The L.A. Kings have one more pre-season game left on their schedule. It goes tonight against the Colorado Avalanche.
And veteran forward Devin Setoguchi, battling for a roster spot on a professional tryout with the Kings, will be put into prime position to make perhaps one last impression on the coaching staff.
According to reports, he will begin the game on the wing on a line with Anze Kopitar, which could provide an opportunity for him to strut his offensive capabilities in this pivotal audition.
“If there’d be any impact for Devon tonight that would be getting to play with Kopitar. Hopefully that’s good for him,” said coach Darryl Sutter, as per LA Kings Insider.
The Kings have 15 forwards listed on their NHL roster, as per General Fanager, but there may be spots up for grabs -- at least in the interim -- with Marian Gaborik on the injured list, and Tanner Pearson serving a suspension that runs through the first two games of the regular season.
Setoguchi, now 29 years old, played last season in Switzerland, after 471 NHL games for four teams. He has also battled alcoholism off the ice -- a battle he detailed for The Hockey News last month.
Setoguchi felt he rediscovered his game in Davos, putting up 11 goals and 24 points in 30 games. Returning to Switzerland, or elsewhere in Europe, would be fine if that’s how things play out, both he and his wife said, but they’re both hopeful for a return to the NHL. “I’ve helped myself, and every day I try to help myself be a better person,” said Setoguchi, now 29. “I feel like I’m a pretty good gauge for young kids as to how quick it can hit and how fast it can stop. I wouldn’t say a mentor, but I think I’d be good to have around an AHL team for a bit. Hopefully someone can see that I’ve turned it around. I can definitely help.