LOS ANGELES—On Saturday, September 27, the LA Kings announced its 34-man roster, making a cut of 18 players.
The following players were assigned to the Ontario Reign, the team’s AHL affiliate:
Justin Auger – RW
Patrik Bartosak – G
Jonny Brodzinski – C
Nic Dowd – C
Nick Ebert – D
Kevin Gravel – D
Adrian Kempe – LW
Maxim Kitsyn – LW
Zachary Leslie – D
Alex Lintuniemi – D
Kurtis MacDermid – D
Alex Roach – D
Scott Sabourin – RW
Valentin Zykov – RW
The following players were released from Pro Tryouts:
Sean Backman – RW
Paul Bissonnette – LW
Ryan Horvat – LW
Kevin Raine – D
All players listed above are expected to play in Ontario.
Below is the list of players still eligible to try out for a spot on the official team roster:
Centers:
Brian O’Neill
Jake Marchment
Michael Armadio
Jordan Weal
Wingers:
Spencer Watson (RW)
Michael Mersch (LW)
Austin Wagner (LW)
Matthew Mistele (LW)
Sam Laberge (LW)
Matt Schmalz (RW)
Defense:
Vincent LoVerde
Jacob Middleton
Jared Walsh
Chaz Reddekopp
Damir Sharipzyanov
Derek Forbort
It is believed that recently-signed Jhonas Enroth and Kevin Budaj will compete with each other for the role of Jonathan Quick’s back-up goalie. Both shared time on the ice during the game against the Arizona Coyotes on September 22.
Notably, two players that were not cut from the roster included right wing Matt Schmalz and defenseman Chaz Reddekopp, two 2015 draftees. The forward trio of Michael Mersch, Jordan Weal, and Brian O’Neill have made an impact during preseason games so far.
The Kings will play three more pre-season games before kicking off the start of the 2015-2016 season with an opener against the San Jose Sharks. Former Kings goalie Martin Jones is expected to start in net for the Sharks against his old team.
