from Helene Elliott of the LA Times,

Kings defenseman Willie Mitchell, who missed all of last season because of knee problems, is expected to be ready when the team opens training camp next week in El Segundo. Players are scheduled to report for physicals Sept. 11 and take to the ice the following day.

“At this point everything has been positive -- as of today he will be ready for camp,” Kings General Manager Dean Lombardi said Wednesday via email.

Mitchell, a veteran with an imposing physical presence, was sorely missed last season. Lombardi did well to compensate by acquiring Robyn Regehr, a strong defensive player, but losing Rob Scuderi to free agency this summer created a huge hole that should be filled if Mitchell is fit.

continue for more on the Kings...