The Stars traded Zmolek along with Shane Churla to the Los Angeles Kings for Darryl Sydor and Los Angeles' 5th round choice (Ryan Christie) in 1996 NHL Entry Draft on February 17, 1996. He would play parts of 2 seasons with the Kings before he was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks for Chicago's 3rd round choice (František Kaberle) in 1999 NHL Entry Draft. He played 2 seasons with the Blackhawks.