Angus Booth Gets the Call: Kings Plug Defense Amid Kuzmenko’s IR Setback

In the unpredictable currents of an NHL season, roster moves can define momentum. On February 28, 2026, the Los Angeles Kings got a jolt: forward Andrei Kuzmenko underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus and was placed on injured reserve, with no clear timeline for return. To fill the void, the Kings recalled defenseman Angus Booth from their AHL affiliate—an announcement signaling not just a temporary patch, but a potential reveal of the team's future defensive depth.

Who Is Angus Booth?

Angus Booth, just 21 years old and a left-handed defenseman from Montreal, was drafted in the fourth round by LA in 2022. He’s listed at six feet, 177 pounds, a player built more for grit and defensive reliability than flashy scoring. In his rookie AHL season, he played 50 games with the Ontario Reign, recording 2 goals, 11 assists, and a +6 rating—along with 38 penalty minutes. This season, Booth has added 10 points (1 goal, 9 assists) across 41 games, cementing his spot in the Reign’s defensive rotation. His QMJHL track record—73 points in 198 games split between Shawinigan and Baie-Comeau—speaks of consistency and leadership more than high-end offense. He captained Shawinigan and won a QMJHL championship during his time in juniors.

Kuzmenko’s Injury: What It Means

Andrei Kuzmenko’s surgery left the Kings' forward depth stretched. He was placed week-to-week, and LA now loses one of its significant scoring and power-play contributors. That creates a ripple effect: lines shift, minutes get redistributed, and defensive support becomes more important than ever to maintain competitive structure.

Now, LA turns to its defense to absorb pressure—shut down plays, move the puck cleanly, and give goaltending a chance to stay sharp. That’s where Booth enters the picture. While Booth’s recall comes from a defensive context, he could see limited minutes against tougher competition until Kuzmenko returns or unless additional injuries force deeper reliance on him.

How Booth Fits into the Kings’ Plans

This recall isn’t a guarantee of regular ice time—it’s about roster insurance. The Kings currently have defensive pieces like Brandt Clarke and established vets, but Booth brings youth, energy, and room to grow. He’s not expected to match Kuzmenko’s point production—that’s not his game. Instead, Booth’s value lies in positioning, gap control, and staying steady under pressure. He’s played top-four minutes for Ontario and has shown enough to keep development staff and coaches interested.

The Kings recently loaned Booth back to the Reign after recalling brother-in-arms Kenny Connors. Though Booth didn’t make his NHL debut at that time, it showed he’s in the conversation when circumstances demand depth on the blue line. With Kuzmenko out, that demand has officially arrived. If Booth impresses in LA, this could be a turning point in his path from prospect to full-time NHLer.

What the Kings Need Now

• Solid defense first: With offense out one player, the blue line must tighten up. Booth will need to limit turnovers and transition gaps.
• Smart puck movement: Breakout passes and controlled exits reduce pressure; Booth’s experience in the AHL—and juniors—gives him a foundation in these areas.
• Consistency over flash: The Kings’ playoff hopes depend on reliability, especially in tight games. Booth’s steadiness could become a key underdog asset.
• Depth chart flexibility: This recall tests the Kings’ organizational depth. If Booth proves himself, it could shift expectations for the rest of the season and influence offseason plans.

Others in the Mix: Jared Wright and More

Meanwhile, forward Jared Wright—another name associated with LA's prospect pipeline—hasn’t featured in recent roster moves. The Kings’ focus for now is filling the immediate gap left by Kuzmenko, and their defense has taken center stage. Wright may get more consideration later once forwards heal and timing allows.

The Kings are navigating turbulence—injuries, lineup shuffles, and rising expectations. In that sense Booth’s recall is less about replacing Kuzmenko, more about holding the fort.

Booth’s strengths—his skating, positioning, defensive instincts—match what coach and staff want when games get tight and margin for error shrinks. He may not be the flashiest choice, but sometimes what a team needs most when called upon is a player who does the simple things right.

Final Thoughts

For the Kings, Kuzmenko’s injury was a hit—but the recall of Angus Booth is an opportunity. It’s a chance for the team to lean on depth, for coaches to see what their young defenseman can handle, and for Booth himself to make an impression at the highest stage. The bridge between AHL promise and NHL consistency is narrow; if Booth plays well, he could help prop the Kings up while they wait for “Kuzzy” to return—and surprise fans by stepping into a bigger role down the stretch.

Conclusion

The spotlight finds Angus Booth now, a young defenseman navigating the NHL’s cold glare. With Kuzmenko sidelined, L.A. needs its defense to tighten, not just survive. Booth won’t be asked to score the goals—but to stop them. The Kings’ season may roll on without their forward spark, but how well Booth stands in could matter just as much.