The Los Angeles Kings signed forward Andrei Kuzmenko to a one-year extension worth an average annual value (AAV) of $4.3 million.
After falling short in the Mitch Marner sweepstakes (was just traded to the Vegas Golden Knights), general manager Ken Holland and the Los Angeles Kings quickly shifted to an in-house move and signed their left winger through the 2025-26 NHL season.
Andrei Kuzmenko Inks One-Year Deal With Los Angeles Kings

The 2024-25 season was chaotic for the 29-year-old forward. Kuzmenko started his season with the Calgary Flames, then got traded to the Philadelphia Flyers before landing with the Los Angeles Kings near the trade deadline.
“We like Kuzmenko, the coaches like Kuzmenko, Kuzmenko likes it here,” GM Ken Holland said (h/t Zach Dooley of LA Kings Insider). “He likes his role, he likes that he came here and the first seven games, when he didn’t get a point, the coach continued to play him and then he got it going…Kuzy liked it here because he had a relationship with the coach, he was on the power play, found good chemistry with Koptiar and Kempe.”
In the 22 regular-season games Kuzmenko appeared for the Kings last season, he notched 17 points (5 goals, 12 assists) and helped revive a power-play attack that was struggling. On the season the Russian had tallied 37 points, but his emergence came with the Kings.
His efforts extended into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, where Kuzmenko made his postseason debut and racked up six points (four on PP) in LA’s six-game series against division rival Edmonton Oilers.
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The short-term deal allows both parties to remain flexible heading forward, as each has achieved what they wanted. Mutual interest decided that a one-year deal would be beneficial.
The Los Angeles Kings retain a player who provides a spark with no long-term ties attached, and the friendly contract opens room for more potential free-agent additions. On the flip side, Kuzmenko plays on a “prove it” deal, and if all goes well, sets himself up for a nice payday next season.
If Kuzmenko can carry what he did last season into his new deal, LA fans should be excited. He brings an offensive edge to Jim Hiller’s line and will be an x-factor heading forward, especially on the PP.
Moreover, this knocks off one major piece of what Holland wanted to achieve heading into his first offseason with the Kings. The road will not end here as more impactful moves are expected from this Los Angeles organization.