Top prospects for Los Angeles Kings

NHL.com is providing in-depth prospect analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 1-Sept. 1. Today, the top five prospects for the Los Angeles Kings, according to NHL.com.

1. Henry Brzustewicz, D

How acquired: Selected with No. 31 pick in 2025 NHL Draft

2025-26 season: Ontario (AHL): 5 GP, 0-0-0; London (OHL): 59 GP, 19-35-54

The Kings signed Brzustewicz (6-foot- 2, 203 pounds) to a three-year, entry-level contract April 4. The 19-year-old had five points (one goal, four assists) in 17 playoff games in 2024-25, when London won the Memorial Cup.

"He's offensive, he can shoot the puck and he can skate," Kings senior director of player personnel Glen Murray said.

"Sean O'Donnelland Matt Greene (in Kings player development) are working with him to understand the defensive side of the game. We don't need you to be forechecking. We need you to play defense and let the play develop. He understands that. He's come a long way. We're looking forward to seeing him at the rookie camp this year."

Projected NHL arrival: Next season

2. Carter George, G

How acquired: Selected with No. 57 pick in 2024 NHL Draft

2025-26 season: Owen Sound (OHL): 22 GP, 10-9-2, 3.12 GAA, .899 SVP, 1 SO; Sault Ste Marie (OHL): 24 GP, 13-8-3, 2.40 GAA, .913 SVP, 3 SO

George (6-1, 196) went to the OHL playoffs with Sault Ste Marie, going 5-5 with a 2.36 goals-against average, .910 save percentage and one shutout. The 20-year-old also went 4-0-0 with Canada at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.

"He's been a highly touted guy for us," Murray said. "We really love his demeanor for a goalie. He doesn't worry about letting goals in, if he lets a soft one in, this and that. He's coming in and going to play in the American (Hockey) League this year. Our goalie department is really looking forward to getting him and Hampton (Slukynsky) full time on their hands."

Projected NHL arrival: Next season

3. Hampton Slukynsky, G

How acquired: Selected with No. 118 pick in 2023 NHL Draft

2025-26 season: Ontario (AHL): 2 GP, 2-0-0, 1.00 GAA, .957 SVP; Western Michigan (NCAA): 39 GP, 27-11-1, 2.30 GAA, .915 SVP, 4 SO

The aforementioned Slukynsky (6-1, 179) signed his entry-level contract with the Kings on April 2 following his second season at Western Michigan. The 21-year-old helped the program to its first national championship in 2025.

There are a lot of similarities between Slukynsky and George.

"They're both kind of like each other," Murray said. "They both have a great demeanor for goalies. You really have to forget about it, park the bad games or the bad goals you let in and have that demeanor of, let's play to the next play, next shot, whatever. Same as Carter.

"It's a great problem to have with two young guys coming in to play in Ontario, but it's a great opportunity for both of them."

Projected NHL arrival: Next season

4. Kenny Connors, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 103 pick in 2022 NHL Draft

2025-26 season: Los Angeles (NHL): 2 GP, 0-0-0; Ontario (AHL): 65 GP, 15-26-41

Connors (6-1, 199) got the attention of the Kings at training camp last season and a quick glimpse of the NHL with two games in March. The 23-year-old played a big role with Ontario, skating on the first penalty kill and power-play units.

"He was a very good college player," Murray said. "He had an unbelievable offseason last year and he came in and he really opened everyone's eyes. Our coach (in Ontario, Andrew Lord) really leaned on him and his game has transitioned. He's a better pro than he was a college player."

Projected NHL arrival: This season

5. Vojtech Cihar, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 59 pick in 2025 NHL Draft

2025-26 season: Kelowna (WHL): 31 GP, 12-19-31

The 19-year-old was tremendous for Czechia at the 2026 WJC. Cihar (6-0, 175) was MVP of the tournament with 12 points (four goals, eight assists) in seven games to help Czechia to the final, where it lost to Sweden.

"He's only been to one training camp, so once he comes this year to the rookie tournament, kind of understands pro game, I think the ceiling is really high with this guy," Murray said. "We have to be patient with him. We're not saying he's going to be able to make it this year. He'll go back to junior if that's the case, if that's what Kenny (Holland, Kings general manager) and our staff think would be best for him. He sees the ice, he can play center, he can play wing. Really, his hockey sense is excellent."

Projected NHL arrival: Next season