Ranking the Goalie Prospects

3) Erik Portillo (25 years old, drafted in 2019; 3rd round)

Erik Portillo is the only goalie in the system whom the Kings didn’t draft. The Kings acquired Portillo in a trade with the Buffalo Sabres in March of 2023. The Swedish netminder had a strong rookie campaign in 2023-24, but endured a sophomore slump, and an injury prematurely ended his season.

Portillo is a lock to be loaned to the AHL, barring injuries to Darcy Kuemper and Anton Forsberg during the preseason, and expectations should be dialed back with his return from injury. Once thought of as the future goalie not long ago, he is probably now a forgotten commodity in the organization’s goalie system. I expect him to play with a chip on his shoulder this upcoming campaign.

Having watched Portillo the most out of the four goalies, his rebound control and poise will need to improve.

2) Hampton Slukynsky (20 years old, drafted in 2023; 4th round)

Hampton Slukynsky is second on the list and arguably the number-three prospect in the Kings’ system. He has won at every level. Some of that success can be attributed to playing on great teams, but being able to make the jump to the next level and continue his incredible play is nothing to scoff at.

Slukynsky added an NCAA title to an already full trophy/award cabinet in his freshman year at Western Michigan University. Sluklynsky doesn’t have the size Portillo has, but his lateral movement, reflexes, and aggressiveness make up for the lack of size he possesses.

1) Carter George (19 years old, drafted in 2024; 2nd round)

Finally rounding out the list is Carter George. George was a workhorse and MVP for the Owen Sound Attack (OHL) last season. If you looked at his stat sheet for the year, you might think his numbers aren’t great. That isn’t the case. When you watch George play, you can see why the Kings drafted him with their second-round pick.

His poise, calmness, composure, and maturity stand out. He tracks the puck and recovers well. His style has garnered comparisons to former franchise goalie Jonathan Quick, but the difference between the two is George’s puck-handling ability. The number-one goalie, second overall in the Kings’ pipeline, there is a lot to be excited about when it comes to George’s future. One more year left in Owen Sound before Kings fans can see him turn pro.