Erik Portillo Deserves a Chance as the LA Kings’ Backup Goalie – The Hockey Writers – Los Angeles Kings

There’s more to being a successful goaltender than size alone. Not everyone fits the traditional mold, and Erik Portillo is a prime example of why. He is the current and primary netminder for the Ontario Reign, the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings. Let’s take a closer look at why he has earned the opportunity to become Los Angeles’ next backup goaltender.

A Backup Worth Considering

The 25-year-old, 6-foot-6 Swedish goaltender has played just one game for the Kings during the 2024-25 season, but he made the most of it. On Nov. 29, 2024, he stopped 28 shots in a 2-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks. He looked incredibly solid in net, making save after save and proving to be a wall for the Kings.

While one game isn’t enough to determine a goalie’s future, it showed the Kings that he can handle the fast-paced action when called up. Having a reliable backup is important for any team, especially over the course of a long season when the starter, in this case Darcy Kuemper, needs time to rest and recover after a heavy night of play. If he can build off that performance, he could give Los Angeles a dependable option in net without needing to look outside the organization.

What Happens to Forsberg?

Of course, the Kings already have a backup in Anton Forsberg. This gives the team another goaltender to work with as he brings experience and veteran leadership after 11 seasons in the NHL. The 6-foot-3 Swede is signed to a two-year, $4.5 million contract through the 2026-27 season. This could create healthy competition in the crease as Portillo continues to push for an NHL opportunity. Having that friendly rivalry for the backup spot could give both goaltenders even more reason to prove they belong there.

Still, Portillo has an opportunity to make a strong case for himself. His height and size alone give him a natural advantage in the crease. He has also shown steady development during his time with the Reign, giving the Kings reason to believe he could handle a much bigger role. It ultimately comes down to whether he can put himself in a position to build on that confidence and consistency to keep earning more opportunities.

A Quick Rundown of His Stats

In the 2025-26 season, Portillo appeared in 30 games, allowing 71 goals and making 693 saves on 764 shots faced. His .907 save percentage (SV%) and 2.45 goals-against average (GAA) show the solid season he put together in the AHL. For Los Angeles, having a goaltender developing in the AHL at that pace is a plus. If someone is needed to step in, whether due to an injury or just for Kuemper to rest, he’s the guy who’s proven he can take on the responsibility.

What the Chances Look Like

The important decision comes down to who’s in goal for the 2026-27 season. There’s Kuemper, playing as the starter in the final year of the five-year contract that he signed with the Washington Capitals in 2022. Then it boils down to Forsberg and Portillo. Both are excellent and possess different yet valuable qualities. Last season, Forsberg posted a .910 SV% and 2.54 GAA. Not to mention, he started four playoff games against the Colorado Avalanche in Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. There’s a legitimate veteran competing and playing here.

At the end of the day, Portillo has shown that he has the potential to become an NHL backup goaltender, with his size and statistics with the Reign providing a strong foundation. All he needs is an opportunity, and he could be ready to take the next step from an AHL goaltender to a regular NHL backup.