Los Angeles Kings begin Stanley Cup title defense with 21 players from last season's roster
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Los Angeles Kings celebrate after center Tyler Toffoli, second from left, scored during the second period of an NHL preseason hockey game against the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) (The Associated Press)
The Los Angeles Kings will open their Stanley Cup title defense with 21 players from last season's championship team.
The Kings set their 23-man roster Tuesday in advance of Wednesday's season opener against San Jose.
The only new additions to Los Angeles' opening-night roster are defenseman Brayden McNabb and forward Andy Andreoff, two Kings prospects who had strong training camps.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Everybody else was on the roster that raised the Stanley Cup in June. Defenseman Willie Mitchell is the only player who isn't back from the Kings' title-clinching victory over the New York Rangers.
Jeff Schultz cleared waivers after competing with McNabb for the final spot on defense.
Forward Adam Cracknell was Los Angeles' only significant offseason signee. He was claimed off waivers by Columbus on Tuesday.