There’s no denying the Kings goaltending pipeline is as deep as it’s been in over a decade — maybe ever. Erik Portillo has rebounded nicely from an injured plagued season last year and is once again knocking at the door of NHL action. They also arguably have two of the best netminders not playing pro hockey, in the form of Carter George (OHL) and Hampton Slukynsky (NCAA). The latter is now expected to turn pro and sign an entry-level contract with LA.
As first reported by Mayor’s Manor founder John Hoven on the Future Considerations podcast, the 20-year-old Minnesota native is believed to be leaving Western Michigan University and is ready to ply his trade in the pro ranks. Considered to be the team’s top goaltending prospect, Slukynsky’s sophomore season at WMU just completed over the weekend with a loss to Denver — who then advanced to next month’s Frozen Four in Las Vegas.
It was considered a slight upset, as WMU came into the NCAA playoffs as the defending national champions and holding the No. 4 seed this time around. Regardless, it was another successful season for Slukynsky individually; he was just recently named a finalist for the NCHC Goaltender of the Year Award.
From our article on that announcement:
Simply put, he’s been a winner at every level. Hence the high expectations that come along as part of the package.
There’s more to the story too. We’re not expecting him to be the only Slukynsky inking an ELC with the Kings. As early as this week, older brother Grant is believed to be joining Hampton in the pro ranks. The elder attended Kings Development Camp last summer as a free agent invitee before opting to return to school for one more year. He’s now expected to make the jump up. Grant was a point-per-game player this season (40 points in 39 games) and was the leading point producer at WMU (10G, 30A). For good measure, he was recently nominated for the NCAA’s Sportsmanship Award.
While they didn’t play together in the USHL, each won a championship during their time in the junior league — Grant with Sioux City and Hampton at Fargo. Last season, they were teammates and big factors in helping WMU earn their first title in school history.
Should they ever make it to the NHL together, they would become only the second pair of brothers to play for the Kings at the same time. Brayden and Luke Schenn did both play in Los Angeles, yet it occurred at different times. The only brothers to suit up for the Kings in the same games were Jan and Roman Vopat.
And if you’ve never heard it, the latter made one of the most memorable appearances ever on Kings Of The Podcast.
Hampton and Grant have both been on KOTP, as well. Be sure to check out their interviews using these links: Hampton and Grant.
Look for the official announcement of their contract signings in the weeks ahead. Both players will most likely report to AHL Ontario for the balance of the regular season and playoffs.
We could also have more college free agent news soon, building off the article linked below.
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