Liam Greentree set to play for LA Kings in preseason game against Utah

The Los Angeles Kings will be playing their first preseason game of the year tonight as they travel to play the Utah Hockey Club. With these early preseason games, the Kings do not send their entire roster and reportedly have decided to go with a younger group of players for this game.

According to Zach Dooley, this group includes first round pick from the 2024 NHL Draft Liam Greentree. The time for the top draft pick will be limited this season with the Kings as he should return to the OHL so it makes sense for the coaching staff to try and get him as much ice time as possible.

Greentree participated in the Rooke Faceoff earlier this month and had a goal and an assist over the three game tournament. He will be joined by fellow draft pick from the recent draft class in goalie Carter George, who was the Kings' second round pick.

However, it wouldn't be surprising if Erik Portillo were the goalie who gets the start in tonight's preseason game. He recently signed a three-year contract this offseason and could be the goalie of the future after likely spending this season with the Ontario Reign.

Akil Thomas and Alex Turcotte looking to build momentum in first preseason game for Los Angeles Kings

This group will have plenty of players though who should factor into the Kings' plans for the upcoming season. It includes players like Akil Thomas and Alex Turcotte among the forwards along with Joel Edmundson and Brandt Clarke on defense.

The Kings didn't make splashy moves this offseason and are opening this group of younger players who can take that next step and help them improve over last season. The game tonight against the Utah Hockey Club will begin at 7 PM PT and will be available to watch on NHL Network.