Akil Thomas was a second round pick by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2018 NHL Draft but hasn't been able to have a consistent role in the NHL. Is this the season that happens? Let's take a closer look at the player and what to expect this upcoming season.
LA Kings Player Profile: Akil Thomas
Position: Center
Shoots: Right
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 195 pounds
2023-24 Stats (with the Ontario Reign)
Games Played: 64
Goals: 22
Assists: 24
Points: 46
+/-: 3
What to expect from Akil Thomas in the 2024-25 season?
Akil Thomas would end up playing seven games with the Los Angeles Kings last season with three goals and one assist in those games. He certainly got off to a fast start as he had three goals in his first five NHL games towards the end of the regular season last year.
The performance in the NHL was a carryover from what he was able to do in the AHL, which was his best season with the Reign in his career. This was due in large part to him being able to stay healthy, which he wasn't really able to do in the seasons prior.
Now entering this season, Thomas has a great chance to be the center on the fourth line for the Los Angeles Kings. One of the things that could help him this season is that he should be playing on the same line with Alex Turcotte, who he showed great chemistry with last season while both were on the Reign.
If Akil Thomas is able to stay healthy, this fourth line with Thomas and Turcotte has some serious potential to be an exciting line for the Los Angeles Kings this upcoming season.