Akil Thomas
This next player is certainly a confusing one because he was essentially blocked from any ice time last season and it doesn't look like it will get any easier this season. Akil Thomas played in only seven games in 2023-24, which was the season he would make his NHL debut, and had three goals and one assist.
Entering last season, Thomas looked poised to have a real shot at a regular spot on the fourth line but would play in only 25 games with under 10 minutes of ice time per game. He had only one goal and two assists while not really being much of a factor outside of almost averaging two hits per game.
The former second-round pick entering this season probably won't have a chance at a spot on the fourth line, similar to the reasons for Helenius, but is competing for just a spot on the NHL roster. There is clearly something that Jim Hiller believes is missing from his game because he certainly could help an offense that was searching for playmakers at times.