“It’s been difficult, and emotional for a lot of us,” said Andrew Lord.
When a team’s first-year coach has that to say about one of his players being traded just two months into the season, it should tell you how much the guy meant to that organization.
Akil Thomas was the Real Deal, in every sense of the word. Despite only playing in 32 regular season games with the Kings in his career, the Toronto native was one of those rare prospects who actually made a significant impression on the entire organization.
Sure, he posted 106 points (50 goals, 56 assists) in 176 career AHL games with the Ontario Reign. Yes, he wore a letter at different times with the club too. None of that scratches the surface when looking at the person he is in totality.
“I had always been high on Killer, just from coming to all of those camps here previously,” Lord recently said of Thomas, referring to him by one of his several nicknames. “I knew quite a bit about him, watched him firsthand, heard a lot about him obviously last year, when he was up with the big club. I think he did a heck of a job for us this season. He was a real leader for us. His game was quite consistent. His play on both sides of the puck was solid. He was a good penalty killer for us, and a good power play guy. He was a driver on every line he played on.”
In his brief time the Reign, Lord’s thoughts have consistently been calculated, measured — almost curated. He gives praise where it’s due, but almost always in a very specific way.
“He’s just a great guy,” continued Ontario’s bench boss. “Akil loves the game, and the work ethic he puts in is noteworthy. Whether shooting pucks after practice or getting his recovery in, or whatever it may be. He’s a real pro, and I think he had a good effect on our group overall. I certainly appreciated his approach on and off the ice.”
Don’t forget, Thomas grew up a Kings fan. It’s a story he shared with us very early on. After the Kings won their first Stanley Cup, he was all in on LA. First, he wanted to be a goalie because of Jonathan Quick. “My dad didn’t let that happen,” Thomas told us back then with his trademark laugh. So, he tried to be Drew Doughty next — and his desire to be a defenseman came up several times in junior and even during his time with the Reign.
After being selected by the Kings in the second round, No. 51 overall, at the 2018 NHL Draft, Thomas has had many setbacks. More than most, in fact. He’s had several surgeries that derailed his momentum. Thorough it all, though, two things always remained a constant. One, his smile. You’d be hard pressed to find another player who loves the game more than Thomas. And, two, every coach praises him. From Chris Hajt to Marco Sturm to Lord, they all have praise upon praise for the 25-year-old forward.
“Even though he was removed from this level last season, his attitude was superb, as our staff and everyone said it would be,” Lord remarked. “He’s just a really good person. He’s a good pro. He’s a good teammate. And he really cared about this organization, both the Kings and the Reign. I’m sure it was difficult at times to be back down in the American Hockey League after being in the NHL last year. However, he’s went about it the right way and was a really good example.”
It seemed like the natural end to a comment there, but Lord still I had more to share.
“As just a small example of what he does behind the scenes, I know he took players under his wing,” continued Ontario’s coach. “I’d see him a lot of times with guys like Franky Pinelli, working with him one-on-one, having discussions or watching video or whatever it may be. That’s really good for him, to develop his leadership, and also really good for our young players. Hats off to him for that.”
Prior to the trade, Thomas had been productive for the Reign, putting up 13 points (4G, 9A) in 19 games and serving as the team’s No. 1 center for more than a month.
Even so, the trade with St. Louis was an opportunity for GM Ken Holland to do the right thing for one of his players. It became obvious over the past several months that Thomas wasn’t likely to get another crack at the Kings roster anytime soon. Now, with the Blues, perhaps Thomas can reach his dream of becoming an NHL player.
“For Hajter and Schuler [assistant coaches], and a number of the players that were with Akil for a lot of his years here, this has been an emotional time,” Lord admitted. “It’s a family. Everyone really gets along, and they care for each other. It’s difficult, but at the same time, everyone understands the business. This sounds like it’s going to be a really good opportunity for him and we’re equally excited to get Nikita Alexandrov coming our way.”
Before wrapping up the conversation, Lord attempted to summarize the entire situation and was asked to possibly come up with one key moment. What stands out the most with Thomas?
“He’s a player that could be in the NHL, for sure,” Lord stated. “I just think of how good he is in all situations when his game is on. He’s really an elite centerman. And a great PK guy! When you think of some of the games, especially earlier this season, like the home opener, with him scoring a big goal. He can be such a driver for the group, and at the same time, what a great person. It’s everything, it’s all encompassing. I’m definitely a big fan Akil.”
And just think, Lord wasn’t even around for one of Thomas’ greatest moments with the Kings organization — this photo from Halloween 2024:
Best of luck to Thomas. He’ll be great in life, no matter what he does. That’s just who he is, he’s one of those people who leaves a mark everywhere he goes.
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