Kings Sign Jonathan Quick to 10-Year Extension

The Los Angeles Kings have announced that they have signed goaltender Jonathan Quick to a 10-year contract extension worth $58 million.  The deal will average out to $5.8 million per season.  He would have been eligible for unrestricted free agency next summer and has one more year remaining on his current contract.  The new deal will officially be signed on July 1, 2012.  In 69 games last season, he posted a 35-21-13 record, 10 shutouts, a 1.95 GAA, and a .929 save percentage.  In 20 playoff games, he posted 16-4 record, three shutouts, a 1.41 GAA, and a .946 save percentage.  He helped lead the Kings to their first Stanley Cup and was the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as the MVP of the 2012 playoffs.  This is an excellent move for the Kings, as Quick is quickly (no pun intended) emerging as one of the top goaltenders in the league.  He has excellent size and speed, lots of confidence, and is a solid goaltender all-around.  He will continue to make the Kings a competitive team in goal for the next decade.

Kings Re-Sign Jarret Stoll and Colin Fraser

The Los Angeles Kings have locked-up two pieces of their Stanley Cup championship team by re-signing center Jarret Stoll to a three-year contract worth $9.75 million and center Colin Fraser to a two-year contract worth $1.65 million.  Stoll's deal will pay him $3.25 million per season, while Fraser will earn $825,000 per year.  Both players would have been unrestricted free agents on July 1.  In 78 games this past season, Stoll had six goals and 15 assists for 21 points.  He added two goals and three assists for five points in 20 playoff games.  Fraser appeared in 67 games, scoring two goals and six assists for eight points and 67 penalty minutes.  He added one goal and one assist in 18 playoff games.  These are excellent signings for the Kings, as both Stoll and Fraser are good role players on the team.  Stoll brings plenty of two-way ability and a great shot to the checking lines, as well as excellent skills on the faceoff.  Fraser plays with plenty of grit, toughness, and energy and has some defensive ability.  Look for both players to continue to play checking line roles with the Kings throughout the duration of their contracts.

Kings Re-Sign Marc-Andre Cliche and Richard Clune

The Los Angeles Kings have announced that they have signed center Marc-Andre Cliche and left wing Richard Clune to two-year contract extensions.  The financial terms of both deals were not disclosed.  Both players would have been group six unrestricted free agents on July 1.  In 72 games last season with Manchester of the AHL, Cliche had 17 goals and 24 assists for 41 points.  He last appeared in the NHL with Los Angeles during the 2009-10 season.  Clune played in 56 games this past season with Manchester, scoring six goals and nine assists for 15 points and 253 penalty minutes.  He last appeared in the NHL with Los Angeles during the 2009-10 season.  These are really just depth signings for the Kings, as both Cliche and Clune will likely spend the majority, if not all, of next season in the minors.  If they see any NHL action during the 2012-13 season, it will likely be as injury replacements.

Kings Sign Willie Mitchell to Two-Year Extension

Just one day after trading defenseman Jack Johnson to the Columbus Blue Jackets for center Jeff Carter, the Los Angeles Kings have announced that they have re-signed defenseman Willie Mitchell to a two-year contract worth $7 million. The deal will pay him $3.5 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 55 games so far this season, he has three goals and nine assists for 12 points and 32 penalty minutes. Definitely a good move for the Kings, as Mitchell is a solid shutdown defenseman. He has good size, plays with lots of grit, and has plenty of leadership skills. He should continue to be an excellent fit on the Kings' blueline for the next two seasons.

Kings Acquire Jeff Carter from Blue Jackets for Jack Johnson

The Los Angeles Kings pulled off a blockbuster trade on Thursday night by acquiring center Jeff Carter from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for defenseman Jack Johnson and their first round pick in either 2012 or 2013. If Los Angeles misses the playoffs this year, then Columbus will get their first round pick in 2013. If the Kings make the playoffs this season, then the Blue Jackets can choose either the 2012 or 2013 pick. Carter is under contract through the 2021-22 season and comes with an annual salary cap hit of $5.272 million, while Johnson's contract averages $4.357 million per season and expires after the 2017-18 season. In 39 games this season with the Blue Jackets, Carter has 15 goals and 10 assists for 25 points. He missed 20 games this season with a fractured foot and separated shoulder. In 61 games with the Kings, Johnson has eight goals and 16 assists for 24 points. The Kings had been in the market for a scoring forward and they got that in Carter. He has lots of offensive and goal-scoring skill, as well as decent size and a good shot. Look for Carter to be reunited with former teammate Mike Richards, who was traded to Los Angeles by Philadelphia this past summer. The Blue Jackets have added a quality defenseman in Johnson who will bring lots of mobility, offensive upside, and toughness to their blueline. Look for the Blue Jackets to continue to move assets for their rebuild as the February 27 Trade Deadline approaches.

Kings Sign Trent Hunter to One-Year Contract

The Los Angeles Kings announced on Friday that they have signed right wing Trent Hunter to a one-year contract worth $600,000. He had been attending the team's training camp on a tryout basis. Hunter was traded to the New Jersey Devils by the New York Islanders this past summer for Brian Rolston, but then had his contract bought out by the Devils. In 17 games last season with the Islanders, he had one goal and three assists for four points. He missed the last 61 games of the regular season with a torn left MCL. Not a bad depth signing for the Kings, as Hunter will bring some size, grit, and offensive depth to forward lines. Look for him to play a role on the checking lines this coming season.

Kings Sign Cam Paddock to One-Year Contract

The Los Angeles Kings announced today that they have signed center Cam Paddock to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He had been attending the Kings' training camp on a tryout basis. In 46 games last season with the Iserlohn Roosters of the German league, he had five goals and 12 assists for 17 points. He last appeared in the NHL with the St. Louis Blues during the 2008-09 season. This is really just a depth signing for the Kings, as Paddock will likely spend all of this upcoming season in the minors.

Kings Sign Ethan Moreau to One-Year Contract

The Los Angeles Kings have announced that they have signed left wing Ethan Moreau to a one-year contract worth $600,000. The deal was also contingent on him passing a physical, which he did on Monday. In 37 games last season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, he had one goal and five assists for six points. He missed a combined total of 43 games with a broken hand, a rib injury, and a bruised foot. Not a bad depth signing for the Kings, as Moreau will bring plenty of leadership and grit to the team, as well as some skill to the penalty kill. Look for him to play on either the third or fourth line next season.

Kings Sign Simon Gagne to Two-Year Contract

The Los Angeles Kings have announced that they have signed left wing Simon Gagne to a two-year contract worth $7 million. The deal will pay him $3.5 million per season. In 61 games last season with the Tampa Bay Lightning, he had 17 goals and 23 assists for 40 points. He missed 19 games with a neck injury. Not a bad signing for the Kings, as Gagne will bring lots of offensive skill to the lineup. He has decent two-way skills, can score goals, and is excellent on the power play. However, he is extremely prone to injury and has missed a bit of time over the past few seasons. If Gagne can remain healthy, he should be an excellent acquisition for the Kings. Also, he will likely be reunited with newly acquired Mike Richards, whom he played with in Philadelphia from 2005-2010. Playing alongside Richards once again could help Gagne improve his offensive game a bit if he can stay healthy.

Forward Ryan Smyth Returns to Edmonton

Ryan Smyth is on his way back to the Edmonton Oilers. The Los Angeles Kings announced on Sunday that they have traded Smyth to the Oilers for center Colin Fraser and a seventh round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. The original agreement had Gilbert Brule and a fourth-round pick going to the Kings, but an injury to the 24-year-old forward kept them from sealing the deal. Sources claim the Kings intended to buy out the final year of Brule's contract, but the current collective bargaining agreement prohibits NHL teams from buying out injured players. Los Angeles was willing to trade Smyth to Edmonton for just a seventh-round pick, but the Oilers wanted to move a little salary and included Fraser in the deal. Smyth requested a trade last week to his former team, where he spent 12 seasons from 1994 to 2007. He has one more year remaining on his current contract. In all 82 games last season with the Kings, he had 23 goals and 24 assists for 47 points. Fraser appeared in 67 games last season with the Oilers, scoring three goals and two assists for five points and 60 penalty minutes. This is a decent move for the Oilers, as Smyth will bring lots of leadership to the young team. He also brings plenty of veteran, offensive depth and skill on the power play. Fraser will bring plenty of grit and toughness to the Kings' checking lines. In the end, this trade was mainly for Los Angeles to shed some salary after acquiring Mike Richards from the Philadelphia Flyers this past week, as well as satisfy Smyth's request to be traded back to Edmonton.

Ryan Smyth Heading to Calgary Pending Ownership Approval

According to TSN's Gord Miller, a trade has been worked out that would see the Los Angeles Kings send left wing Ryan Smyth to the Calgary Flames for a late round pick. No deal has been confirmed and there's no guarantee the trade will go through, as the Flames ownership has delayed the transaction in order to make a final decision. Earlier this week, Smyth requested that the Kings trade him back to the Edmonton Oilers, where he spent the majority of his career. He has one more year on his current contract which has a salary cap hit of $6.25 million. I'll have more on this if the trade goes through.

EDIT

Ryan Smyth will not be going to the Calgary Flames. There is now a tentative deal in place for the Los Angeles Kings to trade Smyth to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Gilbert Brule and a draft pick.

EDIT

Smyth's return to Edmonton is being held up because of the health of Gilbert Brule. Sources say the Kings were willing to take on Brule with the intention of buying out the final year of his contract, but the collective bargaining agreement forbids teams from buying out injured players. For now, it's looks like Smyth is staying in Los Angeles unless the two teams can alter the terms of the trade.

Flyers Trade Mike Richards to Kings for Wayne Simmonds, Brayden Schenn

Just moments after the Philadelphia Flyers completed a blockbuster trade in which they sent Jeff Carter to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Jakub Voracek, they completed a second major deal. The Flyers sent center and team captain Mike Richards to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for right wing Wayne Simmonds, center Brayden Schenn, and Los Angeles' second round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. Richards has nine years remaining on his current contract, while Schenn still has two years left on his entry-level contract. Simmonds will be eligible for restricted free agency on July 1. In 81 games last season with the Flyers, Richards had 23 goals and 43 assists for 66 points, while Simmonds had 14 goals and 16 assists for 30 points and 75 penalty minutes in 80 games with the Kings. Schenn appeared in eight games with Los Angeles, scoring two assists. He also played in seven games with Manchester of the AHL, scoring three goals and four assists for seven points, and also appeared in 29 games with Brandon and Saskatoon of the WHL, scoring 22 goals and 35 assists for 57 points. I have to say, this was a very surprising trade to say the least, as I did not expect the Flyers to trade Richards. However, the Kings landed a very excellent center in the deal. Richards will bring lots of offensive and two-way skill to the forward lines, as well as outstanding leadership skills. He will also bring some skill to the penalty kill and plenty of grit. In Simmonds, the Flyers get a forward with some offensive upside who has lots of energy and plays a physical game. He should be an excellent fit for the team on the checking lines. In Schenn, the Flyers get a prospect with lots of two-way and offensive upside who could potentially become the next Mike Richards in Philadelphia. Look for him to fight hard for a roster spot at training camp in September. The move also helped Philadelphia free up some salary cap space to re-sign goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov, whom they signed to a nine-year, $51 million contract after the trade. The Flyers are currently $3 million below the salary cap, but still have to re-sign impending restricted free agents Jakub Voracek, Wayne Simmonds, and Andreas Nodl, and may consider re-signing unrestricted free agent Ville Leino. Daniel Carcillo will also be eligible for restricted free agency, but may no longer fit into the team's long-term plans. Look for the Flyers to potentially make more trades throughout the summer to fit all four of the aforementioned players comfortably under the salary cap.

EDIT

The Los Angeles Kings also acquired center Rob Bordson in the deal. He was scheduled to be a restricted free agent on July 1, but the Kings have stated they will not give him a qualifying offer and allow him to become an unrestricted free agent.

Fredrik Modin Announces His Retirement

According to thehockeynews.com and tsn.ca, Calgary Flames' left wing Fredrik Modin has decided to retire from hockey. He has missed much of the last four seasons due to various injuries. He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 40 games this past season with the Atlanta Thrashers and Calgary Flames, he had seven goals and three assists for 10 points. In 898 career NHL games with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Tampa Bay Lightning, Columbus Blue Jackets, Los Angeles Kings, Atlanta Thrashers, and Calgary Flames, he has 232 goals and 230 assists for 462 points. He won the Stanley Cup in 2004 as a member of the Lightning and an Olympic Gold Medal in 2006 as a member of Team Sweden. Modin was always an excellent two-way player throughout his career and a good complementary winger to other skilled forwards. It's a shame to see a rash of injuries bring his career to a close and I wish him all the best in retirement.

Kings Acquire Dustin Penner from Oilers for Colten Teubert, Draft Picks

The Los Angeles Kings announced today that they have acquired left wing Dustin Penner from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for prospect defenseman Colten Teubert, a first round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft, and a conditional third round pick in 2012. The third round pick can become a second round pick if the Kings make the playoffs this season. Penner still has one more year left on his current contract, while Teubert still has two years left on his entry-level deal. In 62 games this season with Edmonton, Penner has 21 goals and 18 assists for 39 points, while Teubert has two goals and eight assists for 10 points and 57 penalty minutes in 39 games with Manchester of the AHL. This is a good move for the Kings, as Penner will bring the top-six winger the team had been seeking all season. He will bring plenty of goal-scoring talent to the team, as well as a physical presence, and should fit in very well with the team. The Kings did give up a premium to land Penner, and the draft picks can help the Oilers continue to rebuild their team. In Teubert, Edmonton gets a very physical blueliner who has all-around upside. He will likely jump into the Oilers' lineup next season, but could possibly play some NHL games this season if the team feels he's ready to make the jump to the NHL.

Kings Sign Justin Williams to Four-Year Contract

The Los Angeles Kings announced today that they have signed right wing Justin Williams to a four-year contract worth $14.6 million. The deal averages out to $3.65 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 62 games this season, he has 20 goals and 29 assists for 49 points and 53 penalty minutes. Not a bad move for the Kings, as Williams brings lots of offensive depth to the wing. He also has some speed and some defensive skills. His only downside is that he is a bit prone to injury, but when healthy, Williams can be a good scorer and offensive contributor for the Kings. If he can stay healthy over the next four years, he will be a solid contributor for Los Angeles.

Capitals Claim Marco Sturm Off Waivers from Kings

The Washington Capitals announced today that they have claimed left wing Marco Sturm off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings. Sturm, who was acquired by the Kings on December 11 from the Boston Bruins in exchange for future considerations, will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 17 games this season with the Kings, he has four goals and five assists for nine points. He never appeared in any games this season with the Bruins. He has missed 45 games altogether this season with two separate knee injuries. Not a bad depth move for the Capitals, as they are getting a speedy forward in Sturm. He is also an excellent stickhandler and good on the power play and penalty kill. For the Kings, the addition of Sturm was a big disappointment, and now that his salary is off their books, they will have some salary cap space to possibly make a significant deal by the trade deadline for a power forward.

Kings Sign Defenseman Jack Johnson to Seven-Year Contract

The Los Angeles Kings announced today that they have signed defenseman Jack Johnson to a seven-year contract extension worth $30.5 million. The deal averages out to $4.35 million per season. He would have been a restricted free agent this summer. In 41 games so far this season, Johnson has four goals and 27 assists for 31 points. In 241 career NHL games, all with the Kings, he has 21 goals and 68 assists for 89 points and 222 penalty minutes. Originally a first round pick of the Carolina Hurricanes, he was traded to Los Angeles in September 2006 with Oleg Tverdovsky in exchange for Tim Gleason and Eric Belanger. This is a great move for the Kings, as Johnson has emerged as one of their top defensemen, next to Drew Doughty. He's a great skater with lots of mobility, has plenty of offensive upside, and can play a physical game, making him an all-around effective defenseman for the team.

Kings and Bruins Finalize Deal for Marco Sturm

The Los Angeles Kings announced today that they have acquired left wing Marco Sturm from the Boston Bruins in exchange for future considerations. The two teams nearly had a deal done for Sturm about a week and a half ago, but the deal was cancelled. The trade will be contingent on him passing a physical. Sturm, who has been sidelined all season with a knee injury, waived his no-trade clause to facilitate the trade and will free up $3.5 million in salary for the Bruins. In 76 games last season with Boston, he had 22 goals and 15 assists for 37 points. He will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. This is a necessary trade for the Bruins in order to become salary cap compliant when Sturm finally returns to the lineup, but a decent move for the Kings. The Kings get a speedy forward in Sturm, who is an excellent stick-handler and good on the power play and penalty kill. Despite being a bit prone to injury, he will add plenty of offensive depth and experience on the wing for Los Angeles.

Kings Acquire Marco Sturm from Bruins

In a salary dumping move, the Boston Bruins have dealt left wing Marco Sturm to the Los Angeles Kings for what is believed to be a conditional fifth round draft pick. The complete details of the trade have yet to be announced. Sturm, who has been sidelined all season with a knee injury and is still two to three weeks from returning to action, waived his no-trade clause to facilitate the trade. The trade will free up $3.5 million in salary for the Bruins and comes in the wake of Marc Savard's imminent return to their lineup after being sidelined with a concussion since May. In 76 games last season with the Bruins, Sturm had 22 goals and 15 assists for 37 points. He will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season. A necessary trade for the Bruins in order to become salary cap compliant when Savard returns to the lineup, but a decent move for the Kings. They get a speedy forward in Sturm, who is also an excellent stick-handler and good on the power play and penalty kill. Despite being a bit prone to injury, Sturm will add plenty of offensive depth and experience on the wing for Los Angeles.

***UPDATE***
The Boston Bruins issued a statement Thursday night that Marco Sturm had not been traded to the Kings and that no deal for him was imminent. If a deal had been in place with the Los Angeles Kings, it appears that it fell through. With Sturm still on injured reserve for the next few weeks, it will be interesting to see how the Bruins become salary cap compliant upon his return to the lineup.

Kings Sign Goaltender Bernier to Two-Year Extension

The Los Angeles Kings announced today that they have signed goaltender Jonathan Bernier to a two-year contract extension worth $2.5 million. The deal will pay him $975,000 in 2011-12 and $1.525 million in 2012-13. In three games last season with the Kings, he posted a 3-0-0 record, one shutout, a 1.30 GAA, and a .957 save percentage. He also appeared in 58 games with Manchester of the AHL, posting a 30-21-6 record, nine shutouts, a 2.03 GAA, and a .936 save percentage. This is a good signing for the Kings, as Bernier has lots of potential to become a starting goaltender at the NHL level. He has plenty of upside and plays with lots of confidence, and along with Jonathan Quick, will give Los Angeles a good goaltending tandem in net over the next few seasons.