Just In: Kings sign Key forward to two-year contract Valuing $775,000

The LA Kings have extended forward Akil Thomas’ contract for two years with an average annual value of $775,000. The initial year of the agreement involves a two-way contract, while the subsequent year is a one-way deal.

Thomas had his NHL debut in April while playing in Winnipeg. Throughout the season, he appeared in seven games for the main team. He quickly made an impact, scoring his first NHL goal in San Jose during his second game and earning four points in total.

Furthermore, Thomas displayed leadership qualities in the AHL, serving as an alternate captain for Ontario and contributing significantly to the team’s performance in the Calder Cup Playoffs, where they reached the third round.

Immediate Analysis

Thomas is among the group of young players ready to compete for a regular spot in the NHL, which aligns perfectly with the LA Kings’ need for youthful contributors at a reasonable salary. He will have a significant opportunity during the training camp to demonstrate his readiness to play in the NHL full-time this season.

Thomas earned his place in this category through his solid performance towards the end of the previous season in the NHL and his consistent play in the AHL throughout the 2023-24 season. Not only did he showcase his skill in the AHL, but he also managed to score four points in his seven NHL appearances, proving his ability to perform at the highest level. What sets him apart from others is his blend of skill and gritty play, which is valuable to the Kings, who don’t necessarily require first-line performances from him but rather contributions from younger and cost-effective players further down the lineup. Thomas is expected to deliver on these aspects.

Before making his NHL debut in Winnipeg, Thomas discussed a turning point he experienced during the season. He highlighted the guidance he received from Ontario Reign Head Coach Marco Sturm, who helped him refocus on essential aspects of his game that he had overlooked due to injuries that hampered his development in the early years of his professional career. Thomas began emphasizing these aspects in the AHL season, showing not only his scoring ability but also his playmaking skills and leadership qualities. This all-around performance and professionalism earned him call-ups for crucial playoff games. His extension signals the Kings’ commitment to injecting youth into their lineup, which was one of the youngest in the postseason.

In terms of the contract details, the financial figures play a pivotal role, as discussed in Thomas’ recent season review. The Kings require players who can contribute at or near the league-minimum salary, making Thomas’ $775,000 contract particularly enticing for an NHL role. The second-year one-way deal provides increased financial security for Thomas and suggests a higher chance of continued NHL involvement. Despite his promising seven-game stint, Thomas still has to prove himself and earn his place on the NHL roster. This contract offers him enhanced financial stability over the two years and benefits the Kings in terms of salary cap management. It’s a comparable deal to Tobias Bjornfot’s signing last year and could serve as a blueprint for potential contracts for other young Kings players like Alex Turcotte, who is a restricted free agent this summer.

From the team’s official release –

The LA Kings have signed forward Akil Thomas to a two-year contract worth an average annual value (AAV) of $775,000 through the 2025-26 season.

Thomas, 24, split the 2023-24 campaign between the Kings and their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate Ontario Reign. Thomas made his NHL debut on April 1 in Winnipeg and registered three goals and four points (3-1=4) in seven games for the Kings last season, including his first career NHL goal in his second career game on April 4 in San Jose. Thomas notched his third goal in his fifth career game on April 11 against Calgary to become the fifth different skater in franchise history to score at least three goals within the first five games of his career, and the first to do so since Brian Boyle (3-1=4 in 5GP) from Feb. 2-10, 2008.

The 5-11, 185-pound forward accumulated 46 points (22-24=46) in 64 games with the Reign this season, setting career highs in goals, assists and points, and was one of three Reign skaters to hit the 20-goal mark this season. He earned AHL Player of the Week honors for the period ending March 24, 2024, after notching four goals, two assists and a plus-6 rating while recording all three game-winning goals during the Reign’s perfect 3-0-0 week. Thomas’ nine game-winning goals finished second among all AHL skaters behind teammate Samuel Fagemo and contributed a pair of goals and three assists (2-3=5) in eight Calder Cup Playoff contests.

Originally selected by the Kings in the second round (51st overall) of the 2018 NHL Draft, Thomas has skated in 157 career games across four seasons with the Reign, accumulating 46 goals and 47 assists for 93 points (46-47=93). In 13 career Calder Cup Playoff outings, Thomas has tallied seven goals and 10 points (7-3=10).

Prior to turning pro, the Toronto, Ontario native played four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), recording 315 points (105-210=315) in 241 career games with the Peterborough Petes and Niagara IceDogs, where he served as captain during the 2019-20 season. Thomas has represented Canada at three IIHF events, including one IIHF World Junior Championship (2020 – gold), where he scored the game-winner against Russia, and two IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championships (2017 and 2018).