It isn’t very common for undrafted players to get contract extensions after playing just 10 NHL games, but Taylor Ward has been bucking the odds for years.
Four years in the BCHL, followed by four more years of college, eventually led him to a series of one-year deals in the AHL. Originally signed to an entry level contract by Kings GM Rob Blake in March 2022, Ward went on to earn three separate one-year contract extensions. They were all two-way deals, meaning he was making $80k – $165k while in the minors — until this season, where he was earning $300k with the Reign.
His new two-year extension is a one-way deal, guaranteeing him over $1.7M total. The contract begins next season and runs through the 2027-28 campaign.
The 27-year-old winger has suited up in nine games for coach Jim Hiller this season, after scoring in his NHL debut last year. He had goals in back-to-back games against the Ducks and Rangers, right before the Kings departed LA for their current road trip.
A few years ago, Ward played a critical role on Ontario’s best line, when he was paired with Andre Lee and Sammy Helenius. This season, he was often playing a top-6 role with the Reign and posted 12 goals and 21 points in 32 games. Prior to his recall, the 6-foot-2 forward had already established a new career high in goals and was well on his way to surpassing his 32-point high-water mark from 2023-24.
Before turning pro in 2022, he had a team-leading 19 goals and 39 points in 38 games as a senior at the University of Nebraska-Omaha (NCHC). Ward ranks sixth in that program’s history in goals, 10th in points and tied for eighth in points-per-game (0.88, min. 50 games). The native of Western Canada also skated in parts of four seasons with the Penticton Vees (BCHL) in advance of college, helping his team capture the 2016-17 Fred Page Cup as BCHL Champions.
His dad Dixon scored six goals with the Kings, after coming over in a trade with Vancouver (for Jimmy Carson) in January 1994. For more on their shared journey, check out the article below.
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