Ontario Reign: Rookie Updates

The Ontario Reign currently sit in a tie in second place (36 points) with the San Jose Barracuda in the Pacific Division. Like every year, every NHL team sees a new batch of prospects turn pro and places them in the AHL as part of their development process.

This year’s Reign roster features six rookies drafted by the Kings from the 2021-23 draft classes. Ontario has played 28 games, eight away from the halfway mark, and some of the rookies have had a good start to the season, but as always, there will be ebbs and flows throughout a 72-game season.

If you haven’t followed the Reign that much this year (it’s okay, I don’t judge), this article is perfect for you. This article will update you on how the six rookies have played and been deployed through 28 games.

Here we go!

Forwards

Kenny Connors (2022 draft, 4th round)

Stat line: 6 goals, 10 assists, 16 points, +15 rating in 28 games played

Kenny Connors has played primarily as the third-line center for the Reign. He has been used in any situation at five-on-five, briefly on the second power-play unit, and on the penalty kill. Head coach Andrew Lord has also trusted him in late-game situations with the Reign protecting a lead.

Dubbed ‘Mr. Consistency, under his head coach, Connors has enjoyed success on both sides of the puck. His 13 points at five-on-five are tied for the team lead with Andre Lee. His 16 points lead all Reign rookie skaters, and his six goals are tied with fellow rookie, Jared Wright, among rookie skaters on the Reign.

Jack Hughes (2022 draft, 2nd round)

Stat line: 2 goals, 5 assists, 7 points, +1 rating in 23 games played

Unlike every player that will be featured in this article, Jack Hughes isn’t signed to an entry-level contract. Instead, he signed a two-year AHL contract with the Reign on July 3rd. I didn’t think the Kings would sign Hughes by the August 15th deadline, but a change in decision was made.

Hughes has played in all but five games, primarily as a fourth-line center. He has shown flashes of creativity, but I don’t think the ceiling of the former second-round pick is high enough to be an NHLer.

Jared Wright (2022 draft, 6th round)

Stat line: 6 goals, 6 assists, 12 points, +15 rating in 28 games played

Speed, speed, and more speed. That’s the first thought that comes to mind when watching Jared Wright play. Wright’s speed on the forecheck can wreak havoc for the opposition, and his motor never stops running on every shift.

Wright has had a sneaky good start to the season, which has seen him quietly fly under the radar due to Connors’ start. His +15 rating is tied for first with Connors among all Reign skaters, and for first place among rookie skaters in the AHL.

I do believe Wright will play some NHL games as a bottom-six NHLer, but I think adding some scoring touch as he develops his game will be key.

Koehn Ziemmer (2023 draft, 3rd round)

Stat line: 2 goals, 6 assists, 8 points, +5 rating in 20 games played

I like Koehn Ziemmer. I have him ranked behind Liam Greentree as the organization’s second-best forward prospect. Ziemmer has a good shot with precision when he isn’t afraid to use it. At 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, the 21-year-old isn’t afraid to throw a hit when in on the forecheck or battling for pucks along the wall.

The Kings have the approach of moving their prospects along slowly, and Ziemmer has fallen into that category. Ziemmer was a healthy scratch for Ontario’s first five games, but has been a near mainstay in the lineup since the calendar turned to November, mainly as a fourth-line winger, although he has moved up in the lineup for the last two games..

One area for improvement for Ziemmer will be his skating, as was the case when he was drafted.

Defensemen

Kirill Kirsanov (2021 draft, 3rd round)

Stat line: 3 goals, 2 assists, 5 points, +3 rating in 25 games played

It took four years, but we’re finally getting a chance to see Kirill Kirsanov play in North America. Drafted at age 18, Kirsanov, now 23, has been a steady defenseman on the left side for the Reign. Kirsanov skates well, has good gap control on the rush, and good stick details, especially on the penalty kill.

I don’t see a ton of offensive upside in his game, as he tends to be more of a defensive defenseman, but all three of his goals were good shots.

Otto Salin (2022 draft, 5th round)

Stat line: 1 goal, 0 assists, 1 point, -2 rating in 17 games played

Otto Salin hasn’t seen much time on the ice due to being a healthy scratch. He’s going through an adjustment phase, coming over from his hometown in Finland to the AHL. The smaller ice sheet, structure, and physicality, to name a few, are areas Salin is adjusting to.

When in the lineup, Salin isn’t shy to lead the or join the rush. He is also aggressive in the offensive zone when pinching and looks as if he is playing as a rover. However, his defense is still a work in progress.

Late-round picks have the odds against them in making the NHL, but Salin also has an uphill battle to climb with his 5-foot-11 frame.

NOTE:

*BREAKING NEWS: This message is for my little brother, Xavier. He turns seven years old today. Happy birthday, Xavier! I hope you have a great day, and all your birthday wishes come true!

Featured image credit: Christopher Mora/Ontario Reign

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