Top prospects for Los Angeles Kings

NHL.com is providing in-depth prospect analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 8-Sept. 8. Today, the top five prospects for the Los Angeles Kings, according to NHL.com.

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1. Alex Turcotte, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 5 pick in 2019 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: Los Angeles (NHL): 8 GP, 0-0-0; Ontario (AHL): 27 GP, 6-12-18
It's unknown if Turcotte (5-foot-11, 185 pounds) will be ready for training camp. The 21-year-old did not take part in on-ice activities at development camp in July because of two concussions sustained last season.
When Turcotte is ready, he has a chance for an extended role in the American Hockey League.
"Alex has had a tough run of injuries and for a young player I think it does get frustrating," Kings director of player personnel Nelson Emerson said. "He's got a lot of days ahead of him, a lot of great days. You just have to get 100 percent healthy for that to happen first. He's going to be pushing on the NHL door, but I think the most important thing for him is to play hockey games."
Projected NHL arrival: This season

2. Brandt Clarke, D

How acquired: Selected with No. 8 pick in 2021 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: Barrie (OHL): 55 GP, 11-48-59
Clarke (6-2, 185) doesn't turn 20 until Feb. 9 and is not yet eligible for the AHL, so he'll either start this season with the Kings or return to the Ontario Hockey League. He said he's planning the former, which would be a fast track to the NHL if he plays 10 games to kick in the first season of a three-year, entry-level contract signed Aug. 10, 2021.
The Kings have openings on the left side of their defense, one Clarke could exploit at training camp.
"A big word used around here is trust," Clarke said July 11. "They want to be able to trust me with the puck on my stick and without the puck on my stick. That's what I'm trying to build in their eyes."
Projected NHL arrival: Next season

3. Akil Thomas, F

How acquired:Selected with No. 51 pick in 2018 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: Ontario (AHL): 40 GP, 8-5-13
Thomas (6-0, 195) had three points in his first 28 games after offseason surgery to both shoulders delayed the 22-year-old's start to last season until Dec. 4. A productive full season for the Reign could complete his road to the NHL.
"At the end of the year in the playoffs, he was playing all the time," Emerson said. "Coaches wanted him on the ice, so I think he'll come back in, and he'll just follow up on the finish to his season."
Projected NHL arrival: Next season

4. Jordan Spence, D

How acquired:Selected with No. 95 pick in 2019 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: Los Angeles (NHL): 24 GP, 2-6-8; Ontario (AHL): 46 GP, 4-38-42
The 21-year-old (5-10, 180) could have an edge at camp after he averaged 19:45 of ice time in the regular season with numerous Kings defensemen out because of injuries. Spence saw time in the Stanley Cup Playoffs too, averaging 18:01 in three games of the Western Conference First Round.
Expect the Kings to take it slow with Sean Walker coming off surgery to repair a torn ACL and MCL and Drew Doughty recovering from knee and wrist issues that kept him out of the playoffs. Free agent departures Olli Maatta (Detroit Red Wings) and Troy Stecher (Arizona Coyotes) also must be replaced.
"When Jordan plays the game, everyone leaves the rink and goes, 'Wow, what a solid hockey player,' and the coaches are no different," Emerson said. "He earns their trust. He's another kid coaches love. Even though he's still young, obviously really young, he'll come in and he's going to make it hard for the coaches and us, management, to make a decision on him, because he's a good, good hockey player."
Projected NHL arrival:This season

5. Samuel Fagemo, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 50 pick in 2019 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: Los Angeles (NHL): 4 GP, 0-0-0; Ontario (AHL): 63 GP, 27-17-44
The 22-year-old (6-0, 200) is projected for the first line next to reigning AHL most valuable player T.J. Tynan and the top power play after Martin Frk signed a one-year, two-way contract with the St. Louis Blues on July 15. Fagemo will play his third season for Ontario and said at development camp he's feeling stronger, better and more comfortable, growth not unnoticed by Kings management.
"He's knocking on the door, so depending on what team he's going to be on next year, LA or Ontario, he's right there," Emerson said. "He's exactly the type of player that we like, coaches like him. He's a new style of game where he's on pucks and plays a fast, aggressive brand of hockey."
Projected arrival:Next season