Kings face Utah Mammoth in second preseason game as Kuemper makes first start

Los Angeles will host the Utah Mammoth on Tuesday evening at Crypto.com Arena for the second of four 2026 preseason games. The Kings have a mixed lineup that includes 12 players making their preseason debuts, among them veteran defensemen Mikey Anderson, Cody Ceci, Brandt Clarke and Joel Edmundson, as well as forward Liam Lefebvre, who is set to appear in his first NHL exhibition.

Darcy Kuemper is slated to start in goal, his first appearance of the preseason after Anton Forsberg started the opening game. Kuemper said the reduced workload of two full games will still provide ample action, adding that the camp has prepared him well for the upcoming season.

Coach Peter Laviolette indicated that the game will be used to evaluate defensive pairings, noting that Anderson and Clarke will see time together after a practice switch. He also mentioned that the staff will keep an open line on line combinations and will use the limited preseason schedule to fine-tune the roster ahead of the regular-season opener.

The Kings' power-play unit will be adjusted for the absence of Mats Zuccarello, who has been practicing in a non-contact jersey. Andre Lee is expected to fill the vacant spot, while the core of Brandt Clarke, Adrian Kempe, Artemi Panarin and Quinton Byfield remains intact.

Utah will field a roster that includes veterans Logan Cooley, Clayton Keller and defenseman Mikhail Sergachev, along with top scorer Dylan Guenther. The matchup offers both clubs a chance to assess players against a veteran-led opponent before the preseason concludes on Saturday against Anaheim.