While the biggest names on the Los Angeles Kings will largely determine how far the team goes this upcoming 2026-27 season, every team still needs reliable depth contributors to be serious contenders.
With a new coaching staff and several key roles still unfilled going into training camp and the preseason this fall, a few overlooked Kings players could have opportunities to step up and make a much bigger impact than expected on the team in the upcoming season.
Under-the-radar Los Angeles Kings players who could surprise in 2026-27
Here are three dark horse players to watch who could be pleasant surprises for the Kings in the upcoming 2026-27 season.
Erik Portillo, G
Going into training camp this fall, the Kings have a position battle on their hands to figure out who will be the starting goaltender going into opening night. Darcy Kuemper and Anton Forsberg enter training camp neck and neck in the goalie position battle for the Kings.
The wildcard in this whole scenario could be young goalie Erik Portillo, who is knocking on the door of earning an NHL role if he can find more consistency and stay healthy this upcoming season. Portillo probably has the most difficult path to earning an NHL role this upcoming season and to really make an impact.
But that's also what makes Portillo a true dark horse entering the season. He's not only behind Kuemper and Forsberg on the depth chart, but he also faces pressure from behind him on the depth chart with the rise of Kings' goalie prospects Hampton Slukynsky and Carter George.
If Portillo turns heads in training camp and the preseason in the next month or so this fall, and/or injuries pile up in the crease for the Kings, he could be primed to get an opportunity on the NHL roster this upcoming season.
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