Quite often in training camp, someone a little unexpected is presented an opportunity to grab a spot on the Kings opening night roster.
Last season, it was Andre Lee; two seasons ago, it was Alex Laferriere, and so on. Based on the actions of coach Jim Hiller over the past week or so, Jeff Malott appears to be the frontrunner to snatch one of the two forward positions believed to be available.
After suiting up in 12 regular-season games and all six playoff games to end last season, Malott isn’t a complete unknown, but very few people had him slotted into the team’s immediate plans coming into camp.
It’s usually an injury that opens a door for these surprises and Malott is seizing the opportunity. He impressed the coaching staff at the end of last season and has continued to do so in preseason.
“Obviously, we liked him at the end of last year, we played him a fair amount,” noted Hiller after Wednesday’s game in Anaheim. “He’s really a fit guy, but he put on about seven or eight pounds of muscle. I’m noticing some of that. I think he’s a strong guy to begin with, but I think he’s a little stronger out there. He has a lot of confidence. He’s playing really well, looks like an NHL player.”
Someone who was already a big, physical player, adding more weight and strength, sounds like someone preparing for a specific role on his team. After getting a taste of NHL action, Malott is figuring out what he needs to do if he wants to stick at the top level and is apparently leaning into it.
His game isn’t all rough and tumble either; the 29-year-old winger has some legitimate skill, which saw him produce a second straight 50-point AHL campaign last year (while suiting up for just 61 games before being called up to LA).
Looking further, Malott has been a remarkably consistent goal scorer after leaving Cornell and turning pro. Over his past four years in the AHL, he’s notched 23, 23, 22, and another 23-goal campaign with the Reign in 2024-25.
He’s establishing himself as a perfect “pinch hitter,” able to come in and fill a role when needed, yet doesn’t need to be in the lineup every night and can bounce between the NHL and AHL.
While many fans might be hoping Liam Greentree’s afforded a nine-game trial in Corey Perry’s absence; recent comments by Mark Yannetti on young players in the NHL should be heeded as a potential sign of caution. Getting a 19-year-old skilled winger some NHL games sounds great on the surface, just perhaps not if it’s under six minutes a night on the fourth line with no power-play time.
Malott may make more sense to replace Perry on LA’s opening night roster. He appears to be a natural fit for the role and is currently riding a ton of momentum via a strong training camp.
While he won’t play Saturday afternoon in Bakersfield, don’t be surprised to see him back in for either the game in Boise or Utah this week. Maybe even both, as his audition for Hiller continues.
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