Who’s the New Top Prospect in the Kings’ Pipeline After the Panarin Trade?
The Los Angeles Kings made a bold move heading into the Olympic break, sending top prospect Liam Greentree to the New York Rangers in exchange for Artemi Panarin. It’s a blockbuster that brings immediate star power to LA’s top six, but it also reshapes the future of the franchise. With Greentree out of the picture, the question now becomes: who’s next in line as the Kings’ top prospect?
Let’s dive into the names that are rising to the top of LA’s pipeline - a mix of junior standouts, international stars, and promising AHLers - starting with a goaltender who’s been turning heads on both sides of the border.
1. Carter George, G, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)
With Greentree gone, Carter George takes the spotlight as the Kings’ top prospect - and it’s not hard to see why. The 19-year-old goaltender has been nothing short of sensational this season, both internationally and in the OHL.
George has suited up for Team Canada in back-to-back World Junior Championships and hasn’t dropped a single game in four appearances. That kind of poise on the international stage is rare, especially for a netminder his age.
At the junior level, his numbers speak volumes. Since being traded from Owen Sound to the Sault Ste.
Marie Greyhounds, George has posted a 7-2-2 record with a sparkling 1.81 goals-against average, a .933 save percentage, and three shutouts in just 11 games. Those are elite numbers in any league, let alone the high-octane OHL.
Drafted 57th overall in 2024, George is showing all the signs of a future NHL starter - calm in the crease, technically sound, and capable of stealing games. Oh, and did we mention he’s scored two goalie goals in his junior career? That’s not a stat that moves the development needle, but it sure makes him fun to watch.
2. Henry Brzustewicz, D, London Knights (OHL)
Next up is a defenseman with a championship pedigree and an offensive touch that’s hard to ignore. Henry Brzustewicz is in his third season with the London Knights, and he’s putting together his most complete campaign yet.
Through 44 games, the 6-foot-2 right-shot blueliner has racked up 15 goals and 37 points - good for second on his team and top-10 among all OHL defensemen in scoring. Even more impressive? He ranks fourth in goals from the back end, showing he’s not just a playmaker but a legitimate scoring threat.
Brzustewicz already has two OHL championships under his belt and added a Memorial Cup title last season. That kind of experience in pressure-packed games is invaluable for a young defenseman. Drafted 31st overall in 2025, he’s trending toward becoming a reliable two-way presence on an NHL blue line - the kind of player who can log big minutes and contribute in all situations.
3. Vojtech Cihar, F, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Vojtech Cihar made his name known on the international stage, and now he’s bringing that flair to the WHL. The Czech forward was named MVP of the 2026 World Junior Championship after putting up four goals and 12 points in just seven games - leading his team in scoring and helping Czechia capture a silver medal.
Since making the jump to North America and joining the Kelowna Rockets, Cihar has continued to impress. In 15 games, he’s chipped in two goals and 12 points, adjusting quickly to the North American style of play. He also made headlines recently with a dazzling penalty shot goal that went viral - a reminder of the high-end skill he brings to the table.
Selected 59th overall in the 2025 draft, Cihar is a dynamic offensive talent who could develop into a top-six winger at the NHL level. He’s got the hands, the vision, and the creativity to make an impact - and now he’s gaining the experience to match.
Honorable Mentions: Depth Worth Watching
While George, Brzustewicz, and Cihar headline the Kings’ prospect pool, there’s depth in the system worth keeping tabs on.
Jimmy Lombardi, playing for the Flint Firebirds in the OHL, is actually the top scorer among all Kings prospects. He’s put up 29 goals and 59 points in 51 games - an impressive 1.16 points per game.
He’s turning 19 soon and is currently second on his team in scoring, while sitting tied for eighth in the league in goals. Lombardi may not have the same pedigree as some of the others, but his offensive production can’t be ignored.
In net, Hampton Slukynsky is quietly building a strong case as a future NHL goaltender. The Western Michigan University standout has a 20-8-0 record with a .910 save percentage and a 2.40 goals-against average across 28 NCAA games.
He also served as Team USA’s backup at the 2025 World Juniors and was part of the national squad at the World Championship, backing up NHLers Jeremy Swayman and Joey Daccord. That kind of exposure and experience bodes well for his development.
And in the AHL, the Kings have a few young names still marinating with the Ontario Reign. Martin Chromiak, Kenny Connors, and Jared Wright are all continuing their development and could push for NHL minutes in the near future.
Final Thoughts
The Kings may have traded away one of their top young assets in Liam Greentree, but their prospect pool remains strong - especially at key positions like goaltending and on the blue line. Carter George is looking more and more like the future in net, Brzustewicz brings a steady and skilled presence on defense, and Cihar offers the kind of offensive upside that can change a game.
Add in the scoring punch of Lombardi and the steady rise of Slukynsky, and Los Angeles still has plenty to look forward to - even as they chase immediate success with Panarin in the fold.