How acquired: Traded by Buffalo Sabres for third-round pick in 2023 NHL Draft on March 1, 2023
2024-25 season: Los Angeles (NHL): 1-0-0, 1.02 goals-against average, .966 save percentage; Ontario (AHL): 24 GP, 15-5-3, 2.82 GAA, .889 save percentage
The Kings are in excellent shape with their goaltending prospects, so you could easily put one of three names here: Portillo, Carter George or Hampton Slukynsky. For this season, we’ll go with Portillo (6-6, 218). The 24-year-old was dealing with a back issue last season but did make his NHL debut against the Anaheim Ducks on Nov. 29.
“We were cautious,” Murray said. “We don’t want to mess around with the back, and he was really good last year. He’s a confident kid and he wants to learn. He’s great with the goalie coaches. We just need to make sure his back is healthy and he’s ready to go this year. He’s training in Sweden and he’s feeling good, and we’re looking forward to getting him into camp.”
Projected NHL arrival: This season