The Los Angeles Kings have re-signed forward Taylor Ward to a new two-year deal worth $1.75 million.
Ward has played well during his short time with the Kings.
Los Angeles signed Ward as an undrafted free agent on March 19, 2022. He would make his pro debut with the Ontario Reign on March 20, 2022, against the Abbotsford Canucks. The Reign is the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Kings. Before making his pro debut he was a star for University of Nebraska-Omaha. He skated in 131 contests and registered 57 goals and 58 assists for 115 points. Ward would leave quite the impression on the program when he turned pro. He ranks sixth in goals scored, 10th in overall points, and posted an 0.88 points-per-game average, which is tenth in school history with a minimum of 50 games played.
Ward would make his NHL debut with Los Angeles during the 2024-25 season on April 17 against the Calgary Flames. He would score his first NHL goal and become part of the first father-and-son duo to score a goal for the Kings. His father was Dixon Ward.
Ward would head back to Ontario, but this season, he was recalled on January 7, 2026, after posting 21 points in 32 games for the Reign.
The 6’2″ and 215-lbs Ward has skated in ten games since the recall, scoring two goals and two assists for four points.
Ward, a dual citizen of Canada and the United States, has impressed during his short time with the Kings. In just over 11 minutes per game this season, he has shown the ability to create offense and get into the dirty areas while getting back on defense. Ward has been a solid two-way player whenever he has played, and he continues to put himself out there and make himself available.
Signings like these are important because these players can play a significant role without scoring a ton of points. Ward is a perfect example, as he has played a sound defensive game and uses his speed to break up the opposition’s opportunities.
While he is playing in a bottom-six role, he could be elevated a top-six role in due time.
He is a solid player who could be a player to watch as the Kings march forward.
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