Who is Akil Thomas?
Akil Thomas is a Canadian ice-hockey forward, drafted in the second round (51st overall) of the 2018 NHL Draft by Los Angeles Kings.
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He was born on January 2, 2000, in Toronto, Ontario.
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Thomas played junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) for the Niagara IceDogs and Peterborough Petes, posting 315 points (105 goals, 210 assists) in 241 games.
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He has also represented Canada internationally — notably scoring the game-winner in the gold-medal game at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship.
Scouting & Performance Profile
Strengths & Style of Play
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Thomas is a right-shot forward who has shown solid scoring ability, particularly in the minors: he posted career highs in 2023-24 with 22 goals and 24 assists for 46 points in 64 games with the AHL’s Ontario Reign.
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In that same season he tallied nine game-winning goals, one of the best marks in the AHL — a strong indicator of his clutch scoring ability.
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He seems to bring more than just scoring: reports from analysts note his grit, willingness to play a “right way” game, and leadership (he served as alternate captain for the Reign).
Challenges / What to Watch
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Thomas has had his share of injury issues. He underwent shoulder surgery multiple times (including a season-ending shoulder surgery in November 2022) which derailed his development.
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While his AHL production is solid, he remains relatively unproven at the NHL level. As of the 2023-24 season, he had just 7 NHL games under his belt before showing glimpses of his potential.
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Consistency and carving out a defined role in a deep NHL lineup remain things to watch as he tries to transition from a “prospect” / AHL-standout to an NHL regular.
Contract & Salary (2023–2026)
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On July 8, 2023, Thomas signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Kings, carrying an average annual value (AAV) of US$775,000 at the NHL level.
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On June 6, 2024, the Kings re-signed him to a two-year extension (through the 2025–26 season), again at US$775,000 AAV.
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The first year of that extension remains two-way (NHL/minor salary differential), while the second is a one-way deal — meaning more financial (and roster) security if he stays in the NHL.
According to contract-tracking data, the total value over 2 years is US$1,550,000, with a cap hit of US$775,000 annually.
What HockeyDB & Stats Say
Based on aggregate career data:
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In the AHL: over four seasons Thomas played 157 regular-season games, recording 46 goals and 47 assists (93 points).
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He’s also appeared in Calder Cup Playoffs: in 13 career playoff games, posting 7 goals and 10 points.
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His NHL sample remains small — but impressive: in 7 games during the 2023–24 season, Thomas scored 3 goals and totaled 4 points.
This suggests a player who — at the AHL level — has been a consistent contributor, with the potential to step up to NHL action when given opportunity and health permits.
What Reddit & Fan Communities Say
On forums like Reddit, reactions to Thomas are a mix of optimism and caution:
“Ok. Get that man in the lineup!”
“Real deal Akil.”
“He has potential to be called up… but the injuries have really buried his momentum.”
“He’s what you want in the system… grit, hustle, and could be 4th-line energy for playoffs.”
Some fans lament lack of consistent NHL opportunity:
“Why isn’t Akil Thomas playing?? … The fact that Lewis gets time over him is criminal.”
In short: there’s faith in his tools and dedication — but skepticism about whether he’ll overcome injuries and organizational depth to become an NHL regular.
Outlook: What’s Next for Akil Thomas
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With the two-year deal signed, and a one-way second year — the 2025-26 season — Thomas has a real shot to stick full-time in the NHL, provided he stays healthy and earns coaches’ trust.
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His scoring history in AHL and flashes in limited NHL games suggest he could be a bottom-6 forward with upside — especially in a depth/hustle role.
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Persistence, consistency, and opportunity (injuries or roster changes) will be key. The fans’ faith suggests he has time on his side — but results will ultimately decide whether he’s a long-term NHLer or a career AHLer with occasional call-ups.
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