Los Angeles Kings Re-Sign Young Forward

The Los Angeles Kings are making a move. According to The Fourth Period's Dennis Bernstein, the Pacific Division club has re-signed Akil Thomas to a two-year contract. In addition, the second year of his contract is one-way. 

Hearing Kings and RFA F Akil Thomas have agreed on a two year deal. Second year of the deal is 1 way.

— Dennis Bernstein (@DennisTFP) June 5, 2024

Thomas, 24, appeared in his first seven career NHL games this season and showed great promise. In them, he posted three goals to go along with an assist. He also picked up three points his final four games of the year with the Kings. 

Down in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Ontario Reign, Thomas had a career year. The 2018 second-round pick recorded new career highs with 22 goals, 24 assists, and 46 points. It was a big step in the right direction for the Toronto native, and he will now look to earn himself a permanent spot on the Kings' roster in 2024-25 because of it. 

Overall, this is a nice low-risk move by the Kings. Thomas is a promising prospect who appears to be on the verge of being a full-time NHL player, and they have locked him up for multiple years because of it. Let's see how well he performs during the duration of this contract from here.

photo credit: © Jessica Alcheh-USA TODAY Sports