Kanko, 18, Getting Long Look by Kings

The Kings’ much-hyped rookie foursome of 20-year-olds Michael Cammalleri, Alexander Frolov, Jared Aulin and Yanick Lehoux has drawn the most attention in training camp, but an even younger player also has left an impression.

Petr Kanko, an 18-year-old winger from Czechoslovakia, has shown enough in camp that he will be in the lineup when the Kings open their exhibition season Thursday night against the San Jose Sharks at Staples Center.

“I think it’s basically a carry over from our summer camp, where he was one of our top two players,” Coach Andy Murray said of Kanko, a third-round pick in the June entry draft. “He’s strong on his skates and really competitive....

“I just like the way he plays the game, with a bit of an edge.”

Frolov and Aulin also are expected to be in the lineup against the Sharks, with Cammalleri and Lehoux playing in a rookie game against the Mighty Ducks earlier in the day at the Arrowhead Pond. Cammalleri and Lehoux probably will face the Ducks again Sunday night in an exhibition game at Bakersfield.

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A day after defenseman Mattias Norstrom signed a four-year, $14.5-million contract, Murray was surprised to see the team captain riding an exercise bike in the weight room at 6 a.m. “I said, ‘Is that part of the contract?’ ” the coach said of their Sunday morning encounter. “ ‘Are you paid by the hour now?’ ” ... If nowhere else, the Kings are set in goal with Felix Potvin and Jamie Storr, who will split time in the exhibition season. “I don’t think we’re going to try the other guys at all,” Murray said of prospects B.J. Boxma, Cristobal Huet, Alexei Volkov and Travis Scott.... Ken Belanger has not yet practiced because of a sore back and Adam Deadmarsh has sat out since Saturday because of knee tendinitis.... The Kings will take the day off today to host their annual charity golf tournament, starting at noon at Robinson Ranch in Santa Clarita. The event is sold out.... Murray hopes to make his first cuts Monday, reducing the roster by as many as 10 players.

Jerry Crowe

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Right wing Mark Recchi will be sidelined three to five weeks with a sprained right knee, an injury that could cause him to miss the Philadelphia Flyers’ regular-season opener Oct. 10.... Florida Panther defenseman Paul Laus had surgery on his right wrist and won’t be ready to start the season. Laus missed 34 games last season after breaking the wrist in a fight with Atlanta’s Jeff Cowan on Jan. 19. Laus is the last remaining original Panthers’ player.