Full Breakdown
LA Kings Sign Samuel Helenius to Two-Year Contract Extension
12/4/2025, 4:44:28 AM
Contract Details and Career Overview
The Los Angeles Kings have signed forward Samuel Helenius to a two-year contract extension, which will run through the 2027-28 season. The deal carries an average annual value (AAV) of $875,000. Helenius, a 23-year-old native of Järvenpää, Finland, has played 53 career games with the Kings, including a 50-game rookie season in 2024-25, where he recorded four goals and three assists. He made his Stanley Cup Playoff debut this past spring, contributing one assist in six postseason games.
Helenius was selected in the second round (59th overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft. Before joining the Kings, he played 102 games with JYP Jyväskylä in Finland's top professional league, Liiga, where he scored 10 goals and 23 points. He has also played 162 games with the Ontario Reign, the Kings’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, accumulating 13 goals and 40 points.
Performance and Impact
In his rookie season, Helenius scored his first career goal on January 22 against the Florida Panthers and achieved his first multi-point game on April 15 against the Seattle Kraken. His performance in the AHL has been notable, with six points in 20 games this season, and he has also participated in eight Calder Cup Playoff games, contributing one assist.
The Kings view Helenius as an affordable option to solidify their bottom six, providing job security for the player while maintaining salary cap flexibility. As of the signing announcement, the Kings have shown improved performance, with a record of 12-6-7, positioning them second in the Pacific Division.
Official Statements & Responses
The Kings' management expressed confidence in Helenius's potential and contributions to the team. The contract extension is seen as a strategic move to enhance the roster depth while allowing Helenius to continue developing his skills at the NHL level.
Criticism & Opposition
While the contract extension has been generally well-received, some analysts question whether Helenius's current performance justifies the investment, given his limited scoring output in the early part of the season. Critics argue that the Kings may need to explore other options if Helenius does not show significant improvement in his offensive contributions.
What's Next
Looking ahead, the Kings aim to maintain their momentum as they face the Washington Capitals and the Chicago Blackhawks in upcoming home games. Helenius will be expected to leverage this contract extension to enhance his performance and solidify his role within the team.
