After they acquired his rights from Buffalo, it was only a matter of time before the Kings signed prospect Erik Portillo. That move has now come as the team announced that they’ve signed the goaltender to a two-year, entry-level contract. The deal, which begins this season, carries an AAV of $875K.
Los Angeles acquired the 22-year-old from the Sabres in exchange for a 2023 third-round pick at the trade deadline after Portillo indicated to Buffalo that he wasn’t planning to sign with them. He had a 25-11-2 record with a 3.00 GAA and a .908 SV% in 38 games with Michigan this season, helping to lead them to a spot in the Frozen Four. Those numbers were actually a step back from his first two college campaigns as his time at that level concluded with a 2.49 GAA and a .918 SV% in 87 appearances over three seasons.
After Michigan was eliminated in the tournament earlier this month, he signed a tryout agreement with AHL Ontario. However, he didn’t see any game action and the Reign were eliminated by Colorado in the first round last night. In order for Portillo to be eligible to play in the playoffs, he needed to have his AHL tryout converted into an NHL deal which has now occurred.
Portillo is likely earmarked for the Reign again next season where it’s possible that he teams up with Cal Petersen if the Kings run him through waivers again. If that happens, Ontario’s goalie tandem will be two players who were originally picked by Buffalo, went to college, and ultimately chose not to sign with the Sabres; Portillo was a 2019 third-rounder while Petersen was a 2013 fifth-round selection.
Most likely Petersen gets traded or bought out.