April 3: Los Angeles announced the deal this morning. It begins next season.
April 2: The Kings have agreed to a two-year entry-level contract with forward Kenny Connors, John Hoven of Mayor’s Manor reports. The 22-year-old pivot turns pro following his junior season with UMass. It’s unclear whether the deal begins immediately or next season, but it’s likely the latter.
Connors isn’t a free-agent pickup. Los Angeles selected him in the fourth round (No. 103 overall) of the 2022 draft from the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the United States Hockey League. The Glen Mills, Pennsylvania native jumped to NCAA play with the Minutemen following his selection, putting together a 9-17–26 scoring line in 32 games in his freshman season to earn Hockey East All-Rookie Team honors. He also suited up for the United States at the 2023 World Juniors, scoring a pair of goals in seven games and winning a bronze medal.
The 6’2″, 207-lb center hasn’t seen an increase in point production over his last two seasons, though. He was limited to 7-15–22 in 37 games in his sophomore season, a stark drop from 0.81 to 0.59 points per game. He got things back on track somewhat this year with a 10-goal, 29-point showing in 40 games, but his 0.73 points per game still didn’t eclipse his freshman effort.
Nonetheless, Connors will close the book on his collegiate career. He’ll likely get a lengthy look with AHL Ontario before getting a crack at making his NHL debut. He’s the No. 12 prospect in the Kings’ system, per Scott Wheeler of The Athletic. That’s second in what’s a paper-thin pool of centers in L.A. behind 2021 second-rounder Francesco Pinelli. He “plays a well-rounded two-way game built upon hard work, a drive to be involved, decent skating, applying pressure and then making quick decisions and reads with the puck to generate offense and sustain offensive-zone time,” Wheeler writes. “I’m not sure if he has true NHL skill, pace or upside, but some believe he might become a bottom-six option or good AHL depth and I could see that.”
Regardless of when Connors’ deal begins, it gives the Kings 32 deals on the books for the 2025-26 campaign, 19 of which are forwards.