The Kings shuffled their roster ahead of tonight’s game against Boston, recalling winger Taylor Ward from AHL Ontario and sending winger Jared Wright back to the Reign.
For Ward, it’s his first recall of the season after he cleared waivers last month. The 28-year-old appeared in 36 games for Los Angeles last season, finishing with three goals and four assists while averaging 9:28 of ice time per game. His play was enough to earn him a two-year, one-way extension in the middle of the season that carries an average annual value of $875K.
Ward has started this season well in Ontario, where he has two goals and an assist in his first four games. He also chipped in a dozen goals in 32 games for the Reign last season.
Wright’s move is his second trip to the minors this week. During his previous assignment, he played once against San Diego before being brought back up to the Kings, where he has mostly been used as a reserve forward early on. He signed a two-year, one-way extension earlier this month and has three points in three games with Ontario, along with one appearance for Los Angeles.
This could end up being a short stay in the AHL, since Wright could get into tonight’s game against Henderson and then become eligible for another call-up. The Kings, at the very least, keep him getting regular game action even while he’s been a frequent scratch with the NHL club.
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Kings Give Taylor Ward Another Chance With Boston Coming In
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Jared Wright, meanwhile, was sent back to AHL Ontario after another brief NHL stint, leaving the Kings to adjust their lineup on the fly once more. For a team trying to manage the bottom of the roster while staying ready for a heavy opponent, the next call-up or reassignment can come quickly, and Ward now gets another opportunity to make his case. [Read more 🡒]