Russell Morgan 
Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina/South Bend Tribune-USA TODAY NETWORK
8. Akil Thomas – 21 y/o – F – 2018 Round 2 #58 overall
Previous ranking: 6
For some players to have a chance to crack the LA Kings lineup, versatility is a must. And there is no one more versatile in the LA pipeline than Akil Thomas. Playing in all 40 games for the Ontario Reign, Thomas finished second in scoring with 26 points (11g, 14a). What is more impressive than his impact on the box score is how he did it.
Akil isn’t just a one-dimensional player. He can kill penalties, contribute to the power play, and come up clutch when it matters most. But what I like most about him when watching him play is his determination to establish a net-front presence. And that determination rewarded him with multiple goals off deflections, rebounds, and finishing of passing plays.
Chris Peters Hockey Sense with Chris Peters
“Akil Thomas has always been one of those guys who just puts the work in on the ice and off. He’s tough to play against because he’s smart, challenges the opposition, and has enough pace to keep teams honest. What’s less clear to me is where he fits. He’s not going to be productive enough to be a top-six guy, and I’m not sure the defensive game is at the level for him to be a true matchups player either. The next year-plus is going to be about finding the right kind of role for him to play and maximize the talent he has.”
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It’s been an unfortunate offseason for Akil. Hoping to make an impact in the development camp and show some progress in his growth, he has been sidelined for a few months recovering from bilateral shoulder surgery.
Even though the procedure has kept him from attending pro camp and the preseason for LA, the Kings hope to have Thomas fully healthy come Thanksgiving.