byfield, Perry, and Clarke, while the second unit included Panarin, Kuzmenko, Kopitar, and Laferriere. Head coach Jim Hiller indicated Panarin could see time on both power play units.

  • Kempe returned to the Kings after representing Sweden at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
  • The Kings host the Vegas Golden Knights tomorrow, February 25, 2026.

The players

Adrian Kempe

A forward for the LA Kings who recently returned from representing Sweden at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Artemi Panarin

A skilled forward who was recently acquired by the LA Kings and is expected to play a key role on the team's top line and power play.

Jim Hiller

The head coach of the LA Kings who discussed integrating Panarin into the team's power play units.

Mika Zibanejad

A center for the New York Rangers who provided Kempe with feedback on playing with Panarin based on their time together on the Swedish Olympic team.

Drew Doughty

A defenseman for the LA Kings who is expected to return to the lineup after missing time.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He's one of the most skilled players in the league. Obviously we don't see him too much when he played for the Rangers, because we only face them twice a year, but everybody's seen what he can do. Everybody's seen his highlights, going back to his Chicago days and definitely in the Rangers jersey as well. It's a lot of fun to have him here, [it'll be] a lot of fun for me to be on the same line as him. He can make some really good plays out there. For me, just trying to get up to speed with him as quick as I can here before the game tomorrow, but that felt good in practice.”

— Adrian Kempe, LA Kings Forward (lakingsinsider.com)

“I talked to Mika a little bit during the tournament, all he had to say was good things about him. Obviously it's a little bit different, because he's a righty and I'm a lefty and Mika's a center and I'm right wing, so it's a little bit different. I've tried to watch some video of him and tried to watch some video of other guys that have success playing with him, what they do, where they play and all that kind of stuff. Just trying to catch up to where the team is at right now, I just had a couple days off, so body's feeling good, mind is rested, so I'm ready to go.”

— Adrian Kempe, LA Kings Forward (lakingsinsider.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.