Kings Recall Kenny Connors; Reassign Taylor Ward

Yesterday afternoon, the Los Angeles Kings announced that they recalled forward Kenny Connors from the AHL’s Ontario Reign. In a corresponding roster move, the Kings reassigned Taylor Ward.

If he plays, it will be Connors’ first NHL game since early March. Making his debut last year, the former 103rd overall pick of the 2022 NHL Draft went scoreless in two games with a -1 rating, averaging 8:40 of ice time per game. He also blocked one shot and delivered three hits.

In the AHL, Connors has been more productive offensively, indicating he could find another level with more playing time. Since beginning his professional career last year, Connors has registered 16 goals and 48 points in 76 games with a +9 rating. Before his professional career, the Glen Mills, PA, native scored 26 goals and 77 points in 109 games across three years with the University of Massachusetts Minutemen.

Meanwhile, Ward, 28, returns to a familiar environment. Unlike Connors and other constant call-up candidate, Jared Wright, Ward is not exempt from waivers. The Kings passed the undrafted forward through waivers before the 2026-27 campaign, and he is inching toward requiring it again for future reassignments.

Throughout the current season, Ward has appeared in four games for Los Angeles, scoring one goal and averaging 9:26 of ice time per game. He’s offered similar production with AHL Ontario in similarly limited appearances, scoring two goals and three points in four contests.

Fortunately, the Kings are (hopefully) nearing a point where they won’t need frequent depth recalls. Although veteran forward Mats Zuccarello is considered week-to-week with an upper-body injury, Los Angeles should only be days away from returning Kevin Fiala and Alex Turcotte to the active roster.