The Los Angeles Kings have signed forward Akil Thomas to a three-year entry-level contract, according to Fox Sports’ Jon Rosen. Terms have not been released for the team’s 2018 second-round pick.
Many people were surprised when a talent like Thomas, who was expected to go late in the first round, slipped all the way to the 51st pick in the draft last year and the Kings have been the benefactors. Thomas has had a dominant season in the OHL this year as he’s ninth in the league in scoring with 37 goals and 99 points in 61 games for the Niagara IceDogs this season.
Thomas was hoping to play for Team Canada this year at the World Juniors this season, but was not invited to their evaluation camp over the summer. However, when Gabriel Vilardi pulled out of the camp to rest his back, the 18-year-old Thomas got an opportunity to show them what he could do. However, Thomas got injured in the camp and didn’t make the team. He also struggled mightily at the NHL Rookie Camp over the summer as well, but has made up for it with an impressive campaign with the IceDogs. The 6-foot, 180-pound center is known for being a cerebral player with impressive stickhandling skills and solid speed and is good at finishing, but has a more pass-first mentality.
dang this kids numbers the past few years…
I know right. He certainly was a steal for the Kings.
Hopefully Blake et al. don’t screw him up.