LA Kings Training Camp Preview: Jared Wright

Looking to defend their NCAA title in the Frozen Four, Wright and the Pioneers came up short in the semifinals against Western Michigan University. Wright scored the game-tying goal in the matchup, but WMU prevailed to advance to the finals, where they eventually captured the championship.

Shortly after Denver’s season ended, Wright turned pro, signing his entry-level contract and an Amateur Tryout (ATO). Since Wright signed an ATO, he was eligible to join the Reign and played in the team’s final three regular-season contests and recorded his first professional point in his debut with an assist.

With several prospects being eased into Ontario’s lineup down the stretch, as is the case with every AHL team late in the season, Wright’s killer speed and forecheck were noticeable in the three games and earned him a spot in the lineup in both of the Reign’s playoff games. He was held scoreless in both games as the Reign’s playoff run was slashed quickly by the San Jose Barracuda.

2025-26 outlook

Wright will be playing in his first full professional season and is expected to join the Reign. Since he is waiver-exempt, he won’t need to pass through waivers. His speed and size make him a perfect fit in the bottom-six for the Reign. I don’t expect him to score 20 goals, but 10-12 seems like a reasonable projection.

Aside from his speed, Wright’s discipline is key because he rarely commits penalties (16 penalty minutes in 122 collegiate games). The chances of a sixth or seventh-round pick making an NHL roster are slim, but the Kings like Wright, and getting him signed to an entry-level contract is already a plus. His speed, forecheck, and defensive game will come in handy for the Reign.