Ontario will once again get a fill of some NHL hockey during preseason. As they’ve done for several years now, the Kings are making headed out to the Inland Empire — home of their AHL affiliate — to face the Ducks. Only this time, there’s a slight twist. Sunday marks the first of seven exhibition games on their schedule. So, Toyota Arena gets the distinction of kicking of the 2025-26 campaign.
Because training camp is still in the very early stages, there is little to read into today’s matchup. However, it’s worth noting this could be the only preseason game for several of LA’s prized prospects. With the OHL regular season already up and running, it’s no surprise the organization is opting to play goaltender Carter George, along with defensemen Henry Brzustewicz and Jared Woolley now. At best, they’re only expected to be in camp for a few more days.
The team’s No. 1 prospect, forward Liam Greentree, also technically qualifies to be part of that same OHL group, yet we’re expecting him to stick around camp a little bit longer.
Suggested Pre-Game Reading
— Does the Perry Injury create an opening for Greentree to make the opening night roster? LINK
— The List: Kings Could Lose These Players to Waivers During Training Camp LINK
— Kings Goalie Prospect is a Lifelong Kings Fan LINK
Kings Projected Lineup vs. Ducks
The following players have been confirmed for the trip to Ontario; we’ve initially aligned most of them using some of what coach Jim Hiller has been showing during camp thus far. However, this alignment is purely a guesstimate. Article will be updated during pregame warmups should there be any tweaks.
Malott – Turcotte – Armia
Greentree – Byfield – Laferriere
Lee – Helenius – Thomas
Brown – Gawdin – Chromiak
Moverare – Clarke
Dvorak – Burroughs
Woolley – Brzustewicz
George
Copley
Saville
Likely scratches: (D) Millar
For those wondering why guys like Kopitar and Kempe aren’t playing, keep in mind most veterans play around 2-3 preseason games. The Kings have seven total on their schedule. Also, the NHL uses a preseason rule where teams only need to suit up a minimum of eight veterans (defined as players who skated in 30+ NHL games last season or 100+ career NHL games). For some odd reason, players who were first round draft picks the prior year also qualify. This rule is intended to allow teams some flexibility in roster assembly — allowing them to look at prospects, etc. — while also providing fans the opportunity to see some known stars, as well.
Streaming Info
Puck drop is set for 3:00 pm Pacific Time and will be available via a stream on SLVR (SamsungTV Plus channel 2328) and on LAKings.com. Additionally, a Kings radio feed is available on the ESPN LA app.
Across the Ice
We’ll update this section with a Ducks lineup closer to game time.
About the only Anaheim lineup info currently available at the moment is that they already sent a batch of junior players from their training camp roster yesterday.
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