Overview
- The Kings signed first-round pick Elton Hermansson Wednesday, July 15, to a three-year entry-level contract, making him the first player from the 2026 draft class to sign.
- Hermansson is expected to remain with MoDo Hockey in Sweden’s HockeyAllsvenskan for the 2026–27 season and will not attend Los Angeles training camp or the Rookie Faceoff.
- The contract can slide up to two seasons under NHL rules if Hermansson does not play 10 or more NHL games in a season, which preserves his entry-level years for when he moves to North America.
- Hermansson had 11 goals and 21 points in 38 HockeyAllsvenskan games and led the 2026 IIHF U18 tournament with 12 points, earning Best Forward and an All-Star nod.
- Scouts praise his puck skills and scoring upside but note he needs to add strength and improve play away from the puck, which explains the Kings’ plan to keep him in Sweden for daily pro minutes and continued international play.