The Los Angeles Kings continued their eventful offseason by signing goaltender Erik Portillo to a three-year contract extension carrying an AAV of $783,333.
Portillo is also on a two-way deal in year one and a one-way in the second two year.
The signing is a hopeful device for laying solid ground for the future. While "The Plan" seems dubious and sometimes erratic, this signing is leading the organization toward a legitimate plan for three young players.
Though Ontario saw five different goaltenders last season, Portillo got the vast majority of starts and was the number one confirmed once Rittich was called to the NHL. Portillo finished an impressive first season in the AHL with a record of 24-11-3, a .918 SV %, a 2.50 GAA, and 3 SO. However, this is the second time that the Kings have found a potential gem in the NCAA--this time costing them a third-round pick from Buffalo.
The Kings have strategically drafted potential successors for Anze Kopitar in Quinton Byfield and Drew Doughty, along with Brandt Clarke. While these players may not immediately fill the void left by the future Hall of Famers, their potential and the legacy they will inherit keep the Kings' future bright. The Kings have yet to establish a solid goaltending presence since the departure of Jonathan Quick, with Joonas Korpisalo, Pheonix Copley, Cam Talbot, and David Rittich all taking turns. To pour it on, the rapid falling of grace for Cal Peterson as the potential future goaltender in the year of Quick's departure was a massive pitfall for the organization.
Rob Blake has taken a gamble on Darcy Kuemper in a Pierre Luc Dubois recovery move. Kuemper will be backstopped by Rittich, who had an excellent campaign as the backup to Talbot the year prior (24 GP, 13-6-3 .921 SV, 2.15 GAA, 3 SO). The tandem in Ontario will be set with Copley and Portillo, with the latter getting the opportunity to be the 1A to a seasoned pro.
Portillo has taken a massive step towards the pro game and has been a calming presence in Ontario, "I think I'm probably calmer in my head than what it sounds like out loud, most of the time, I'm just trying to help my defense and my guys on the ice to make the best possible decision. That's also one thing I'm trying to fit into the pro game too, being maybe a little more conservative, but being more direct when I actually say something. I think the emotional part isn't really a problem because it's more so to help out the guys and being engaged for me than really an emotional reaction or outburst."
The big Swede now has the full opportunity to be groomed to be the LA-developed goalie with whom the Kings have yet to succeed. If Portillo can continue his promising play and hold down the reigns in the AHL, it would be one of the few bright spots for this organization's internal plan for success to have him as the NHL backup the following season.
Sticking by Byfield, Clarke, and Portillo is the key to this organization's future.