What You Need to Know About the Los Angeles Kings' 2014 Training Camp

The Los Angeles Kings have spent the summer with the Stanley Cup for the second time in three years. Now, just months after Dustin Brown hoisted it at Staples Center, it's time to begin the process of defending the Cup.

With training camp less than a week away, there are key bits of information to take note of—from the dates of camp and the location, to the roster and a look ahead at the exhibition schedule.

In addition, there are a handful of players to watch for over the course of the next few weeks for different reasons.

This is what to keep an eye on at the Kings' 2014 training camp.

Basic Information

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Training camp opens Friday, September 19 at the Toyota Sports Center with players split into two groups for separate practices. On Sunday, camp moves to Staples Center for practices which will not be open to the public.

A total of 65 players will attend camp. This includes seven goalies, 23 defensemen and 35 forwards.

Of the 65, 11 players are attending on a tryout basis, with goaltender Jeff Deslauriers being the lone netminder with NHL experience.

Full schedule (subject to change) is in Pacific time and courtesy of LAKings.com:

Friday, September 19 – TSC
10 a.m. – Group A practice
2 p.m. – Group B practice

Saturday, September 20 – TSC
10 a.m. – Group B practice
2 p.m. – Group A practice

Sunday, September 21 – Staples Center
10 a.m. – Group A practice
2 p.m. – Group B practice

Monday, September 22 – Split Squad Exhibition Games vs. Arizona
10 a.m. – Staples Center game squad morning skate
7 p.m. – Game at Arizona
7:30 p.m. – Game vs. Arizona at Staples Center

Tuesday, September 23 – Staples Center
10 a.m. – Group A practice
2 p.m. – Group B practice

Wednesday, September 24 – Staples Center
10 a.m. – Group A practice
2 p.m. – Group B practice

Thursday, September 25 – Exhibition Game vs. Anaheim
10 a.m. – Game group morning skate at TSC
11:30 a.m. – Non-game group practice at TSC
7:30 p.m. – Game vs. Anaheim at Staples Center

Exhibition Schedule

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The Kings' exhibition schedule may be one of the toughest in the NHL. It will be a good way to measure some of the prospects who have another year or two to go before they will be ready for the NHL.

The schedule is heavy with non-Canadian divisional foes. L.A. has two games against the Anaheim Ducks, Arizona Coyotes, the defending Central Division champion Colorado Avalanche and a single contest with the San Jose Sharks.

The first two or three games will be crucial for many of the long shots at camp. They will need to make a strong impression immediately or they will be sent home.

Exhibition schedule is in Pacific time and courtesy LAKingsInsider.com:

Monday, September 22

7 p.m. Kings at Arizona, Jobing.com Arena (split squad)

Monday, September 22

7:30 p.m. Kings vs Arizona, Staples Center (split squad)

Thursday, September 25

7:30 p.m. Kings vs Anaheim, Staples Center

Sunday, September 28

5 p.m. Kings at Anaheim, Honda Center

Tuesday, September 30

7:30 p.m. Kings at San Jose, SAP Center

Thursday, October 2

6 p.m. Kings at Colorado, Broadmoor World Arena

Saturday, October 4

7 p.m. Kings vs Colorado, MGM Grand Garden Arena

Goaltender to Watch

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Jeff Deslauriers 

He is the one netminder with NHL experience who has been given a tryout by the Kings. Goaltender Jeff Deslauriers is 30 years old and has appeared in 62 games for the Edmonton Oilers and Anaheim Ducks.

He is 23-32-7 with a .901 save percentage, 3.24 goals-against average and three shutouts. Not exactly stellar numbers, but they've allowed him to hang around at the AHL level.

It will be interesting to see how a veteran like Deslauriers stacks up against a number of youngsters who are just getting a taste of the pro level.

Will he keep his head down and look to separate himself from the competition? Perhaps he'll offer advice to the young 20-somethings as they embark on a journey similar to the one he once took.

Regardless, the Kings' goaltending situation is cemented, so this is a matter or trying to earn a spot in the AHL.

Defensemen to Watch

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Derek Forbort

There has been no shortage of analysis and discussion on Derek Forbort in recent years. The shutdown defenseman was drafted 15th overall by the Kings in the 2010 draft, and expectations remain high.

However, those are long-term expectations. Heading into this season, it appears Forbort is a lock to spend a second consecutive full season in Manchester.

Fans and management hope to see that the 6'4", 212-pound blueliner is much closer to competing with the big, speedy and skilled forwards of the NHL. He will be under constant watch in camp, and it will be a good test to see how he performs under pressure.

Nick Ebert

Drafted in the seventh round, 211th overall by L.A. in 2012 draft, Ebert is not in the same position as Forbort. Expectations are fairly low by comparison.

Ebert has great speed and acceleration, and his slap shot could be among the best at training camp. But there are some drawbacks to his game, including his hockey sense and positioning in the defensive zone.

After dropping way down the draft charts and struggling in 2012-13, he turned it up in 2013-14 with the Windsor Spitfires and Guelph Storm of the OHL. He registered 53 points in 65 regular-season games and followed that up with 16 points in 20 playoff games.

Which player will show up to camp?

Forwards to Watch

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Valentin Zykov

He is still one of the Kings' most talented prospects. Zykov was drafted 37th overall in 2013, and the Russian forward has the potential to be a top-six forward in the NHL.

According to Curtis Zupke of NHL.com, Zykov spoke at development camp about Tanner Pearson and Tyler Toffoli making the leap to the NHL and having a big impact:

"

When you see young guys get on the team and help them to win, of course it gives you confidence. You just try to follow what they've done … get better every year and try to do the same thing. Everybody wants to make the NHL as fast as they can.

"

If there is one young forward who could make an impact this season in what would be the first NHL action of his career, it's Zykov. Keep an eye on him in training camp, as he could be one of the biggest standouts.

Dwight King

According to CapGeek.com, King signed a three-year, $5.85 million contract in the offseason. He may not face the pressure to live up to that deal right away as he would on a weaker team, unless of course the Kings really struggle.

What will be interesting to follow is the role he takes on in training camp.

King is now 25 years old and has established himself as at least a third-line player for the Kings. Perhaps he could look to step into more of a leadership role—at least for the younger players in camp.

In terms of performance, he will likely try to show he has the skill and conditioning to play a role similar to that of Dustin Brown or maybe sneak onto the second line with Jeff Carter. King may not be a young prospect, but he will be among the most interesting players to watch in camp.