LA Kings Training Camp Preview: Jack Hughes

After three subpar years at BU, Hughes signed an AHL contract, unlike most of his 2022 draft-class peers. He served as a fourth-line center for the Reign, and often played on the wing so he could get playing time, and played sparingly on the penalty kill. Where he was noticeable was in the playoffs. His linemates were Kenta Isogai and Aatu Jamsen on the fourth line, and the trio gave Ontario energy throughout the series. Hughes led all Reign skaters in the playoffs with four points and tied for the team lead in goals with two. He finished the playoffs with a four-game point streak.

In the regular season, Hughes recorded 18 points (5 G, 13 A) in 60 games.

2026-27 outlook

Hughes is entering the final season of his AHL contract and will look to take the next step in his development. I expect his role to stay the same this year.

It’s tough for me to see Hughes navigate his way into the conversation of earning an NHL contract from the Kings someday. He was labeled as a complete player by scouts in his draft year, but it didn’t show at the collegiate level, and I don’t see it translating well at the pros. But just because I don’t see a fit for him on the Kings in the future doesn’t mean he isn’t fighting to earn another AHL contract with the Reign or another affiliate or NHL contract elsewhere.

If Hughes doesn’t take the next step this season, the agonizing pain of passing up on Lane Hutson, like many teams did because scouts focused too much on his stature, will be a painful pill to swallow for Kings fans.