The Los Angeles Kings announced they’ve come to terms with restricted free-agent goaltender Erik Portillo on a three-year contract, which carries a $783,333 cap hit through the 2026-27 season.
We have signed goaltender Erik Portillo to a three-year contract worth an AAV of $783,333 through the 2026-27 season ✍️
— LA Kings (@LAKings) August 25, 2024
Read More 📲 https://t.co/wjC7TbvXYN@Enterprise | #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/Svu11sJ2kV
Portillo’s new deal is a two-way contract in 2024-25, he’ll earn $775,000 at the NHL level and $150,000 in the minors. The final two seasons are both one-way contracts. The soon-to-be 24-year-old netminder enjoyed his first professional season in 2023-24, going 24-11-3 for the Kings’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate Ontario Reign. His 24 victories set a Reign franchise record for most wins by a rookie goaltender. Portillo also registered a 2.50 goals against average and .918 save percentage throughout the regular season and appeared in eight Calder Cup Playoff games with the Reign, finishing the postseason with a 2.16 GAA and .916 Sv.%
The Goteborg, Sweden native was originally a 2019 third-round pick, #67th overall of the Buffalo Sabres. Portillo spent three seasons at the University of Michigan prior to turning pro and began his North American career with the United States Hockey League’s Dubuque Fighting Saints in 2019-20. The 6-foot-6 netminder would take home the USHL Goaltender of the Year and First All-Star Team. Portillo also has a bronze medal on his resume after representing Sweden at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship. Looking ahead to next season, Portillo appears set for starting again for the Reign. He continues to produce year in and year out and will look to build on his strong rookie campaign and push for NHL minutes.
Kings’ general manager Rob Blake has been busy this summer, including trading Pierre-Luc Dubois to the Washington Capitals to reunite with veteran goaltender Darcy Kuemper. Kuemper’s under contract through the 2026-27 season at $5.25 million AAV. Blake re-signed David Rittich and the Kings also have Phoenix Copley under contract next season. Both veterans only have one year left on their deals so while Portillo may be destined for the AHL in 2024-25, there’s a real chance to play NHL minutes, sooner than later.