Day 14 Camp Primer – 26 Players in Quebec City, as roster battles take shape

Bienvenue au Québec!

Training camp continues, though the setting has certainly changed.

The Kings hit the ice in Quebec City here this morning, skating at the Videotron Centre.

It’s the first of four days here in Quebec City, at least this part of it, leading into the final two preseason games of the fall. The Kings will “host” Boston and Florida on Thursday and Saturday respectively, ending the preseason with a pair of games here on the East Coast.

With roster moves made over the last couple of days, the roster for the final leg of training camp is taking shape. The Kings are expected to hit the ice this morning with 15 forwards, eight defensemen and three goaltenders, with that group shown as follows –

Forwards (15) – Quinton Byfield, Phillip Danault, Samuel Fagemo, Kevin Fiala, Warren Foegele, Tanner Jeannot, Adrian Kempe, Anze Kopitar, Alex Laferriere, Andre Lee, Trevor Lewis, Trevor Moore, Jack Studnicka, Akil Thomas, Alex Turcotte

Defensemen (8) – Mikey Anderson, Kyle Burroughs, Brandt Clarke, Joel Edmundson, Andreas Englund, Vladislav Gavrikov, Caleb Jones, Jordan Spence

Goaltenders (3) – Pheonix Copley, Darcy Kuemper, David Rittich

Not positive on lines, but looks to be Lee/Studnicka/Fagemo skating together in purple, on a de-facto “fifth line”. Otherwise, combinations appear to be the same.

Those 26 players are on the roster and here in Quebec.

Four players are currently injured, with Drew Doughty (fractured ankle) and Arthur Kaliyev (fractured clavicle) both out on a month-to-month basis with longer-term injuries. Additionally, forward Taylor Ward and defenseman Cole Krygier have undisclosed injuries and are not currently with the group or on the ice.

The status of defenseman Jacob Moverare will be resolved in a few hours. Moverare was placed on waivers yesterday, for the purpose of being assigned to Ontario. At 11 AM, Pacific time, he will either clear and join up with the Reign or be claimed by another team. Once we get official word on his status, the Kings would have three additional decisions to make with regards to their roster for Opening Night, with Game 1 coming against Buffalo on October 10.

The Kings have 26 players and need to get that number down to 23. When looking at the group of names above, the Kings will likely carry just two goaltenders, so that brings the number of decisions down to two. One forward will almost certainly be assigned to the AHL as well, with the final decision being between carrying 13 forwards and 8 defensemen or a 14F / 8D split.

Before the injury to Drew Doughty, I’d have said the latter with a fair amount of certainty. Doughty’s injury changes the picture a bit, though.

Without Doughty, Kyle Burroughs likely moves into the lineup on a more regular basis. Burroughs was a big part of carrying eight defensemen and the conversation now shifts to Caleb Jones, who has played in more than 250 NHL games with Edmonton, Colorado and Chicago. Jones played playoff games in April with the Avalanche, so he’s not exactly green at this level. He also has versatility, with the ability to play both sides of the ice. There’s value in that.

Up front, I’ve been impressed with Jack Studnicka throughout camp, specifically his skating and puck transportation. He’s a willing combatant on the physical side of the game, evidenced by his fight in Utah in Game 1 of the preseason. He’s also got experience as a fourth-line center and can play both center and wing. While initially slated for Ontario, he’s earned himself a longer look. There’s also been a lot of positive reports on forward Andre Lee, who has more than earned his place on this trip. Lee impressed the coaches and management during the Calder Cup Playoffs last spring and has carried that over into training camp. He is waiver exempt, which might work against him ultimately, but he has earned his place within the conversation. Good on him too. Strong camp from the young player.

Two practices and two games left here in Quebec, before a couple intermediary days and then it’s off to Buffalo. Assuming the Kings will have a good idea of their final group of 23 after the game against Florida on Saturday, but there are still spots to be won between now and then. Will talk to a few of the guys fighting for roster spots today as they look to put their stamp on the coaching staff over these final few days of training camp.

Bonjour 👋 pic.twitter.com/ZoK3gzAZrF

— Zach Dooley (@DooleyLAK) October 2, 2024