Kings' New-Look Power Play Begins to Take Shape with Panarin

Artemi Panarin's arrival has the Kings reworking their power play, with the star forward expected to run the show from the left side.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The LA Kings are making significant changes to their power play ahead of their first game back, with the addition of star forward Artemi Panarin. Head coach Jim Hiller says Panarin will be the primary puck-handler and decision-maker on the top power-play unit, which is expected to also feature Brandt Clarke, Corey Perry, Quinton Byfield, and Adrian Kempe. The Kings are hoping Panarin's elite playmaking and scoring ability can provide a much-needed boost to their 29th-ranked power-play unit.

Why it matters

The Kings' power play has been a weakness in recent seasons, so the arrival of Panarin, one of the NHL's most dangerous offensive players, represents a significant opportunity to improve that aspect of their game. Integrating Panarin and building chemistry with his new teammates on the power play will be crucial as the Kings make a push for the playoffs.

The details

In practice, the Kings' top power-play unit has featured Panarin operating on the left side, with Clarke running the point, Perry in front of the net, Byfield in the bumper position, and Kempe on the right wing. The team is focused on giving Panarin as many options as possible to create scoring chances. Panarin has also encouraged Clarke to be aggressive in looking for his own shot when the opportunity presents itself.

  • The Kings are expected to have their first game back on Friday, February 24, 2026.
  • Adrian Kempe is expected to return to practice with the team on Tuesday, February 21, 2026.

The players

Artemi Panarin

A star forward who was acquired by the Kings in the offseason. Panarin is one of the NHL's most dangerous offensive players and will be the focal point of the Kings' revamped power play.

Brandt Clarke

A young defenseman who will be running the point on the Kings' top power-play unit, working in tandem with Panarin.

Adrian Kempe

A skilled forward who is expected to play a key role on the Kings' power play, providing a shooting threat from the right side to complement Panarin's playmaking.

Quinton Byfield

The Kings' talented young center who will occupy the bumper position on the top power-play unit, looking to capitalize on scoring chances created by Panarin.

Corey Perry

The veteran forward who will be stationed in front of the net on the Kings' top power-play unit, providing a net-front presence and screening the goaltender.

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What they’re saying

“One of the leading offensive players in the league. We're working on PK stuff out there and having that guy on the half wall, you just see it in practice, it's unique. It's special the way he thinks the game, just the little plays he makes is pretty unique. We're really lucky to have him.”

— Trevor Moore (lakingsinsider.com)

“He told me that when your shots are there, when Perrs is at the net or if they're sagging down a little bit, you have room to walk in and shoot it, you've got to do that. He told me that the first day we started practicing together, that I've got to look for my opportunities too and I've got to capitalize when I get the opportunity. That meant the world to me.”

— Brandt Clarke, Defenseman (lakingsinsider.com)

What’s next

The Kings will continue to work on integrating Panarin into their power-play system ahead of their first game back on Friday, February 24. The return of Adrian Kempe to practice on Tuesday, February 21 will also be an important step in solidifying the top unit.

The takeaway

The addition of Artemi Panarin gives the Kings a true game-breaking talent to run their power play, but the team is focused on building a cohesive unit that allows Panarin to thrive while also providing other scoring threats. If the Kings can get their power play clicking with Panarin at the helm, it could be a major boost as they make a push for the playoffs.