3 Things to Watch for at LA Kings Training Camp

The Los Angeles Kings’ training camp is right around the corner. While the schedule has not released yet, it should be expected right before their first preseason game on Sept. 19. With camp slowly but surely approaching, new and returning players will have an opportunity to compete for spots and establish their roles heading into the upcoming season.

The coaching staff will also get a closer look at the roster and determine which line combinations work best. For some players, training camp could be an important chance to make a strong impression before the regular season begins. Let’s dig into the three things to watch for at training camp.

Goaltending Is Key

Of the three important takeaways to watch for, goaltending will be one of the biggest. Darcy Kuemper is expected to remain the starter, while Anton Forsberg will provide as another backup option in net. Erik Portillo of the Ontario Reign in the American Hockey League (AHL) will also be competing for an opportunity to earn an NHL backup spot. Beyond Portillo, prospects Carter George and Hampton Slukynsky will be worth keeping an eye on as they continue developing within the organization.

Portillo enters training camp with a legitimate opportunity to prove he belongs in the NHL. His strong AHL numbers, combined with the uncertainty surrounding the Kings’ goaltending situation, give him a chance to compete for a backup role behind Kuemper or Forsberg. His previous season with the Reign showed that he could bounce back from injury, posting a .907 save percentage (SV%) and a 2.45 goals-against average (GAA) in 30 games.

New Coach Means New Style

This past offseason, the Kings brought in Peter Laviolette as their new head coach, replacing D.J. Smith. He was most recently with the New York Rangers, so it’ll be interesting to see how he approaches this Kings team. I’m especially curious to see how he handles the line combinations, which players he pairs together and what changes he feels need to be made from last season.

Throughout his NHL career, Laviolette has had a knack for coming into new teams and making an impact. Whether it was with the Carolina Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers, Nashville Predators, Washington Capitals, or New York Rangers, he has shown that he can bring structure and get his teams playing with confidence. Now, Laviolette will get his chance to bring that same approach to Los Angeles and see what he can do with this Kings group.

Training camp should give us a good first look at what Laviolette has in mind. It could also be a chance for some younger players to earn bigger roles and prove they belong in the lineup. With a new coach behind the bench, there’s definitely going to be some adjustments to watch out for.

The Next Breakout Stars

I’m expecting both Quinton Byfield and Brandt Clarke to have breakout seasons. They’re still so young, and with Anze Kopitar now retired, there’s more responsibility on their shoulders. Both players have already shown flashes of what they can do, but now they’ll have to put it together consistently and work as a team to help the Kings fill the void left by their former captain. It’s their time to step up and show that they can be a big part of the Kings’ future. So what does that exactly mean?

It means both players are going to have to take on bigger roles this season. With Kopitar no longer in the lineup, Byfield and Clarke will have more opportunities to make an impact. They’ll need to be more confident with the puck and step up when the Kings need them most. If they can do that, it could be a big season for both players and the organization as a whole.

Here’s what I’m expecting: For Byfield, I’m expecting him to take another step forward offensively and become someone the Kings can rely on more. As for Clarke, I’m expecting him to become more comfortable and confident on the blue line and show what he can really do. Neither player needs to replace Kopitar. That’s not realistic. They just need to show that they’re ready to take on bigger roles and help lead this team into a new era.

Now, it’s just a matter of waiting for training camp to arrive. I’m excited to see how Byfield and Clarke handle bigger responsibilities and whether they can take that next step. It’s definitely going to be an interesting season for both of them, as for the rest of the team.