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LA Kings Training Camp Preview: Kenny Connors
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LA Kings Training Camp Preview: Kenny Connors

Originally posted on Hockey Royalty  |  By Kyle Garcia  |  Last updated Aug 27, 2026 5:00 AM ET
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With training camp just around the corner, we are previewing each player on the LA Kings roster. Up next: Kenny Connors!

Kenny Connors

Birthdate: March 10, 2003

Birthplace: Glen Mills, Pennsylvania

Height: 6’2

Weight: 205 lbs

Position: Center

Shoots: Left

Draft: 4th round, 103rd overall, 2022 NHL Draft

*NOTE: Starting this past Sunday (8/23/2026), my Mom picked the order of the training camp player previews for the Reign players because I couldn’t figure out what order to do them in. So, I asked for her assistance. Today, she chose Kenny Connors!

2025-26 season

To say Kenny Connors had a good rookie campaign would be an understatement; it was outstanding. In 65 games with the Ontario Reign, Connors recorded 15 goals and 26 assists for 41 points while serving the role as the team’s third-line center. He also made his NHL debut along with two of his Reign teammates, Jared Wright and Angus Booth, on March 2nd.

The former UMass product immediately earned the coaching staff’s trust, finding himself deployed in critical late-game situations. When the Reign had a lead in the final two minutes, he was on the ice protecting. When the Reign needed a center on the penalty kill, he was out there. He even found himself matched up against the opposition’s best players at times.

Having watched some of his collegiate games, I wasn’t surprised by his defensive game; his offense caught me a bit off guard. Among rookie skaters on the Reign, his 16 goals were ranked second, and his assists and points were first.

His compete, attention to detail on the defensive side of the puck, faceoffs, and playmaking ability made him a solid third-line center. He played a big role in the Reign’s team success.

2026-27 outlook

There isn’t a spot on the Kings for Connors. They won’t have to worry about having to sneak him through waivers to assign him to the American Hockey League (AHL) because he is waiver-exempt. I expect Connors to reprise his role as the team’s third-line center, and maybe even get the second-line center spot on the Reign. He’ll still be a valuable penalty killer, a solid five-on-five contributor, and maybe spare time on the power play. If the Kings have any injuries at the center position, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Connors get a call-up.

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

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