Cal Petersen of the Los Angeles Kings has been placed on the NHL’s COVID protocol list just prior to their game against the Anaheim Ducks. Jonathan Quick is also out, so that means LA will need to rely on unproven goaltending depth for the moment. Lisa Dillman of The Athletic broke the Petersen news early Wednesday evening.
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Kings Cal Petersen on COVID List
This is a serious setback for the Kings. Petersen has supplemented the veteran Quick as the top netminder in the City of Angels. The 26-year-old has a .914 save percentage and 2.74 goals-against-average. He has outperformed his more esteemed counterpart in almost every regard and is poised to receive a significant raise after 2021-22 if things continue in their current direction. It’s looking like a breakout year for the young goalie in his first season with significant action.
The Buffalo Sabres originally drafted Petersen in the fifth round of the 2013 Draft, but failed to sign him. The Kings signed him after the 2016-17 season and watched as he posted several uneven seasons with their AHL affiliate in Ontario, California. The 6′-1″ Iowa native has a career .919 save percentage and 2.67 goals-against in 32 NHL appearances.
What This Means For The Future
The most recent depth chart projections would indicate that Troy Grosenick will start against the Ducks. The 31-year-old was claimed earlier this year from the Edmonton Oilers. Grosenick has only two NHL games under his belt, but sports an excellent AHL resume. It’s hard to know what the untested veteran can truly do.
Backing him up will be either 21-year-old Matt Vilalta or 20-year-old Jacob Ingham. Of the two, Vilalta is closer to the NHL despite struggling at the AHL level. He has appeared in six games for AHL Ontario with a .873 save percentage and 3.40 goals-against. Grosenick is probably capable of handling duties while Petersen is out, but Los Angeles needs someone to step up. They are clinging to a spot just outside the top four in the West Division.
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