LOS ANGELES — Goaltending was never a question mark during the Los Angeles Kings’ Jonathan Quick era, but nearly a year and a half since his departure, the position has been far from a source of certainty.
The Kings received All-Star level play from veteran Cam Talbot during the first half of the 2023-24 campaign, but after backup Pheonix Copley suffered a season-ending ACL injury, Talbot was forced to carry the bulk of weight in the crease and encountered an inconsistent spell.
Newly acquired backstop Darcy Kuemper and journeyman David Rittich are set to split time in 2024-25, but general manager Rob Blake knew that he would need to look beyond the upcoming season and find a sustainable, long-term option. Thus, he drafted OHL standout Carter George in the second round of the 2024 draft and previously built up Los Angeles’ netminder pool through other means.
But another young goaltender—Erik Portillo—has risen through the organization’s goaltender ranks, earning him a three-year contract extension to further prove his worth. Portillo thrived with the AHL affiliate Ontario Reign last season, boasting a 24-11-3 record with a 2.5 goals-against average, a .918 save percentage and two shutouts.
Portillo also led the Reign to five playoff victories in which he recorded an outstanding 2.16 goals-against average.
The Swedish native first arrived in North America after he was selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the third round of the 2019 draft. He then went on to play for the University of Michigan in 2020-21 and later indicated that he wouldn’t sign with the Sabres, forcing Buffalo to trade him.
On the same day that Los Angeles dealt Quick away, the team acquired Portillo in exchange for a 2023 third-round pick.
Portillo’s towering 6-foot-6, 225-pound frame allows him to operate differently than smaller goaltenders. He often keeps a lowered posture to make saves, and in conjunction with his size, he can shed angles without any issue.
Erik Portillo (#GoKingsGo) makes another big save on the breakaway to keep @umichhockey within one of Quinnipiac.#MFrozenFour pic.twitter.com/70KZ9KZu3d
— EP Rinkside (@EPRinkside) April 7, 2023
Portillo has a confident demeanor in the crease, almost daring opposing skaters to take shots as he generally stays within the painted area. Because of this trait, he rarely finds himself out of position and can swiftly navigate to the puck by moving easily between the posts. He hardly shows fatigue—even in vulnerable moments—when he gives up a goal or makes a mistake.
His wide frame can sometimes hurt his game, as he sometimes misses saves on his pads or through the five-hole. He will also want to improve his awareness following initial shots, which will allow him to prevent rebound chances from finding their way in.
Set to turn 24 in September, Portillo brings experience to the Kings’ prospect pool after spending three seasons at Michigan and adding an AHL campaign to his resume. His biggest tests will be remaining consistent and handling the hefty workload that comes with being a professional.
The first year of Portillo’s new deal will carry two-way stipulations. The prospect will likely be the Reign’s starting option in 2024-25, but if he can keep up his stellar figures, he might receive full-time NHL status sooner than expected.
Amid a new era of Kings goaltending, the team is searching for a consistent option to anchor the net. Whether it be Portillo or another up-and-comer that takes the reins, Blake and company will have their eyes on Los Angeles’ prospect pool this season, which consists of multiple promising netminders auditioning to take the role.
Portillo’s professional career is just beginning, and if he can continue his upward trajectory, the Kings will greatly benefit from the tall, composed backstop’s progress.