Kings sign Akil Thomas to 2-year extension

The Los Angeles Kings signed pending restricted free-agent forward Akil Thomas to a two-year extension with an average annual value of $775,000, the team announced Thursday.

The first year of the deal is two-way, while the second season is one-way.

Thomas made his NHL debut on April 1 and chipped in with three goals and four points in seven regular-season games. Despite his scoring touch, he didn't suit up for the Kings' first-round matchup against the Edmonton Oilers.

After running into some injury trouble over his three previous campaigns, the 24-year-old broke out in a big way in 2023-24, spending the bulk of his time with the AHL's Ontario Reign.

Thomas amassed 22 goals - including nine game-winners - and 46 points in 64 outings before adding five points in eight postseason contests during the Calder Cup Playoffs.

The Kings selected Thomas in the second round of the 2018 NHL Draft.

The Toronto native scored the golden goal for Canada at the 2020 World Junior Championship.