Laferriere Injury Could Be the Reset He Needs

Alex Laferriere has quickly established himself as a valuable asset to the Los Angeles Kings, bringing his youthful energy and net-front presence. Ranking third on the team in points (26), his consistent production signals a promising sign of his continued development. His offensive output paired with and willingness to drive to the net and create scoring opportunities combine to make him a valuable player with the Kings.

Boasting a high hockey IQ, a sense of urgency, and excellent rebound-battling skills, Despite being in only his second NHL season, Laferriere displays the composure of a player who's seen it all. He joined the Kings in the 2023-24 season and quickly made his presence felt. Accumulating 13 goals and 26 points in 41 games, he demonstrated strong offensive production for a rookie. Under the wing of former King, Pierre-Luc Dubois, he and Quinton Byfield both stepped up and embraced larger roles on the team, enjoying breakout seasons. Laferriere quickly adapted to the system the Kings' use of the 11-7, thriving under veterans Anže Kopitar, Kevin Fiala, and Phillip Danault.

Recognized for his two-way play and named to the ECAC (Eastern College Athletic Conference) Second All-Star Team in 2023, he earned one of the conference's highest individual honors for a collegiate athlete. As a potential middle-six forward, he effectively disrupts opponents' breakout attempts using his agility and tenacity.

However, the talented 6-foot Chatham native is currently experiencing a scoring drought, having gone eight games without a goal. On Jan. 13, 2025, in a 1-0 loss to the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place, Laferriere was benched by Jim Hiller for retaliating against Connor McDavid. The following day, it was revealed that Laferriere had been placed in the injured reserve (IR), a likely result of the initial hit from McDavid that drew Laferriere's ire.

As he exits the lineup, the dynamic and the balance will be affected, adding pressure to a struggling offense. For Laferriere, the time away could provide an opportunity for a much needed reset, especially after the benching.

Laferriere has played 126 professional hockey games to date, with only 4 of them at the AHL level. For comparison, he played 172 total games in the USHL and ECAC between 2018 and 2023. That type of dramatic shift in schedule should not be taken lightly. Even though he's performed admirably, any time off will likely be beneficial for the second-year pro, provided his injury isn't serious.

With the New Jersey local on the sidelines, the team navigates the challenges of will sustaining their impressive performance. If Laferriere can regain his form and build on his early impact, he might be the key to stabilizing LA's efficiency and adding another weapon for the playoff push.