The Los Angeles Kings enter the 2026 training camp with a goaltending picture that feels more like a puzzle than a settled equation. After a season that saw the franchise lean toward a more aggressive, high‑tempo system, the coaching staff is faced with a series of questions about who will ultimately guard the net.
A New Emphasis on Aggressive Goaltending
The organization’s shift toward a more daring style of play places a premium on reflexes, positioning and the ability to handle more shots from the perimeter. That philosophy has turned the camp into a laboratory where veterans and newcomers alike are tested under the same demanding metrics.
Anton Forsberg emerged as the most consistent presence in the 2025‑26 series against Colorado, posting a 2.54 goals‑against average and a .910 save percentage. His ability to make high‑danger stops earned him the league’s top ranking in goals saved above expected, a testament to his reflexive skill set.
Darcy Kuemper, meanwhile, showed flashes of his former form early in the campaign but saw his numbers tumble after a mid‑season return from injury. His save percentage slipped to .868 and his goals‑against average rose to 3.30, placing him among the league’s weakest netminders during that stretch.
Erik Portillo, who helped Ontario capture the Pacific Division in the AHL, posted a .909 save percentage and a 2.45 goals‑against average, yet his season was marred by injury absences that have raised questions about his readiness for an NHL backup role.
Prospects Carter George and Hampton Slukynsky arrive at camp fresh from standout amateur careers and are slated to feature prominently in the Rookie Faceoff in San Jose. Both are expected to push for minutes in the AHL, offering the organization a glimpse of depth that could reshape the depth chart.
The contractual timelines of Forsberg, Kuemper and Portillo add another layer of complexity, as the front office weighs the benefits of carrying three experienced netminders against the salary‑cap implications and the potential need to trim the roster once the preseason concludes.
As the camp progresses, the Kings will likely experiment with three goaltenders at the start of the season, only to reassess if the workload can be consolidated into a two‑man rotation or even a single starter if performance demands dictate.