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An early look at the 2022-23 Ontario Reign roster

Originally posted on Hockey Royalty  |  By Joe Patarino  |  Last updated 6/9/22

There’s been a lot of talk about the LA Kings and what offseason moves could be on the horizon. Naturally, this will have a trickle-down effect on the AHL squad, the Ontario Reign.

With the help of CapFriendly, we’ll take a look at the depth chart in Ontario as it stands right now. Note, for now, I am excluding Unrestricted Free Agents (UFA) and making assumptions that most of the Restricted Free Agents (RFA) will receive and accept their Qualifying Offers.

First, the forward group.

LW C RW
Andre Lee Akil Thomas Tyler Madden
Aidan Dudas Taylor Ward
Johan Sodergran Samuel Helenius Jacob Doty

There are a couple of big omissions here with T.J. Tynan and Martin Frk not showing up. Again, I am excluding the UFAs for now. As predicted here, I anticipate a Tynan return and a Frk exit. Until those happen, we’ll move forward as if they are no longer here.

This is a team that still has a lot of talent. Former fifth-overall pick Alex Turcotte would take over as the number one center. The big concern surrounding him is that his season, riddled with injury, was ended in the playoffs due to a concussion. His recovery will be something to keep an eye on this summer.

Samuel Fagemo is coming off of a breakout year, scoring 27 goals, and could be next up in terms of prospects for the Kings.

Akil Thomas’ end of the season was impressive, and Taylor Ward showed very well in his early days as a pro.

I was high on Johan Sodergran entering last season, but he played just seven games after suffering an injury. He was loaned Eisbaren Berlin in Germany, where he ended the season scoring a goal and four points in seven games overseas. I’m not ready to push him aside just yet.

One name that I expect to crack that list is forward prospect Martin Chromiak. The 19-year-old had a big season with the Kingston Frontenacs (OHL), scoring 44 goals and 86 points in 60 games. He and Fagemo would provide legitimate scoring threats on the wings.

This lineup assumes graduations (or trade) for Jaret Anderson-Dolan and Gabriel Vilardi.

The other forward not on this list is Vladimir Tkachev. While I think it was worth the gamble, my guess is there may be an opportunity elsewhere for him. Be that an NHL opportunity or more money in the KHL, I’d be a little surprised if he’s back with the Reign (though I’d certainly welcome it).

Other forward options include Nikita Pavlychev and Brett Kemp. They spent most of last season in the ECHL with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits.

The defense, right now, is a little thinner, but there are some moving parts:

LD RD
Kim Nousiainen Helge Grans
Cameron Gaunce return. He had joined the Kings on a PTO last fall and was then assigned to Ontario. Given the veteran leadership he brought to the team and the value on the ice, I’d be surprised if we don’t see Gaunce back with the Reign.

Other defensemen not included are Christian Wolanin (UFA), Thomas Hickey (he was with the Reign on loan from the New York Islanders), Tyler Inamoto (PTO), and Nelson Nogier (UFA).

Of that group, I think Wolanin is someone they could (and should) bring back. I wouldn’t mind seeing an extended look at Inamoto as well. Nogier brought some offense to the back end, which was needed after the Sean Durzi and Jordan Spence call ups to LA. With Nogier being a UFA, though, I’m not sure if he’ll be prioritized.

Jacob Moverare is an RFA who I have penciled in as the seventh defenseman in Los Angeles. Another defenseman that could very well see time in Ontario is Tobias Bjornfot. He still can play in Ontario without having to clear waivers, and if the Kings do address the left side of their defense this summer, Bjornfot could be the odd man out and sent to the Reign for consistent playing time.

Austin Strand is a UFA well. Given the plethora of RD options, I’m not sure there’s a fit for him unless they opt to keep him for the left side, which he has experience playing.

Between the pipes, the Reign will have an opportunity to get a long look at four young goaltenders.

G
Matthew Villalta
David Hrenak
Jacob Ingham
Lukas Parik

The net will be Matthew Villalta’s (an RFA) entering the summer, but he’ll have some stiff competition. David Hrenak played well in his brief stint, and both Jacob Ingham and Lukas Parik saw time with the Reign during the 2021-22 season.

Garret Sparks served his role as the veteran backup when healthy for Ontario, but Villalta will be entering his age-24 season and will have parts of three seasons as a pro under his belt. I think the need for an older veteran goaltender is no more. This should be an opportunity to see if any of these four netminders can take a step up to the next level.

Of course, as the Kings address their needs, many things can change. Some of the names mentioned above could be trade candidates for NHL help.

While it’s still very early, this gives a starting point for what we could see in Ontario next season.

This article first appeared on Hockey Royalty and was syndicated with permission.

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