Kyle Garcia The LA Kings were busy on day one of free agency adding four depth players, two goalies, and re-signing Jaret Anderson-Dolan.
Jaret Anderson-Dolan
JAD IS BACK 🗣️
We’ve signed F Jaret Anderson-Dolan to a one-year contract extension.
📝 https://t.co/DMYEEbxSts#GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/7zxcjg9NJ0
— LA Kings (@LAKings) July 1, 2023
Jaret Anderson-Dolan, 23, was the first move the Kings made in the morning. Anderson-Dolan re-signed for one year with an annual average value of $775,000. In 46 games last season, Anderson-Dolan recorded 12 points while being the 13th forward role.
Cam Talbot
We've signed G Cam Talbot to a one-year contract worth an AAV of $1M and is eligible to earn an additional $1M in games played bonuses.
🔗 https://t.co/yDJbYHlMLq#GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/cMBkPrvvlA
— LA Kings (@LAKings) July 1, 2023
The Kings got their goalie, just not the one everyone was hoping for. The Kings signed 35-year-old Cam Talbot to a one-year deal. With the goalie market not strong and very little cap space, the Kings settled for Talbot at one million. Talbot posted a .898 save percentage last season. With Erik Portillo the only goalie signed in Ontario, I expect another goalie with veteran experience to be signed by the organization.
Trevor Lewis
Guess who's back 😏 pic.twitter.com/u1YZi5U0yt
— LA Kings (@LAKings) July 1, 2023
He’s back! Trevor Lewis returns to the organization where he won two Stanley Cups in 2012 and 2014. The contract for Lewis comes in for one year with an annual average value of $775,000. Lewis will bring in veteran leadership and help on the defensive side of the ice while most likely being penciled in on the fourth line or 13th forward.
Mikhail Maltsev and Andreas Englund
Per @KevinWeekes, Kings sign Mikhail Maltsev to a one year deal at $775,000 AAV.
Maltsev had 21 points in 28 games for the Colorado Eagles in the AHL last season.#GoKingsGo
— Russell Morgan (@NHLRussell) July 1, 2023
Defenseman Andreas Englund to the Kings at two years $1M AAV.#GoKingsGo
— Russell Morgan (@NHLRussell) July 1, 2023
The Kings snagged two players from the Colorado organization, Mikhail Maltsev and Andreas Englund. Maltsev, 25, recorded 21 points in 28 games in the AHL with the Colorado Eagles while Englund saw time at both the NHL and AHL. Both players will most likely start the year in the AHL with the Ontario Reign.
David Rittich and Steven Santini
We've signed four players to NHL contracts, including:
▪️ D Andreas Englund (2 years, $1M AAV)
▪️ G David Rittich (1 year, $875K)
▪️ F Mikhail Maltsev (1 year, 2-way, $775K)
▪️ D Steven Santini (1 year, 2-way, $800K)🔗 https://t.co/q7NLgRHxzq#GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/P0xERjJNnR
— LA Kings (@LAKings) July 1, 2023
In addition to Maltsev and Englund, the LA Kings also announced they signed goaltender David Rittich and right-handed defenseman Steven Santini to one-year contracts. Rittich is an insurance policy as the Kings now have three goalies with NHL experience and one of them will form a tandem with Portillo in the AHL as Matthew Villalta is reportedly heading to the Arizona Coyotes. I would expect both players to spend most of the season, if not the whole season, in the AHL.
Photo credit: Juan Ocampo/NHLI Getty Images
Biggest need after re-signing Gavrikov was a true #1 goalie. All these signings are underwhelming, incl Trvor Lewis whose best days are behind him. Very diappointed Kings didn’t either re-sign Korpisalo for $4m (trading away Moore would have opened cap space enough) or trade for Saros or Sorokin. Looks like net play will be mediocre at best next season. Kings may miss the playoffs or get thrashed in 1st round unless they get an xlnt goalie. Smh meh on Blake’s latest moves. Thumbs down so far other than Gavvy.