Kings prospect Jan Chovan has joined the Ontario Reign after his Sudbury Wolves were recently swept in four games by the OHL’s top-seeded Brantford Bulldogs.
He practiced with the Reign earlier today, in anticipation of a possible AHL debut later this week.
The 19-year-old forward, selected by the Kings in the sixth round (184th overall) of the 2025 NHL Draft, had a breakout first season in North America after moving over from Finland’s Tappara U20 program last summer. Chovan posted 55 points (28 goals, 27 assists) in 60 regular-season games and added two goals in the postseason. He also represented Slovakia at the 2026 World Junior Championship, anchoring their second line and playing in all situations.
After starting the OHL season as a winger, Chovan made a mid-season switch to center and thrived in the role — leading the Wolves in goals, points, and power-play goals. This versatility will give Ontario coach Andrew Lord several potential options for where to slot him into the lineup. Further, Chovan’s 50-percent faceoff win rate this season suggests he’s capable of handling duties down the middle at the next level.
With Ontario pushing for a division title, he could potentially step into a winning environment and have an immediate opportunity to play alongside established pros. Even just a few games at the AHL level would be a meaningful step for a player who is still adjusting to the North American game — and one who has shown he can produce at every level he’s played at thus far.
His contract is an interesting one for now. Chovan has yet to sign an entry-level contract with the Kings — however, they’ll hold his rights for several more years. To get him started this week, he signed an Amateur Tryout Agreement (ATO), which keeps several options open for the future. We’ll have more on this ongoing story as it develops later this week.
It is expected to be an interesting next couple of games for the Reign, as they’ll host second-place Colorado on Tuesday night. Then, top-ranked goaltending prospect Hampton Slukynsky is expected to make his AHL debut on Friday vs. San Diego.
Follow @mayorsmanor
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-522840723937225840-1’); });
Lead photo via OHL, Brandon Tayler
Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news or interviews from this site please remember to include a link to www.MayorsManor.com
Continue reading...