Just two weeks into training camp and in many ways it already feels like we’re two months into the regular season. So much has gone on in a short period of time, including: Brandt Clarke temporarily being sidelined with an injury, 27 players going to Australia for a two-game stint vs. Arizona, the Ontario Reign defeating three NHL teams last week, Alex Laferriere continuing his meteoric rise through the LA depth chart, and Sammy Fagemo getting claimed on waivers by Nashville.
Now, coach Todd McLellan has just three games remaining to form his final thoughts on which one player will earn the final spot available on the team’s Opening Night roster.
LA Kings 2023-24 Opening Night Roster All But Set; Only Three Decisions Remain
We’re penciling Andreas Englund in on the blueline for tonight. By now, the organization knows what they have in Toby Björnfot. They’ll need as much of a book on Englund as possible.
As for the Brandt Clarke vs. Jordan Spence battle, we’re expecting one player to suit up for two of the final three games. The latter appears to be getting the nod vs. Anaheim.
Up front, the starting 12 spots at forward have basically been decided. For that reason, look for Laferriere and fellow prospect Alex Turcotte to get some playing time later this week. It will be their final opportunities to make an impression during camp.
Tonight will also mark the debut of the Kings new sponsored patch on their home jerseys.
OFFICIAL: LA Kings 2023-24 Home Jersey to Feature Sponsored Patch
LA Kings Projected Lineup vs. Anaheim Ducks
Byfield – Kopitar – Kempe
Fiala – Dubois – Kaliyev
Moore – Danault – Arvidsson
Grundstrom – Lizotte – Lewis
Anderson – Doughty
Gavrikov – Roy
Englund – Spence
Talbot
Copley
Likely scratches: Anderson-Dolan, Bjornfot, Clarke, Laferriere, Turcotte, Rittich
Key Game Info
Puck drop is set for 7:00 pm PST and will be televised by Bally Sports SoCal (Ducks broadcast).
Note: The Kings final pair of preseason games – October 5 against San Jose in Salt Lake City and October 7 vs. Vegas – will be broadcast on Bally Sports West with Nick Nickson on play-by-play.
For those live in attendance on Tuesday, the LA Kings Booster Club will offer their popular ‘Puck for a Buck’ contest — featuring Matt Roy for this game. Just $1 could win you an autographed puck from an NHL star. Visit their table near aisle M8 on the main concourse for more information.
Across the Ice
Last Friday, the Kings defeated the Ducks 4-3 in San Diego, including a beautiful goal from Laferriere off a pass from Clarke.
TALK ABOUT TIC TAC TOE
1-0 LAK pic.twitter.com/Viy3Vx2u9u
— LA Kings (@LAKings) September 30, 2023
For the game tonight, here is how Anaheim will likely look:
Ducks’ lines this AM:
Vatrano-Carlsson-Strome
De Leo-Henrique-Kassian
Jones-Agozzino-Nesterenko
McGinn-Carrick-LeasonFowler-Luneau
Zellweger-Gudas
Mintyukov-LaCombeGibson
Dostál#FlyTogether— Derek Lee (@Derek_Lee27) October 3, 2023
Even though Trevor Zegas finally signed a new three-year contract on Monday, he does not appear ready to return to action just yet.
On This Day in Kings History
On October 2, 2006, Bob Miller, the Hall of Fame voice of the @LAKings, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Miller joined former #LAKings commentator Dan Avey in earning a star on Hollywood Boulevard.#GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/paQHualitZ
— The Kingstorian (@Kingstorian) October 2, 2023
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