The LA Kings are locking in some size and grit for the future, signing 6-foot-6 forward Samuel Helenius to a two-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $875,000. The deal is believed to be a one-way contract in both seasons, which signals the organization’s commitment to keeping Helenius in the NHL mix.
He was set to become a restricted free agent this summer, but this extension keeps him under team control and RFA status through its conclusion. According to PuckPedia, he won’t hit unrestricted free agency until 2030 - so the Kings are playing the long game here.
A Look Back at Helenius’ Journey
It’s been a rollercoaster year for Helenius, but one that’s trending upward. After an impressive training camp in 2024, he didn’t crack the Kings’ opening night roster, but he made enough of an impression to land near the top of the call-up list.
That opportunity came in November, and while he bounced between the NHL and AHL a few times, he eventually carved out a role for himself down the stretch. He played 50 regular season games in 2024-25 and suited up in all six of the Kings’ playoff games against Edmonton.
This fall, Helenius made the team out of camp for the first time - a big milestone in any young player’s career. But with Alex Turcotte emerging as the fourth-line center, Helenius has seen limited NHL action so far, appearing in just three games this season. Still, the Kings clearly like what they’ve seen in the big Finn.
What Helenius Brings to the Ice
Helenius fits the mold of a classic bottom-six forward: big, physical, and tough to play against. At 6-6, 200 pounds, he brings a presence that few others can match.
And he doesn’t just have size - he knows how to use it. Last season, his 20.79 hits per 60 minutes led the Kings and ranked second in the entire NHL among players with at least 50 games played, trailing only Vancouver’s Kiefer Sherwood.
That’s elite-level physicality.
He’s also not afraid to drop the gloves when necessary, stepping in to protect teammates and bring energy to the lineup. Helenius plays a straight-ahead, north-south game - the kind of style that thrives in a fourth-line role.
And while he hasn’t had much ice time this season, his work ethic hasn’t wavered. He’s been one of the last players off the ice after practice, grinding on faceoffs and the finer points of his game to stay ready.
The Kings’ Long-Term Vision
Even if Helenius isn’t seeing regular minutes right now, the Kings are betting on his continued development. This deal is a clear vote of confidence - a signal that the front office sees a long-term role for him, even if he’s not in the nightly lineup just yet. GM Ken Holland has a history of valuing size and physicality in his bottom six, and Helenius checks all those boxes.
While no one’s penciling him in as the next Anze Kopitar, Helenius could benefit from a future reshuffle at center. For now, he remains a cost-effective option who can slide into the lineup when injuries hit or matchups call for more muscle. And with the Kings remaining relatively healthy down the middle so far this season, his time will come.
Where He Fits in the Roster Picture
Helenius is shaping up as a solid long-term option at the fourth-line center spot. He’s under contract for two more seasons at a team-friendly number and will remain an RFA after that, giving the Kings plenty of roster flexibility.
He may not project as a top-six forward, but that was never the expectation. When LA drafted him 59th overall in 2021, they saw a player with a high floor - someone who could anchor a bottom-six role with the potential to grow into a reliable 3C.
That’s still very much in play.
And let’s be honest - successful teams need players like Helenius. You can’t build a contender with just stars.
You need guys who can win board battles, kill penalties, and bring a physical edge. Helenius fits that mold.
The Cap Picture
With Helenius signed, the Kings now have 10 forwards, five defensemen, and two goalies under contract for next season. Factoring in his new deal, they’re sitting on just over $22 million in cap space with six roster spots left to fill. That’s a healthy cushion, and Helenius gives them a low-cost, NHL-ready option at the bottom of the lineup.
Career Snapshot
At 23, Helenius has already logged 53 NHL games, including a 50-game rookie campaign last season where he posted four goals and seven points. He scored his first career goal on January 22 against Florida and notched a two-goal game on April 15 in Seattle. He also made his Stanley Cup Playoff debut last spring, registering one assist in six games.
In the AHL, Helenius has played 162 games for the Ontario Reign over four seasons, tallying 13 goals and 40 points along with 156 penalty minutes. He’s added one assist in eight Calder Cup Playoff games.
Before coming to North America, he played 102 games in Finland’s top league, Liiga, with JYP Jyväskylä, and put up 23 points. He also spent time in the Finnish junior ranks with Jokerit U20, scoring 24 points in 51 games.
Internationally, Helenius has represented Finland at two World Junior Championships, helping his country earn silver in 2021 and bronze in 2022. He chipped in four points in seven games during the 2021 tournament and added a goal in six games the following year.
Final Word
This extension might not make headlines, but it’s the kind of smart, forward-thinking move that builds roster depth and keeps the cap sheet clean. Helenius brings size, snarl, and a willingness to do the dirty work - all traits that become even more valuable in the postseason.
He’s still developing, still learning the NHL game, but the Kings are betting that his best hockey is still ahead. And at this price point, it’s a bet well worth making.