The Kings are shaking things up as they call up defenseman Kirill Kirsanov and goaltender Erik Portillo from AHL Ontario. In a corresponding move, Pheonix Copley heads back to Ontario after his brief stint with the NHL squad.
With Drew Doughty still showcasing his skills in Italy for Team Canada at the Olympics, Kirsanov gets a prime opportunity to join an NHL practice. The 23-year-old is in his rookie season under an entry-level contract, having made the journey from Russia four years after being drafted in the third round in 2021.
Standing at 6'2", Kirsanov had his struggles in the KHL but is finding his groove in Ontario. Known for his reliable two-way play, he's managed to tally four goals and 11 points, with a +8 rating over 47 games.
On the goaltending front, Erik Portillo steps in with Darcy Kuemper temporarily out of the picture. Portillo, who has effectively leapfrogged Copley to become the Kings' third-choice goalie, is eager to make his mark.
After a challenging season last year, the 25-year-old has bounced back impressively, outperforming Copley in the minors. With a .905 save percentage and a 2.45 goals-against average in 19 games, Portillo boasts a 13-3-1 record and one shutout, all while benefiting from one of the AHL's top offensive teams.
The Kings are clearly looking to test their depth and see how these promising players handle the NHL environment. Fans will be watching closely to see if Kirsanov and Portillo can translate their AHL success to the big stage.