A decade in the making: the Ontario Reign have a chance to clinch the Pacific Division tonight for the first time since their inaugural season.

Head coach Andrew Lord and his group took a major step toward that goal with a regulation win at Toyota Arena on Friday, coupled with a Colorado Eagles loss to the Tucson Roadrunners.

Leading the way for Ontario were Kings prospects Franky Pinelli and Hampton Slukynsky, who helped secure a 4-1 victory over Coachella Valley. The former recorded two goals, while ‘Hammer’ turned aside 21 of 22 shots in his pro debut.

To the surprise of very few, Slukynsky stole the spotlight, displaying excellent puck tracking, smooth east-to-west movement, and the composure of a seasoned player at this level.

When asked about the biggest difference between college and pro hockey, here’s what he had to say:

Hampton Slukynsky on the difference between college and pro hockey – – The size of the players and the traffic. They’re bigger, and it’s hard to see at times. Little bit of an adjustment for me, but it was good. #GoKingsGo #ReignTrain

— Anthony Collazo (@anthonycollazo_) April 11, 2026

Additionally, Slukynsky was part of Ontario’s 45th win of the season, setting a new franchise record and eclipsing the mark established during the team’s inaugural 2015-16 campaign.

That season, the Reign made a deep run to the Western Conference Finals, before ultimately being swept by the then–Lake Erie Monsters.

Erik Portillo will look to build on Slukynsky’s standout performance and guide the Reign to their first division title since that historic season ten years ago.

Ontario can clinch the AHL Pacific Division with any of the following tonight.

•A Reign victory

•A Colorado Eagles loss

•Both teams earning just one point (OT/SO losses)

About Last Night

A few more notes and quotes from Fridays Reign victory…

Hammer was very complimentary of how LA org has treated him since he arrived, includ. a brand new mask waiting for him, then the quick wrap (with his usual backplate). All came together quickly, and he loves the look – "Turned out way better than anything I would've come up with" pic.twitter.com/qptYnp7c3J

— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) April 11, 2026

Lordo on his off-ice chats with Jamsen this season… pic.twitter.com/MZ3QPXWON9

— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) April 11, 2026

Lordo on #GoKingsGo prospect Hampton Slukynsky, who earned the win in his pro debut:

"The guy is incredible. … He's phenomenal — as billed, as everyone talked about. He's that and more. So, it's really great to see him do what he did tonight." pic.twitter.com/CqWP7wr37H

— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) April 11, 2026

Reign Projected Lineup vs. Firebirds

If there are any key changes during pregame warmups, this article will be updated.

Lee – Gawdin – Guttman
Alexandrov – Connors – Chromiak
Brown – Pinelli – Jamsen
Isogai – Hughes – Ziemmer

Kirsanov – Booth
Hicketts – Brzustewicz
Novikov – Millar

Portillo (starter)
Copley

Likely scratches: (F) Doty, Jenik, G. Slukynsky and (D) Dvorak, Salin and (G) G. Slukynsky

Practicing with the team: (F) Chovan, Mastrodomenico

Injured: Burroughs

Recalled to NHL: Wright

Key Game Info

Puck drop is set for 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time and will be streamed via FloSports. Additionally, a Reign radio feed is available here.

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Gameday image by ALoImages

Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news or interviews from this site please remember to include a link to www.MayorsManor.com

One last time.

This afternoon, Anze Kopitar will take the ice in his final regular-season game at Crypto.com Arena, in front of Kings fans who have witnessed his legendary career for nearly twenty years.

For what is sure to be an emotional contest, there is still some pretty big business to take care of — as the Oilers are in town for yet another massive tilt between these two clubs.

In something that seemed nearly impossible just two months ago, Los Angeles is essentially in charge of their playoff destiny. A win today not only goes a long way toward the wild card race, but it also gives the Kings a much greater chance at capturing one of the top three spots in the Pacific Division.

And while a final home game against the Ducks would have provided the perfect symmetry to Kopitar’s illustrious career, if it couldn’t be Anaheim, then Edmonton seems only appropriate given their newfound history. The Oilers had actually largely been an afterthought during his time in the NHL — until the latter end that is.

From their four straight playoff battles to even the most recent game between the two teams (one which ultimately saw Jim Hiller’s dismissal as Kings coach), suddenly, the Kings-Oilers rivalry from back in the 90’s is white hot again.

As for what’s directly in front of them, Kings coach DJ Smith will be looking for a much better result than the last time these Oilers skated in Downtown LA. Although that game was the infamous 8-1 blowout, the team today is in a much different head space. They’ve even won their last three games on home ice and hold a 4-1-1 record on this extended home stand.

Further, it’s pretty clear Anton Forsberg has emerged as LA’s top netminder. Even if Smith wants to stop short of calling him their No. 1 goalie, he’s certainly being used like one. Immersed in a fight for the postseason, Forsberg has won this opportunity by being nearly lights out down the stretch — possibly even saving LA’s season.

This isn’t just another game. It’s one filled with high stakes and a possible goodbye to Kopitar from the only city he’s called home since coming to North America. It’s sure to be an eventful day one way or another.

Statistically Speaking

— Anze Kopitar is set to play his final regular-season home game at Crypto.com Arena. He is the all-time leader in nearly every category in the history of the venue, including games played (757), goals (226), assists (471), points (697), plus/minus (+111), power play goals (68), and game-winning goals (39).

— Adrian Kempe scored his ninth game-opening goal of the season, tied for most in the NHL, as part of his team-leading 16th multi-point and sixth multi-goal game of the season Thursday night vs. Vancouver. With his pair of tallies, Kempe eclipsed the 70-point mark for the third consecutive season. Per NHL PR, Kempe is the eighth different skater in Kings history to record three consecutive 70-point campaigns.

— Kempe skates into Saturday’s matinee with eight goals and 12 points in his last seven games, dating back to March 26, including multi-goal efforts in three of those outings. In his last five games against Edmonton, Kempe has notched five points.

— Samuel Helenius is set to take the ice for his 100th career regular-season NHL game Saturday afternoon and would be the 26th different skater from the 2021 NHL Draft to reach the 100-game mark in their career.

— Joel Armia has scored in each of his last two games, dating back to Monday against Nashville, with his goal on Thursday against Vancouver marking his first game-winning goal as a member of the Kings.

Kings Projected Lineup vs. Oilers

If there are any key changes during pregame warmups, this article will be updated.

Per DJ Smith, Jeff Malott (who did not practice today) will be a game-time decision for tomorrow’s match against Edmonton

— Alexander Legget (@LeggetNHL) April 10, 2026

Panarin – Kopitar – Kempe
Moore – Byfield – Laferriere
Armia – Laughton – Wright
Joseph – Helenius – Ward

Anderson – Doughty
Edmundson – Clarke
Dumoulin – Ceci

Forsberg (starter)
Kuemper

Likely scratches: (F) Malott, Turcotte and (D) Moverare

Injured Reserve: Fiala, Kuzmenko (injury status updates here)

How to Watch the Game

Puck drop is set for 1:00 pm Pacific Time and will be televised by FanDuel Sports. Additionally, a Kings radio feed is available on the ESPN LA app.

More on the Kings’ changing TV situation for next season can be found here.

Across the Ice

Edmonton is coming off a 5-2 victory over San Jose on Wednesday. Here’s how they lined up in that matchup:

Podkolzin – McDavid – Savoie
RNH – Samanski – Roslovic
Dach – Dickinson – Frederic
Jones – Henrique – Kapanen

Ekholm – Bouchard
Nurse – Murphy
Walman – Emberson

Ingram

On This Day in Kings History

On April 11, 2012, Jeff Carter and Mike Richards played in their first playoff game with the @LAKings. Carter and Richards combined for five points, and Dustin Penner scored the game-winning goal in a 4-2 win in Game 1 versus the Vancouver Canucks.#LAKings #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/9rl2InlSOE

— The Kingstorian (@Kingstorian) April 11, 2026

MORE LA KINGS NEWS:

Episode 003: Future Considerations Podcast – Kings Prospects Sign ELCs, Advance in Playoffs

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Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news or interviews from this site please remember to include a link to www.MayorsManor.com

It’s Hammer Time!

Riding the momentum of a big overtime win Tuesday night, Ontario coach Andrew Lord and his squad now head into a home-and-home set against the Coachella Valley Firebirds this weekend.

And Friday night’s series opener is highly anticipated, largely because of a rookie goalie expected to appear in net. LA’s No. 1 goaltending prospect, Hampton Slukynsky, is scheduled to make his pro debut.

As if that isn’t enough to look forward to, there’s still plenty more in play. With their win last time out, the Reign now control their own destiny in the AHL’s Pacific Division. Having already clinched a playoff spot, they’re aiming for something bigger. Sitting two points ahead of the Colorado Eagles, their magic number is seven. Capturing a division title would be their first since the team’s inaugural season in Ontario a decade ago.

Adding another subplot to tonight, a win by the Reign would set new franchise records in both wins and points, surpassing marks established in that inaugural campaign.

Sneak peek at Hammer's new look for his expected pro debut tomorrow night in Ontario.

Love the backplate. Never forget your roots.

via skinfxwraps https://t.co/xmKT2R1Ya4 pic.twitter.com/pFPNEnPQq3

— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) April 10, 2026

Back to Slukynsky, he’s coming in fresh off his sophomore season at Western Michigan University, where he led the NCAA with 27 wins while recording a 2.30 GAA. Additionally, as a freshman, ‘Hammer’ — as he’s referred to by nearly everybody — backstopped the Broncos to a national championship, earning recognition on the Frozen Four All-Tournament Team and the NCHC All-Rookie Team.

Slukynsky’s debut comes 363 days after fellow high-end prospect Carter George made headlines with a shutout against the San Jose Barracuda in his first AHL game.

Replicating that performance won’t be easy, but what if Slukynsky can?

Checking in with Lordo

Lord on getting Hammer ready for his AHL debut:

I’m going probably do absolutely nothing! I’ve talked to him the last few mornings over breakfast, just trying to get to know him. He and his brother have character off the charts. You like both of them; they’re just both great people, they care. They got right into the mix over their first 48 hours here. [Hammer] has had some good skates. He’s been out with Buckley, he’s been out with Brownie. He’s obviously been around from development camp and all those times too. I think he’ll do a great job, so I’m really not giving it much thought at all, to be honest. And that’s not blowing smoke or downplaying it. He’s had an unbelievable last couple of seasons, and I think he’s ready.

On prepping a goalie and the wizardry of that position:

There’s certainly an element of goalie-speak, where you let the goaltending coaches do their thing. But I think, as the head coach, you can still have an impact on helping a guy feel comfortable in the room and with the team, trying to get him acclimated. These guys are all pros for a reason too. There’s been a lot of effort put in from management to scouts to everybody to bring a player of this caliber in. We’re excited to have them. And sometimes, or I would say almost always, I think under coaching is really important early on. You have to get to know a guy — what makes him a good player in a big moment, what’s his demeanor, what’s his attitude like? It’s a little bit different for everybody, and I think you have to give it a little bit of time. Almost see how things go, and then maybe correct afterwards.

On where he’s at mentally going into the final week of what’s been a successful first season behind the bench in Ontario thus far – having already qualified for the playoffs, with a division title still possible, and the postseason coming up quickly:

I just love the game. Personally, I’m just pumped for Friday’s game because I just really enjoy every game night. [In between games], we just get back to work with practice and prep, and nothing really changes. We have a good process that works, and we just have to keep staying the course; not take our foot off the gas. I think we went through a really good amount of adversity for a couple weeks there [in March], before these last three games. As much as you don’t like that in the moment — as much as it fires you up and makes you question things — it makes you find ways to be better.

I think it was perfect timing for our group. I think we needed a bit of that, and it’s certainly hardened us now. You can see it. Guys are getting shift-to-shift, the importance of the little details, and the structure. They’re making the play that maybe nobody notices, ones that don’t get you on the score sheet, but that really helps your team win. So, I like our mindset. I like where our group’s at right now. I think that when you’re feeling that, you have a little bit more calmness come over you as a coach, for sure.

On the growth he’s seen in Kenny Connors this season:

It’s a great question because you like him so much, right from rookie camp on. He’s just been so consistent, he does things the right way. Everything’s gotten a little bit better, game in and game out. Whether it’s face-offs or defensive play, or a little bit more offense – like what he’s done on the power play. Just reps and reads, and getting to know your opponents. I think it’s just been a steady growth throughout the year, and he’s going to be a real driver for us come playoff time.

On Martin Chromiak:

He’s been great, particularly the second half of the year. The amount he’s grown over the season is immense. He’s learned to be grittier and competes, really use the speed and his shot. Obviously, the production’s been there. His defending’s gotten better also. He’s been a driver for us of late, for sure.

Brzustewicz Talks AHL Debut, Plus Thoughts from Lord and Connors

Reign Projected Lineup vs. Firebirds

If there are any key changes during pregame warmups, this article will be updated.

Lee – Gawdin – Guttman
Alexandrov – Connors – Chromiak
Brown – Pinelli – Jamsen
Isogai – Hughes – Ziemmer

Kirsanov – Booth
Hicketts – Brzustewicz
Novikov – Millar

H. Slukynsky (starter)
Copley

Likely scratches: (F) Doty, Jenik, G. Slukynsky and (D) Dvorak, Salin and (G) Portillo

Practicing with the team: (F) Chovan, Mastrodomenico

Injured: Burroughs

Recalled to NHL: Wright

Key Game Info

Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time and will be streamed via FloSports. Additionally, a Reign radio feed is available here.

Follow @mayorNHL

Gameday image by ALoImages

Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news or interviews from this site please remember to include a link to www.MayorsManor.com

After being courted by what’s believed to be more than 15 NHL teams, Cleaves is said to be going back to school for one more year. At 6-foot-5, and given his rare combination of size and skill, he easily topped the wish list for many NHL scouts. As an example, Elite Prospects recently ranked him No. 1 among all college UFAs in skating, passing, and physicality. His hockey sense is also rated excellent.

There were a pair of legit viable candidates at center among this year’s college free agent crop. And with all apologies to TJ Hughes — who will play for Michigan later in the Frozen Four — the top guy the Kings should be targeting is Cleaves. Just 22 years old, compared to Hughes at 25, he better fits their long-term plans and still has more upside in his development. It’s one of the reasons we didn’t see LA as a likely landing spot for Hughes. He’s a fine player in his own right; this is more about a different player the Kings should be chasing.

Adding intrigue to the equation, we recently reported the Kings have secured a deal to have Cleaves’ Dartmouth teammate Hayden Stavroff at Dev Camp. He was this season’s ECAC Player of the Year and the leading goal scorer in all of college hockey. Could another package deal be in the offering down the road?

For now, step one is a further courting process in El Segundo this summer during the Kings annual gathering of top prospects and potential NHLers. The event is tentatively scheduled for June 29 – July 3.

They’ll be joined by defenseman Isaiah Norlin — one of the right-shot rearguards we profiled in our original free agent article. While these three are locked in, we don’t believe the Kings are done. From what we’re hearing, another big-time add from the blueline could be in the offering very, very soon. Stay tuned for more information on that topic later this week.

Here’s more on Cleaves from our original UFA article:

Hank Cleaves – Dartmouth

6-foot-5, 200 lbs, Center
2025-26 Stats: 32 GP, 17 G, 21 A, 38 Pts, 37 PIM, Plus-19

This weekend has put an even bigger spotlight on one of the best overall players on this list. A smooth skating, physical center, Cleaves is above average in everything scouts look for in a guy to scoop up. Checking in right around 200 lbs, he’s lean, although highly athletic.

Friday night, Cleaves scored a pair of goals (including the game-winner), helping Dartmouth earn an important victory over Colgate. He followed that up Saturday with a power play goal, part of a 4-1 win that sent his team to next weekend’s ECAC semifinals.

Hailing from the Northeastern part of the U.S., Cleaves went west to polish his game early. Cutting his teeth in the BCHL, he was fifth in the league for points-per-game (1.24) in 2023-24.

Now a sophomore at Dartmouth, there has been a lot of talk about Cleaves going back to school for one more year. He went to the Rangers development camp last summer. This season, he has the second-most points on his team.

Cleaves is a two-way, playmaking center:

What a tip by Hank Cleaves to make it 2-1 Dartmouth. It’s now 2-2 after one
pic.twitter.com/gzKv9KrIvP

— EVERYTHING COLLEGE HOCKEY (@TeamECH) December 6, 2025

His 23.3% shooting percentage ranks him inside the top-25 among all NCAA players who have played double-digit games this season. He’s also more than tripled the goal production from his freshman year (5) to sophomore season (17).

Follow @mayorsmanor

MORE LA KINGS NEWS:

2026 NHL Draft Preview: Trio of Eligible Prospects at the Frozen Four

Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news or interviews from this site please remember to include a link to www.MayorsManor.com

A lesser opponent, but still a challenging game.

Tonight, the Kings are set to take on the last-place Canucks at Crypto.com Arena, as the homestand continues for coach DJ Smith’s club. Is momentum building for a Kings club that has only lost in regulation twice over their last 10 matchups?

Recently, much of the focus has been on the wild-card race between Nashville and Los Angeles. Deservedly so, considering only one of those two teams will most likely get into the postseason. However, adjacent to that battle, something is also happening within the Pacific Division.

Directly in front of the Kings sit a Ducks team that appear to be in a free fall at the moment. They have fallen from first place down to third. If Los Angeles is able to win tonight, suddenly, there would be just a two-point difference between the pair of Southern California squads.

Fighting to reach game 83, this evening is another pivotal moment not only for Smith and the Kings, but also around the Western Conference. Utah and Nashville are set to square off, along with Anaheim and San Jose having a showdown of their own just down the 5 Freeway. Ideally, the Kings will take care of their own business and let the rest of the West beat up on each other as much as possible.

They Said It

Trevor Moore on the team’s mindset going into the final five regular season games:

I think confidence is high. I think we’re playing good hockey right now. We’re staying aggressive. Obviously, we’re going to overtime a lot, but I think we feel good about our game. We feel like we’re able to win every night, and that’s always good.

Moore on Kopitar as a leader:

He’s definitely one of those leaders who gets to know each person individually as a person. You’re not nervous around him. He’s very open. You can ask him advice about anything and he’ll give it to you. He’s not a guy who’s gonna go yell at people. He’s a guy who has that aura around him — you want to do the right things because he’s doing the right things.

DJ Smith on trying to balance days off vs. intense practices at this time of year:

I just think this team has to be on their toes all the time. I don’t think [we should be] sitting back — rest is one thing, but you have to be sharp. [Wednesday’s practice] was quick, but it was sharp, and it turns our nervous system on and gets us ready for a big game.

Smith on Scott Laughton, who teammates rave about:

Just a good guy. Even when I had him in junior, when he was the big dog, he didn’t act like a big dog. He’s always looking out for his teammates. He’s been around the league a long time, that he doesn’t take himself too seriously. And he understands how to play the game, and he plays the game hard. I think guys respect the way he plays and respect that he’s a good teammate. The intangibles in the dressing room are great. But don’t look too far past how hard he plays on the ice — that’s what allows him to gain that respect in the dressing room.

Smith on Laughton in the faceoff circle:

Well, you learn over the years. You look at all the young guys in the league that start their first year — 38 percent, 40 percent. John Tavares was in the 40s for the longest time, and then all of a sudden you figure out what works for you — how to cheat properly, I guess, is what the best guys do in the league. They all have their own knacks, but over time they find a way. These veteran guys — Kopitar’s at 57 [percent] and change or whatever he is. You look at the top guys in the league — they start low, then they figure it out over time. And obviously Laughton’s been in the league a long time, and he’s figured out ways to win faceoffs. What I would say a lot for him is he’s willing to be level. He’s got his nose ranked down there. He’s not afraid to take a stick to the face, and that allows you to get that extra three, four, five percent.

Smith on Kuzmenko’s progress:

He’s doing fine. There’s some talk that he may skate a little bit more, but we don’t think he’s there quite yet. We’ll see in another seven, ten days where he’s at. But we’re going to have to take care of our own business to allow him an opportunity to maybe get back in.

Kopitar on if he’s finishing off his career the way he wanted to this season:

Well, I’d like to be comfortably in the playoffs right now. But that’s not the case. We’re focused on obviously making the playoffs. Me personally, I’ve tried to soak it all in, tried to enjoy every minute, every second of it. It’s a fight right up until the end, so it’s been fun. These are the games you want to be involved in. Like I said, you wanna be in the playoff spot, but we’re fighting for it. So it’s exciting and it’s good to be a part of these games.

Kopitar on what he remembers from conversations with Dustin Brown when he was winding down his career in his final regular-season games:

Not a whole lot, no. He didn’t announce it until later on anyway. It was just trying to enjoy my time with him, really. At that point, we’d been playing together for 17, 18 years. So just trying not to take anything for granted, which is hard, because you’re playing with the guy for 17 years. He’s been my linemate for about 16 and a half of those. I guess it’s kind of a shock when you start thinking that he’s not gonna be here anymore. It always happens that way, right? You’re trying to almost turn the clock back and reminisce — all the good, the bad, the everything. I remember those last games. I was just trying to feed him as many pucks as I could so he could score goals and just enjoy the time.

Statistically Speaking

— Fresh off his fourth career four-point game last Saturday, Adrian Kempe netted the game-deciding goal in Monday’s shootout win over Nashville for his 22nd career shootout goal and fifth as the game-decider. His 22 shootout goals are the second-most in Kings history and tied for third-most among Swedish players in NHL history. Only Mika Zibanejad (31) and Nicklas Backstrom (29) have more.

— Anze Kopitar is set to play in his 73rd career game against Vancouver, and 38th at Crypto.com Arena. Among active skaters, Kopitar’s 44 assists and 62 points against the B.C.-based club are the second-most behind Edmonton’s Connor McDavid.

— Quinton Byfield and Adrian Kempe both have points in each of their last five games versus the Canucks, dating back to Nov. 7, 2024.

— In the Kings’ last outing against Vancouver on March 26, goaltender Darcy Kuemper turned aside all 19 shots faced to earn his 11th career shutout with the Kings, surpassing Stephane Fiset (10) and Kelly Hrudey (10) for the fifth-most shutouts in franchise history.

— Drew Doughty has 29 points in 49 career regular-season contests against Vancouver, tied with Mark Hardy for the most by a defenseman in Kings franchise history.

Kings Projected Lineup vs. Canucks

If there are any key changes during pregame warmups, this article will be updated.

Panarin – Kopitar – Kempe
Moore – Byfield – Laferriere
Armia – Laughton – Wright
Malott – Helenius – Ward

Anderson – Doughty
Edmundson – Clarke
Dumoulin – Ceci

Forsberg (starter)
Kuemper

Anton Forsberg gets the start.

That tells you everything about where the Kings are right now.

This is no longer a rotation. It’s survival. https://t.co/OWIkupKa61

— Dennis Bernstein (@DennisTFP) April 9, 2026

Likely scratches: (F) Joseph, Turcotte and (D) Moverare

Injured Reserve: Fiala, Kuzmenko (injury status updates here)

How to Watch the Game

Puck drop is set for 7:30 pm Pacific Time and will be televised by FanDuel Sports. Additionally, a Kings radio feed is available on the ESPN LA app.

More on the Kings’ changing TV situation for next season can be found here.

Across the Ice

Vancouver is coming off a 2-1 defeat against Vegas on Tuesday. Here’s how they lined up in that matchup:

O’Connor – E Pettersson – DeBrusk
Ohgren – Rossi – Boeser
Sasson – Blueger – Karlsson
Douglas – Raty – Hoglander

Buium – Hronek
M Pettersson – Willander
E N Pettersson – Mancini

Tolopilo

On This Day in Kings History

On April 9, 2017, Bob Miller called his final NHL game between the @LAKings and Anaheim Ducks. Miller served as the voice of the #LAKings for 44 seasons and 3,353 games.#GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/5wYiDllRGj

— The Kingstorian (@Kingstorian) April 9, 2026

MORE LA KINGS NEWS:

Brzustewicz Talks AHL Debut, Plus Thoughts from Lord and Connors

Follow @mayorNHL

Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news or interviews from this site please remember to include a link to www.MayorsManor.com

Given all of the action taking place among LA Kings prospects over the past week, Future Considerations returns with another episode. This ongoing collaboration between John Hoven and Jesse Cohen provides a bevy of news and information from junior hockey circles, through the college ranks, and even includes some Ontario Reign talk.

Some of the players discussed include: Carter George, Hampton Slukynsky, Henry Brzustewicz, Vojtech Cihar, Kenny Connors, Erik Portillo, Jan Chovan, and Jared Woolley. They’ll break down who has already signed an entry level contract, and what’s in store with several others.

For those wanting just an audio version of the show, listen for free using any of the major podcast platforms, including: Spotify, and Apple Podcast.

Here’s Episode 003 of Future Considerations:

Follow @mayorsmanor

MORE LA KINGS NEWS:

Brzustewicz Talks AHL Debut, Plus Thoughts from Lord and Connors

Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news or interviews from this site please remember to include a link to www.MayorsManor.com

While the 2026 NHL Entry Draft is quickly approaching, this year’s NCAA hockey championship will be awarded in just a few days. We’re down to just four college teams remaining in the hunt, with the semifinals set to be played Thursday in Las Vegas.

The Kings will be well represented too. Denver University features three LA prospects — forwards James Reeder, Kristian Epperson, and Brendan McMorrow. We looked a little deeper into their situation in an article here earlier this week:

LA Kings Weekly Prospect Tracker: CHL and NCAA Playoffs Update

Could there be another future Kings prospect among the other three schools competing in Vegas? Usually, the top teams at the Frozen Four are veteran-laden, resulting in draft-eligible players to be few and far between. However, below is a list of three potential prospects who aim to cement their draft stock in the coming days. Keep an eye on them once the games begin (Wisconsin vs. North Dakota at 2pm and Denver vs. Michigan at 5:30pm)

Players are listed alphabetically by last name.

Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen, Defense
6-foot-0, 185 lbs, Shoots: L
The son of Kings consultant Manon Rheaume is approaching his second go at the draft, as he was not selected last year. That disappointment didn’t hinder him, however, as he returned to Michigan and also earned a spot with Team USA at the most recent World Junior Championships in Minnesota. There was measurable offensive growth during his regular season too, as the blueliner doubled his production with 18 points (4 G, 14 A) in 39 games. The Wolverines will now look to eliminate Denver with the help of this second-year rearguard. Come June, he’s likely a late round pick by one of the NHL’s 32 clubs.

Adam Valentini, Forward
5-foot-11, 185 lbs, Shoots: L
Rheaume-Mullen’s teammate is also aiming to help unseat Denver on Thursday and advance to the national championship. A few more eyes will be on Valentini, as independent scouting reports on average slate him as a second rounder. The skilled forward tied for third in Team Canada’s scoring at this year’s Hlinka Gretzky tournament, and his 26 points (11 G, 15 A) in 39 games put him seventh on a powerhouse Michigan team. Not bad for a freshman.

Keaton Verhoeff, Defense
6-foot-4, 212 lbs, Shoots: R
Unless the Kings win the lottery, North Dakota’s star defenseman is expected to go in the top-five of this year’s Draft. Verhoeff migrated to collegiate hockey from the WHL’s Victoria Royals along with teammate Cole Reschny once a new agreement was in place. Scouts paid a lot of attention as Verhoeff adjusted to playing against bigger and stronger competition, and he scored 20 points (6 G, 14 A) in 35 games. Another huge honor for the young blueliner came when he was added to Canada’s World Junior team, an opportunity almost always afforded to D+1 and D+2 players — not 17-year-old undrafted hopefuls.

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Lead photo of Rheaume-Mullen via Univ. of Michigan

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Tuesday night marked a major milestone for LA’s 2025 first-round pick, defenseman Henry Brzustewicz made his pro debut with the Ontario Reign. It’s been quite a whirlwind of activity for the 19-year-old rearguard, as his London Knights were just eliminated from the OHL playoffs over the weekend, then he joined the Reign for practice on Monday, followed by his AHL debut against Colorado. After the team’s 2-1 overtime victory, Brzustewicz, coach Andrew Lord, and fellow Kings prospect Kenny Connors shared some thoughts about the evening…

Brzustewicz on the overall experience:

It was good. It was a tough game; both teams are really good. They’re fighting for first, so it’s fast-paced and stuff. I just felt like I became more comfortable as the game went on. … Just a few days ago, I was playing in an OHL game, so it’s obviously a big step. You just have to be able to adjust your game as much as you can. Just do whatever it takes to get out here and start playing.

On knowing some of the players from training camp last fall, and who were some of the guys he immediately connected with upon arriving back in SoCal:

Joe [Hicketts] took me under his wing a little bit today. He took care of me really well and about all you can ask for, guys like that. It’s really nice. … He said, ‘Just play your game. Do whatever, and I got you. I’ll have your back.” That was great. He supported me all night.

On what Lord said to him, if anything, prior to the game:

Once I got in yesterday, [it was about] just learning all the systems and stuff. There’s a lot that you have to pick up on, but it’s fun overall.

On some of the biggest differences at this level vs. what he saw in the OHL over the past few years:

Just the speed of the game. It’s obviously a lot of older guys, so it’s definitely a step up in pace.”

On what’s on tap next in the OHL, as Carter George and the Soo Greyhounds — who eliminated London — will now face his good friend and former d-partner, Jared Woolley, and the Kitchener Rangers:

We’ll see. Hopefully, I get one of them to come out here once their series is over.

On the possibility of potentially being reunited with Woolley in just a matter of weeks (note for context: Woolley was traded from London to Kitchener at the OHL Trade Deadline in January):

It would be great! They have a great team, though. So, obviously, Georgie will have to do a pretty good job there. But, yeah, that’d be great.

On what he’s looking to take away over the next few weeks, his first taste of pro hockey:

I’m just trying to soak in as much as I can. It’s pretty cool going on a playoff push with these guys. They’re in first place for a reason, and they’re doing everything right.

On waiting until the end of the OHL season to sign his ELC:

Yeah, I was just focused on playing in London at that point. Then, my agent just got it done when I was coming out here.

Lord on pregame discussions with Brzustewicz:

Lordo on what he said to Brzustewicz before sending him out for his AHL debut… pic.twitter.com/pr0V4helsQ

— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) April 8, 2026

On Brzustewicz taking two penalties in the game and those being good teaching moments over the next few days:

I prefer him not to [take them]. But I think to your point, he has the confidence. He has the aggressiveness; he has the strength. The first one was just a hard box out that I thought probably could have not been called, as well. I think we like that play, to be honest. The other one, he got in on the hands a little bit with a slash. Maybe that is one. He’s a first rounder for a reason, though. He has that swagger, that confidence — whatever buzzword you want to use. And that’s going to bode well for his future, and certainly, we’ll coach him up tomorrow as well.

On if taking penalties in your first game sometimes just comes with trying too hard:

You’d have to ask him. I know when it’s your first game at a certain level, you probably are a little juiced up. You’re a little over amped. It could have been that. I don’t know. I think it’s fine, it’s not a huge deal. You want him to be more aggressive, than not aggressive enough, right? So, I think the mindset’s the right way and where we want it.

Connors on if Brzustewicz making his AHL debut reminds him of his own journey over the last year, having first arrived in Ontario about this same time in 2025:

It’s different for him. I came in last year and didn’t play just because I had a broken foot. But it takes a lot of guts and takes a real special player to come in on short notice like that and play — and play how he played. So, I give him a ton of credit. He’s done a really good job of asking guys different questions, kind of getting comfortable as fast as he could. It definitely paid off. I thought he looked really good tonight.

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Lead photo by Blanca Garcia

MORE LA KINGS NEWS:

TUESDAY: Reign Projected Lineup vs. Eagles, Plus Brzustewicz to Make AHL Debut

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The CHL playoffs are in full swing — and the Kings prospect pool is busier than ever. Henry Brzustewicz signed his entry-level contract and is heading to Ontario after London was eliminated by Carter George and the Soo. Jan Chovan is also joining the Reign on an ATO after Sudbury’s season ended. Jimmy Lombardi and Flint broke a near 30-year OHL record with a 32-goal differential in their first-round sweep. Jared Woolley and Kitchener also swept, setting up a second-round King-on-King showdown between George and Woolley. Out west, Vojtech Cihar leads all WHL playoff scorers with six goals as Kelowna advances to face top-ranked Everett. In Las Vegas, three Kings prospects will suit up for Denver in the Frozen Four against Michigan on Thursday.

Housekeeping note: Once a prospect’s season has concluded and their final report has been filed, they will no longer be featured in this year’s Prospect Tracker and will instead be listed here. Players no longer featured: Ryan Conmy (Boston College), Caeden Herrington (Vermont), Will Sharpe (Vancouver Giants), Hampton Slukynsky (Western Michigan), Jack Sparkes (Clarkson), and Petteri Rimpinen (Kiekko-Espoo).

The following reports cover games played through the end of day Monday, April 6th.

Ontario Hockey League (OHL)

Henry Brzustewicz, London Knights, RH Defenseman (31st overall in 2025)

2025-26 Stats: 19 goals, 37 assists, minus-16, 77 PIM in 61 games played

Henry Brzustewicz’s junior career is over, and the next chapter starts now. The Kings signed their 2025 first-round pick to a three-year entry-level contract Monday, and the 19-year-old defenseman will report to the Ontario Reign on a professional tryout for the remainder of the season. Brzustewicz is set to make his AHL debut tonight, and all eyes will be on him.

London’s season ended after being eliminated by Carter George and the Soo Greyhounds in a first-round, 4-1 series loss. Brzustewicz generated shots early and often in the series, but couldn’t find the scoresheet beyond two assists. The Kings aren’t signing a player on a cold streak however; they’re signing one who put up 56 points in 61 games, finished second on his team in points, and just wrapped his third season in one of junior hockey’s premier programs. With 102 points in his junior career and a first-round pedigree, he’s exactly the kind of player Ontario could use down the stretch — and exactly the kind of prospect the Kings franchise covets: a right-shot, puck-moving, offensive defenseman.

Jan Chovan, Sudbury Wolves, Center/Right Wing (184th overall in 2025)

2025-26 Stats: 30 goals, 27 assists, minus-28, 14 PIM in 60 games played

Jan Chovan’s first season in the OHL is over, but it’s ending with an epilogue. After the Sudbury Wolves were swept in four games by top-seeded Brantford, the 19-year-old signed an Amateur Tryout Agreement with the Ontario Reign and practiced with the club Monday. The sixth-round pick posted 57 points (30 goals, 27 assists) in 60 games, led Sudbury in goals, points, and power-play production, and added a pair of goals in the playoff series against Brantford. His mid-season transition from wing to center was one of the quieter developmental success stories in the OHL this year — he settled into the role, won half his faceoffs, and became a trusted special teams player. He also represented Slovakia at the World Juniors, playing the most minutes of any forward on the team and scoring one goal in five games.

Whether he suits up for the Reign or not, the experience of practicing alongside AHL professionals is a step in the right direction. Chovan has yet to sign an entry-level contract, but the Kings hold his rights for several years — there’s no urgency there. What matters now is that a sleeper pick just completed a breakout season that opened a door to him joining a pro club.

JAN CHOVAN CRASHES THE NET AND SCORES THE TYING GOAL WITH 50 SECONDS LEFT IN THE GAME!!! #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/0Iofww6wql

— Alexander Legget (@LeggetNHL) April 1, 2026

Carter George, Soo Greyhounds, Goalie (57th overall in 2024)

2025-26 Stats: 2.60 GAA, .910 SV%, 5 SO, 1 goal, 2 assists, 27 wins in 51 games played

For most of his junior career, playing against London was Carter George’s kryptonite — with a 1-12-5 career record against them heading into the series. Not anymore. The Soo eliminated London in five games, with George turning in one of the more remarkable individual playoff performances of the OHL first round. He posted a 1.41 goals-against average and .942 save percentage across the series, capping it with a 25-save shutout in Game 5 that sent Henry Brzustewicz and the Knights packing. Next up for the young, talented netminder is a second-round matchup against the Kitchener Rangers and fellow Kings prospect Jared Woolley.

Highlight reel of Carter George's 25-save shutout in the series-clinching game against Brzustewicz and London #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/1X79LmJ6E6

— Alexander Legget (@LeggetNHL) April 7, 2026

Jimmy Lombardi, Flint Firebirds, Center (125th overall in 2025)

2025-26 Stats: 40 goals, 40 assists, plus-36, 73 PIM in 69 games played

Lombardi and Flint swept Owen Sound in the first round — and did so in historic fashion. The final aggregate score was 35-3, a goal differential of 32 that broke an OHL playoff record of 25 that had stood for nearly 30 years. Lombardi posted eight points (four goals, four assists) in the four games, maintaining a perfectly balanced season total of 40 goals and 40 assists. He was also named a finalist for the William Hanley Trophy, given to the OHL’s most sportsmanlike player. The Firebirds now head into the second round with all the momentum in the world behind them, and a matchup with former Kings prospect Liam Greentree and the Spitfires on deck.

#GoKingsGo prospect Jimmy Lombardi added an assist to go with this goal, as Flint won 6-1 to sweep the first round.

He had 8 points (4 G, 4 A) in the 4-game series https://t.co/2VbV5ldAM0

— The Armchair Scout (He/Him) (@Davidenkness) April 2, 2026

Jared Woolley, Kitchener Rangers, LH Defenseman (164th overall in 2024)

2025-26 Stats: 12 goals, 24 assists, plus-33, 87 PIM in 70 games played

For the second consecutive week, Woolley didn’t find the scoresheet — and it didn’t matter one bit. Kitchener swept Saginaw to advance to the second round, with Woolley going plus-1 in the series without finishing a single game in negative territory. He added eight shots and 13 penalty minutes, including a five-for-fighting early in Game 2. At this point, all Jared Woolley does is win. Next up: a King-on-King matchup against Carter George and the Soo Greyhounds.

Western Hockey League (WHL)

Vojtech Cihar, Kelowna Rockets, Forward (59th overall in 2025)

2025-26 WHL Stats: 18 goals, 23 assists, plus-27, 18 PIM in 35 games played

Through the first round of the WHL playoffs, Cihar has been the best player in the league. He led all scorers with six goals in four games, sits tied for the points lead with linemate Tij Iginla at 10, and tops the league in plus-minus at plus-9. Kelowna swept Kamloops in the process, extending their winning streak against the Blazers to eight games dating back to the regular season. The second round brings a significant step up in competition — top-ranked Everett, who finished 32 points ahead of the Rockets in the regular season. If Cihar can keep producing at this pace, Kelowna is going to be very difficult to stop.

https://twitter.com/leggetnhl/status/2039196784141250966

Unreal one-man effort from Vojtěch Čihař on his second goal of the game. Kelowna sweeps Kamloops and he gets his sixth goal of the series #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/DqPLD6qbGz

— Alexander Legget (@LeggetNHL) April 2, 2026

COLLEGE HOCKEY (NCAA)

Kristian Epperson, Univ. of Denver, Left Wing (88th overall in 2025)

2025-26 Stats: 11 goals, 8 assists, plus-8, 14 PIM in 38 games played

Epperson heads to the Frozen Four in Las Vegas having produced in every big moment Denver has needed him this postseason — a double-overtime game-winner in the NCHC championship, a secondary assist in the tournament win over Western Michigan, and a growing sense that he saves his best for the biggest stages. Michigan is the toughest test yet, but nothing has slowed him down so far.

Brendan McMorrow, Univ. of Denver, Left Wing (196th overall in 2025)

2025-26 Stats: 3 goals, 7 assists, plus-10, 6 PIM in 25 games played

McMorrow looked like a player fully back to form against Western Michigan — a goal, an assist, a drawn penalty, and a forecheck takeaway in Denver’s 6-2 win. For a winger who missed two months with a broken finger, the timing couldn’t be better. He heads to Las Vegas with momentum and a Frozen Four matchup against top-ranked Michigan ahead.

James Reeder, Univ. of Denver, Right Wing (198th overall in 2024)

2025-26 Stats: 10 goals, 23 assists, plus-18, 4 PIM in 41 games played

Reeder has points in 10 of his last 12 games and carries that form into the Frozen Four as one of Denver’s most trusted forwards — logging roughly 25 minutes in the NCHC championship. As a first-liner, he’ll be tasked with matching up against soon-to-be free agent TJ Hughes, considered by many to be the best player remaining in the Frozen Four. If Denver is going to knock out Michigan, they will need Reeder’s reliability and playmaking skills to be a difference maker.

Lead photo of McMorrow via Denver University

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Much like their parent club on Monday, the Reign are set for a colossal showdown tonight inside Toyota Arena. Having already played in their fair share of important games this season, few carry the weight of this one for coach Andrew Lord’s group.

Entering tonight, Ontario and Colorado are separated by just one point atop the AHL’s Pacific Division. With only a handful of games remaining, this contest could go a long way in deciding who ultimately earns the top seed and a bye in round one of the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Following Saturday’s victory, Lord acknowledged that tonight is a “huge game.” His team appears to be back on track following a lackluster March, erupting for 13 goals across two wins last week.

Ontario has had the upper hand in their season series with Colorado too, holding a 5-1-1 record overall, including a 2-0-1 mark on home ice. Still, most of those battles have been close, with four of the seven previous games decided by a single goal.

Colorado won the last meeting in a shootout, but not before Kings prospects Franky Pinelli and Martin Chromiak each found the back of the net during the first period. The former has been outstanding down the stretch, bringing his totals to 33 points (12 goals, 21 assists) in 65 games. Given his struggles last season, this is the kind of year the organization would happily sign up for.

Meanwhile, Chromiak has been strong all year, currently sitting at 50 points (25G, 25A). He’s also remained hot of late, posting six points (4G, 2A) in his last six games and 13 (9G, 4A) in his last 16.

Additionally, Kenny Connors carries a three-game point streak (2G, 2A) into tonight and has totaled seven points (4G, 3A) over his last eight games. He’ll look to cap off what has been an excellent rookie season.

BREAKING NEWS: Kings Sign Brzustewicz to ELC, He’s Headed to AHL Ontario

However, all eyes tonight will be focused on 19-year-old Henry Brzustewicz. After signing his entry-level contract with the Kings just a few days ago, he’s set to make his AHL debut tonight under the brightest lights of the season. Paired with captain Joe Hicketts, Brzustewicz will be thrust into a high-stakes battle with major implications for Ontario.

Fresh off an impressive campaign with the London Knights, Brzustewicz brings 54 points (19G, 35A) in 59 games into his first pro contest. The Kings’ top selection from last June’s NHL Draft tied for the third-most goals among all OHL defensemen and finished with the seventh-most points.

Pheonix Copley is expected to get the start in net, and it could be his last start of the regular season. With wins in seven of his last eight starts, the veteran goaltender is coming off a shutout performance at Coachella Valley, turning aside all 23 shots faced. As we recently reported, LA’s No. 1 goaltending prospect, Hampton Slukynsky, is slated to start Friday’s home game vs. the Firebirds. With Erik Portillo most likely starting Saturday, that would leave only two games remaining on Ontario’s regular season schedule — a back-to-back set on April 17 and 18. Assuming Slukynsky gets one of those games, as well. That would leave a single game for either Copley or Portillo before the playoffs begin.

Reign Projected Lineup vs. Eagles

If there are any key changes during pregame warmups, this article will be updated.

Lee – Gawdin – Guttman
Alexandrov – Connors – Chromiak
Brown – Pinelli – Jamsen
Ziemmer – Hughes – Doty

Kirsanov – Booth
Hicketts – Brzustewicz
Novikov – Millar

Copley (starter)
Portillo
H. Slukynsky

Likely scratches: (F) Isogai, Jenik, G. Slukynsky and (D) Dvorak, Salin

Practicing with the team: (F) Chovan, Mastrodomenico

Injured: Burroughs

Recalled to NHL: Wright

Key Game Info

Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time and will be streamed via FloSports. Additionally, a Reign radio feed is available here.

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Gameday image by ALoImages

Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news or interviews from this site please remember to include a link to www.MayorsManor.com