Kyle Garcia 
With training camp right around the corner, we are previewing each player on the LA Kings roster. Up next: Kim Nousiainen!
Kim Nousiainen
Biography
Birthdate: November 14, 2000
Birthplace: Kuopio, Finland
Height: 5’9″
Weight: 170 lbs
Position: Defenseman
Shoots: Left
Drafted: 4th round, 119th overall, 2019 NHL Entry Draft
2021-2022 Season
Nousiainen was drafted by the LA Kings in 2019 and spent the next three seasons in Liiga with KalPa. In those three seasons, Nousiainen played in 140 games and recorded 19 goals, 41 assists, and 60 points in that span. After the 2021-22 Liiga season ended, Nousiainen would sign a three-year entry-level contract with the Kings. After signing the contract, Nousianen would report to the Ontario Reign.
With it being late in the season, and the Ontario blueline being depleted by injuries and call-ups to the big club, Nousiainen would end up being a need rather than depth. He made his debut with the Reign on April 8th in a game against the Stockton Heat (now the Calgary Wranglers) but didn’t pick up a point. His first career professional point came the very next game when he picked up an assist in a 6-5 Reign victory over Stockton.
In eight games Nousiainen would record two assists and a -2 rating but wouldn’t suit up for any of the Reign playoff games.
Kim Nousiainen spins and shoots…GOAL!
The LA Kings prospect gets the primary assist as Patrik Puistola redirects the shot in to open scoring. #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/udWs6TjqQS
— LA Kings (@LAKings) January 5, 2020
2022-2023 Outlook
Nousiainen will return to the Reign this coming season for his first full year in the AHL. Being 5’9″, he isn’t your big typical defenseman but it doesn’t steer him away from being physical at all. Nousiainen loves to get involved offensively so don’t be surprised when he joins the rush or takes risks in the offensive zone. He is expected to be slotted in on either the second or third defensive pair unit on the left side. It should be fun to see what Nousiainen can bring to the table for an offensive-minded Reign team in his first full professional season.
Main photo credit: Ontario Reign