Who Is Alex Laferriere?
Alex Laferriere is an American-born forward for the Los Angeles Kings, primarily playing right wing but capable on the left side as well. Drafted 83rd overall in the third round of the 2020 NHL Draft, he has progressed from a promising prospect into a regular NHL contributor with a growing role in the Kings’ lineup.
Scouting reports describe Laferriere as a dual‑threat offensive player who can both score and create plays off the rush, combining a strong shot with good vision and a competitive, high‑motor style.[1] Standing around 6-foot-1 and over 200 pounds, he plays a modern power game, using his frame and skating to win battles, go to the hard areas of the ice and generate chances at even strength.
Recent Performances and Breakout Moments
Laferriere’s name has trended upward as his on‑ice impact for the Kings has become more visible in key games. Increased ice time and deployment in more offensive situations show the coaching staff’s confidence in his ability to contribute as a secondary scorer, penalty killer and reliable five‑on‑five winger.[3] His ability to slide into different line combinations has helped stabilize Los Angeles’ forward depth.
A signature early highlight of his NHL career came when he recorded his first hat trick in a lopsided win over the Anaheim Ducks, a performance that displayed his knack for finding soft spots in coverage and finishing quickly when the puck arrived.[2] That game elevated his profile among fans and analysts, turning him from an under‑the‑radar young player into a widely discussed breakout candidate on a team with playoff ambitions.
Impact on the Los Angeles Kings
For the Kings, Laferriere’s development addresses a key organizational need: affordable, homegrown scoring on the wing. On a roster that still features veteran stars and significant cap commitments, having a younger forward on a team‑friendly contract who can drive play and chip in goals gives Los Angeles more flexibility in how it manages trades, free agency and extensions for other core players.[1][3]
As he continues to refine his two‑way game, Laferriere projects as the kind of versatile middle‑six winger who can play both a checking and offensive role depending on matchup and situation. If his offensive growth continues along its current path, he could evolve into a fixture in the Kings’ top nine and provide stability through the team’s transition from its older championship core to a younger, faster identity built around players like him.