Erik Portillo, G
There are a few reasons why it might be difficult for goalie Erik Portillo to get an opportunity to get starts at the NHL level this upcoming season. First, injuries have limited Portillo's opportunities to continue building momentum in his development.
Second, the Kings already have an established tandem of goalies going into training camp and the preseason this fall. The tandem of Darcy Kuemper and Anton Forsberg for the Kings probably blocks Portillo's immediate path to NHL playing time.
Portillo finds himself in an odd position going into the upcoming season. Two established veterans stand ahead of him at the NHL level, while two of the franchise's most promising goaltending prospects are beginning to push from behind.
You also have to consider the factor of the competition coming from below Portillo in the prospect pipeline in the AHL. The Kings boast two of the top goalie prospects in the NHL this offseason, in Carter George and Hampton Slukynsky, who are expected to man the crease for the Reign this upcoming season.
Even though Portillo is an important goalie in the Kings' long-term plans in the crease, that doesn't mean he's going to see much NHL action this upcoming season.
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