No one expected the Los Angeles Kings to win their pre-season matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday. The reigning Stanley Cup champions were icing a mostly veteran NHL squad, while the Kings sent, well, the Ontario Reign.
Of the rostered players, only Brandt Clarke logged any NHL time for the Kings last season. A handful of newcomers made a few appearances in the NHL last season for their previous teams: Steven Santini, Charles Hudon, Mikhail Maltsev. Goaltender J-F Berube hasn’t seen the NHL since February 20, 2022, when he suited up for the Columbus Blue Jackets.