Kings Sign Defenseman Henry Brzustewicz to 3-Year Entry-Level Contract

Brzustewicz joins AHL's Ontario Reign on professional tryout agreement

Apr. 5, 2026 at 3:28pm

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The LA Kings have signed defenseman Henry Brzustewicz, their 2025 first-round draft pick, to a three-year entry-level contract beginning with the 2026-27 season. Brzustewicz has also signed a professional tryout agreement with the AHL's Ontario Reign and will begin his professional career at the AHL level, joining the Reign for their playoff push.

Why it matters

The Kings have locked up one of their top defensive prospects in Brzustewicz, who had a standout season with the OHL's London Knights. His signing comes just days after the team signed another top prospect, goaltender Hampton Slukynsky, to an entry-level deal.

The details

Brzustewicz, 19, recently finished his third season with the London Knights, where he recorded 19 goals and 35 assists for a team-best 54 points in 59 games. He led all OHL blueliners in shots and ranked among the league's top defensemen in several offensive categories. Brzustewicz is a two-way defenseman with good puck-moving ability and strong defensive play.

  • Brzustewicz was the Kings' first-round selection (31st overall) in the 2025 NHL Draft.
  • He helped the London Knights capture their second consecutive OHL Championship in 2024-25, adding 5 points in 17 playoff games.
  • Brzustewicz then notched 2 points in 5 games to help London win the Memorial Cup that season.

The players

Henry Brzustewicz

A 19-year-old defenseman who was the Kings' first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. He just completed a standout season with the OHL's London Knights, leading the team in scoring and ranking among the league's top defensemen.

Hampton Slukynsky

The Kings' top goaltending prospect, who recently signed an entry-level contract with the team.

Mark Yannetti

The Kings' Director of Amateur Scouting, who praised Brzustewicz's improvements and ability to thrive as a key player on a strong London Knights team.

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What they’re saying

“He's a powerful skater now, when you watch him move, that's one of the things I notice about him. It's the power in his movements and in his base. I would say that would be, for me, the most significant improvement.”

— Mark Yannetti, Kings Director, Amateur Scouting

What’s next

Brzustewicz will join the AHL's Ontario Reign on a professional tryout agreement for the remainder of the season, giving him valuable playoff experience before competing for a roster spot with the Kings next season.

The takeaway

The Kings continue to build a strong pipeline of defensive prospects, locking up Brzustewicz after recently signing goaltender Hampton Slukynsky. Brzustewicz's offensive abilities and two-way game make him an exciting addition to the organization's future plans on the blue line.