Day six of 10 prospects and 10 days is none other than Akil Thomas, the Kings’ 2018 second round, 51st overall pick.

Thomas is an offensively minded forward who is known for his playmaking ability. He played for the OHL’s Niagara IceDogs in his draft year, serving as their alternate captain, demonstrating leadership potential. He scored 81 points (22+59=81) in 68 games played in the 2017-2018 season. These were statistics good enough to earn him high praise going into the draft; He was consistently ranked in the middle of the first round, with scouts complementing his skating ability and tenacity.

However, he managed to slip to the middle of the second round. Many believe that this was due to a lackluster performance in the IIHF under-18 World Juniors Tournament of that year. In 4 games played, he had 2 points (1+1=2); he was projected to have a better showing in this tournament. Nevertheless, the Los Angeles Kings were able to claim him in the second round.

Akil Thomas can be considered as a steal at 51st overall, especially when noting that some scouts had him ranked as high as 15th. He proved that he was an elite prospect in the season following his draft. In the 2018-2019, Thomas served as the IceDogs’ alternate captain once again and he posted 102 points (38+64=102) in 63 games played. He also had an incredible plus/minus of +42. These numbers are extremely good, even taking into consideration the how offensively minded major junior hockey is. Although team Canada did not name him to their World Juniors team, his spectacular season earned him a three-year, entry-level contract with the Los Angeles Kings.

Entering into the 2019-2020 season, Thomas was named the captain of the IceDogs, further solidifying his role as a leader on the team. Before representing Canada in 2020 the IIHF World Junior Tournament, he scored 44 points (15+29=44) in 27 games played. The highlight of his season and his entire young career came during the World Juniors Tournament. Throughout the entire tournament, Thomas did not receive any significant playing time. Before the gold medal game, he only registered one point, an assist. However, with just under four minuets to go in the gold medal game, he scored a beautiful gold medal winning goal.

Scoring the tournament winning goal made headlines in the hockey community. Although he was under the immense pressure of the gold medal game, Thomas managed to score a goal after not receiving significant minuets throughout the tournament. This demonstrates his ability to be an impact player when the stakes are high. He simply leads my example and he rose to the occasion in this situation. His performance caused interest in potential trades within the OHL. Just days after his gold medal goal, he was traded to the Peterborough Petes in exchange for forward Cameron Butler and 4 draft picks. With the Petes, Thomas posted 40 points (9+31=40) in 22 games, before the season was ended due to the ongoing pandemic.

Next season, Thomas should play with the Kings’ AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign. It is also likely that he will earn a call-up to the Kings sometime during the season. In the future, he will probably play in the top 6 on the Kings. He should convert well to the NHL level, especially when considering his offensive and leadership abilities.

Off the ice, Thomas is an entrepreneur. He is the co-founder of a successful clothing line called Zale apparel. This brand designs and sells street ware. He is also a podcaster; he hosts the “Soul on Ice” podcast alongside Damon “Kwame” Mason and Elijah Roberts. This podcast covers hockey throughout the ages from a modern perspective. It is interesting to see such an elite prospect commit to so many things outside of hockey. I look forward to seeing how he expands on these endeavors once he is playing in the NHL.

Akil Thomas is a character player that has the potential to be a great leader at the NHL level. I look forward to seeing how his natural offensive talent translates to the NHL level.