The Los Angeles Kings are going to be opening training camp shortly after the Golden State Rookie Faceoff, which is later this week. It is going to be a time for Jim Hiller and the coaching staff to evaluate the roster as well as get an up close look at some of the prospects that might be with the Kings in the near future.
There are a number of players that could contribute in the near future, but due to rules in the CBA or veterans already on the roster, it likely won't be at the beginning of the season. These are three players who really don't have much of a chance to make the Kings roster for their game against the Colorado Avalanche.
3 Los Angeles Kings prospects with virtually no chance to make Opening Night roster
Liam Greentree
There may not be a player fans are anticipating making his NHL debut than Liam Greentree, who was the Los Angeles Kings' first-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. He had an excellent season in the OHL before he was drafted and got even better this past season with 119 points.
For Greentree, because he will not be turning 20 until 2026, the only options for him next season are NHL or OHL due to some rules in the current CBA. There is certainly a chance that he can make the Kings roster right out of training camp, but it seems unlikely with how the roster is constructed.
Unless it is undeniable in the preseason that Greentree can contribute right now on a nightly basis for the Kings, he will get another season in the OHL. By waiting a year, it gives the Kings more flexibility in moving him between the AHL and NHL, which is the better option for his development.
Erik Portillo/Carter George
The Los Angeles Kings looked like they could have a competition for the backup goalie spot with David Rittich leaving in free agency. The goalie position is the strength of the prospect pool the Kings have, with some excellent players like Erik Portillo, Carter George, and even Hampton Slukynsky.
However, all of them are going to be blocked to start the season with the free agent signing of Anton Forsberg in July. There were two of those that had the best chance of making the jump to the NHL in Portillo and George.
For Portillo, he already made his NHL debut last season in a spot start where he allowed only one goal against the Anaheim Ducks. He would have been the favorite to be the backup to Kuemper to begin the season.
Carter George could have been another option, but similar to Greentree, he would have had to begin the season with the Kings or be forced to return to the OHL. He did make two starts last season with the Ontario Reign, but that was because his season was already done in the OHL. However, both of those starts were really good, including a shutout.
It wouldn't be surprising to see Portillo up with the Kings at some point during the season if there is an injury, but he won't be on the Opening Night roster.
Jakub Dvorak
After all the moves the Kings made on their defense, a competition for a spot among the younger players during training camp would have made sense. However, general manager Ken Holland committed to older veterans, which has now blocked any opportunity for players like Jakub Dvorak from making the Kings roster out of training camp.
Dvorak made his AHL debut last season and appeared in 46 games for the Reign and certainly has a future in the NHL. It could be as early as this season, but only if there are injuries to the left side of the defense, as the team appears set with Mikey Anderson, Joel Edmundson, and likely Brian Dumoulin.