Los Angeles Kings News

Home

Quizzes

Newsletter

Kenny Connors’ Early Impact on the LA Kings

Kenny Connors, Los Angeles Kings (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Kenny Connors’ Early Impact on the LA Kings

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By Sharlette Shahbazyan | Last updated Nov 14, 2026 9:05 AM ET

Add us as a preferred source on Google

The Los Angeles Kings are continuing to develop young talent within their organization, and Kenny Connors is emerging as an important piece of that process. While the 23-year-old forward is working toward establishing himself as a regular NHL player, his development with the Ontario Reign and call-up in Los Angeles have demonstrated why the organization sees potential in him.

Early Days

Connors has worked his way through the organization‘s development system. Selected by the Kings in the fourth round, 103rd overall of the 2022 NHL Draft, his advancement from playing collegiate hockey at the University of Massachusetts to the American Hockey League (AHL) has given Los Angeles another forward to insert into the lineup.

During his college hockey days, Connors recorded 26 goals and 77 points in 109 games. His time at UMass and with Ontario has helped him shape his game, and he has become a more complete forward. Now, he has the opportunity to build on that experience.

Where He Fits in the Lineup

Although he’s played in five regular-season games and amassed one assist and one point, Connors’ work ethic and versatility could eventually make him a valuable option for the Kings. Los Angeles signed the Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, native to a two-year entry-level contract on April 3, 2025, allowing him to move up the ranks and explore further opportunities with the organization.

His transition from collegiate hockey to the professional game proved to be productive. During his first season with the Reign, Connors recorded 15 goals and 41 points in 65 games in the 2025-26 campaign. One of the most interesting and notable aspects of his development is that his potential impact on the ice extends beyond just recording points. For an organization looking to develop depth, having a forward who can contribute at both ends of the ice is useful.

First NHL Game

Across 65 games with the Reign, Connors posted a plus-18 rating, demonstrating his impressive production. He made his NHL debut on March 2, 2026, against the Colorado Avalanche. He then made his second appearance three days later against the New York Islanders.

Although he didn’t record a point in those two games, the opportunity allowed him to experience the pace and speed of the NHL. Establishing his presence as a regular NHL player will require consistency, skill, defensive awareness, and flexibility. That would make him an interesting candidate for a larger role in the future.

The American forward has played most of his career at the center position, giving the Kings an option down the middle as injuries happen and lineups change. As of Nov. 12, Connors was sent back down to the Reign due to Kevin Fiala’s activation off of injured reserve (IR). At 23 years old, there’s still time to refine his game and clean up any mistakes. The next step for him would be to be seamlessly integrated into the main roster’s lineup. Unfortunately, that won’t occur until a spot opens.

Moving Forward

Connors’ AHL production is the strongest evidence of his potential. Transitioning from minor league ice to the NHL full-time would require quick thinking and fewer mistakes to be made. The pace of the game is significantly faster, leaving players with less space to make decisions. Connors must continue to adjust to the increased speed while maintaining his offensive instincts. His ability to produce, make more passes, and contribute defensively will be important to his development.

As he gains more NHL experience, Connors has the opportunity to become a valuable piece of the Kings’ forward group.

This article first appeared on The Hockey Writers and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: