Kings GM Dean Lombardi talks about Stanley Cup defense, Jonathan Quick

Dean Lombardi took a few moments to catch up the other day, shortly before the (hockey) storm gets unleashed with a series of events leading up to the start of next week’s training camp.

The Kings general manager talked about the current approach from his players as they get ready for their Stanley Cup defense. It is, he noted, a subtle contrast from when they first won the Cup in 2012.

“They were on a mission when they left [for the summer],” Lombardi said. “We’ve never had so many players back this early. When I saw them, they looked really good. There seems to be a different focus … something better than even the first time.”

He later joked that the players were all trying to be like their teammate, the ultra-lean Jeff Carter.

Lombardi provided an update on goalie Jonathan Quick, who had offseason wrist surgery. Quick has suffered no setbacks, according to the Kings GM.

“He just started taking shots now … but he’s still got to go slow,” Lombardi said.

The regular season starts Oct. 8 against the San Jose Sharks at Staples Center.

Will Quick get into any preseason games?

“It’s going to go right down to the wire, but we think we’re fine,” Lombardi said. “We’ve got [Martin] Jones if we have to go short-term.”

The Kings’ strength at the position made it difficult for them to add another goalie. The team’s website reported that veteran goalie Jeff Deslauriers had accepted a training camp tryout. Lombardi spent most of the summer trying to find a No. 3 goalie.

“Not a lot out there. It’s hard to get third goalies,” he said. “Guys who come in as a three, generally want a chance as a two and they don’t see that [here]. We can’t offer great opportunity.”