LA Kings Training Camp Preview: Jeff Malott

Malott finished the season with 23 goals, five power-play goals, 28 assists, 51 points, and four fighting majors in 61 games. One area of his game that impressed me was his playmaking ability, as his 20 primary assists ranked fourth on the Reign. Malott also went 4-for-4 (100%) in shootout attempts, tied for the best percentage on the team with Glenn Gawdin. He reached the milestones of 100 points, 100 assists, and 200 points in his AHL career during the season.

With Tanner Jeannot being sidelined with an injury in March, Malott got the call-up to the Kings and filled in on the fourth line in Jeannot’s absence for the remainder of the year. Malott recorded his first NHL point with an assist in a 6-5 Kings victory over the Seattle Kraken. It was the only point in his 12 games with the Kings. He would suit up for all six playoff games and averaged less than five minutes of ice time.

His highlight with the Kings was his heavyweight tilt with Maple Leafs defenseman Brandon Carlo. It seems like he got some valuable lessons from his older brother, Mike, who is an MMA fighter.

2025-26 outlook

Malott is entering the final year of his two-year deal that he signed with the Kings last summer. There could be a path where he is battling for the 13th forward, but ultimately, I think the plan will be to assign him to Ontario. He will need to clear waivers to join the Reign. If he clears, I expect him to play in the top six for the new Reign head coach, Andrew Lord.