Should the Kings Sign These Players to a PTO?
The Los Angeles Kings training camp is approaching, and anticipation begins for the upcoming season.
With the players set to report soon, general manager Rob Blake may still tweak the roster.
Some NHL players will sit and wait for an opportunity, but we will see if Blake will sign any players to a player tryout (PTO).
Here are a few players who could be added to the training camp roster, looking to earn a spot with the main club.
Kings Roster May Add Veterans for Training Camp
The Kings 2024-25 roster may be close to set with the main core coming back, but there may be a couple of spots available.
These players could be good depth pieces as the Kings continue their pursuit of another Stanley Cup.
Zach Aston-Reese
A PTO for Zach Aston-Reese may be needed due to his versatility. He can play any forward position at the NHL or American Hockey League (AHL) level. He is more of a defensive forward but is known to score impressive goals in his career.
Last season, he played most of the season with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL, but he did get into three Red Wings games, going scoreless. With Grand Rapids, he produced 14 goals and 16 assists for 30 points in 61 games, plus 53 penalty minutes.
Cal Clutterbuck
Cal Clutterbuck, a known defensive right-winger, is a feisty player who shuts down the opposition’s top forwards. He has spent most of his career with the New York Islanders, making a name for himself with his defensive game and his mustache.
Last season for the Islanders, he posted seven goals and 12 assists for 19 points in 82 games.
Marco Scandella
Defenseman Marco Scandella is a defensive defenseman who is good at shutting down skilled players, removing ice from the opposition, and playing a sound game in his zone.
Throughout his career, he has never been a big scorer, relying on his game to clear the crease, play a physical game, and play an excellent penalty kill. Last season for the St. Louis Blues, he contributed two goals and six assists for eight points in 65 games.
Los Angeles has options if it wants to add a veteran to the training camp roster.
With open positions scarce, these will likely only be invites, with nothing guaranteed. However, they do have NHL experience, and that could help come playoff time.
The Kings could add several names to the roster or add none, but it will be a competitive camp because not every player knows their role just yet.
Several young players are trying to make the roster, so this camp is huge for their development and getting noticed on a bigger stage.
PHOTO: Jeff Curry/USA TODAY Sports
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