3 players fighting for full-time spots on LA Kings roster in 2024-25
With training camp set to start next month and quickly lead into the preseason, it is time to start looking at the roster for the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings this offseason made a number of moves but there is a tough case to be made that they actually improved the roster.
If the Kings are hoping for improvements, it is going to have to be from some younger players taking that next step in their development and moving into prominent roles at the NHL level. With that in mind, these are three players who have primarily played in the AHL that will be fighting for a spot on the Kings' roster.
3 LA Kings players fighting for full-time roster spots in 2024-25
Akil Thomas
Akil Thomas was a second round pick by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft and spent a majority of the past three seasons with the Ontario Reign. He dealt with some injuries over the past few years and this has contributed some to him not seeing more time in the NHL.
In fact, last season was his first run with the Kings and he appeared in seven games and was very productive with three goals on nine shots, one assist, and eight hits. The Kings would sign Thomas to a two-year extension earlier this summer but he will be turning 25 years old this season and this will be his best chance to show what he can do at the NHL level.
Alex Turcotte
Another forward who received an extension this offseason was Alex Turcotte, who signed a three-year contract. Similar to Thomas, Turcotte is under some pressure this season to make an impact with the Los Angeles Kings.
Turcotte has seen more time at the NHL level over his career, with 32 games over the past three seasons. However, he has only one goal and three assists in those games. The good news is that Turcotte has been more productive with the Reign and particularly this past season.
Last year, Turcotte would have 10 goals, 19 assists in 35 games with another two goals and two assists in eight games during the Calder Cup Playoffs.
As the fifth overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, the Kings had high expectations for Turcotte and he probably is under more pressure entering this season. Particularly since the Kings need more offensive production he can make an impact this season.
It wouldn't at all be surprising to see Turcotte and Akil Thomas be part of the LA Kings fourth line to start the season.
Brandt Clarke
Of the three players on this list, Brandt Clarke is pretty much a lock to start the season with Los Angeles Kings. He will also probably have the most ice-time among the three listed as he should be part of the second pairing on defense.
Clarke was the eighth overall pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft and didn't waste any time getting to the NHL as he played in nine games in the 2022-23 season followed by another 16 games last season. In those 25 games, he had 2 goals, six assists and 35 blocks.
The production shouldn't come as much of a surprise as Clarke excelled in the AHL and was named to the AHL's Top Prospect team after he led all rookies in assists (36) and set the record for points by a defenseman for the Reign.
It is easy to see why fans would be excited for Clarke as he has shown he belongs in the NHL, even at the age of 20.
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