The Los Angeles Kings made re-signing a priority Adrian Kempe after getting it Kevin Viala In last week’s deal, general manager Rob Blake said on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old striker could become a restricted free agent on July 13 after completing a three-year, $6 million contract ($2 million average annual value) he signed on September 4, 2019. Kembe has earned 54 points, including highest level of employment. 35 goals, in 78 games this season, is second to the Kings behind center Anzi Copetar (67 points; 19 goals, 48 assists) in 81 games. He led Los Angeles with six points (two goals, four assists) in the Stanley Cup playoffs when he was eliminated in seven games by the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the Western Conference.
“One of our organization’s priorities is to get Adrian Quimby’s signature here right away,” Blake said. “Then we kind of know our situation, if we have to meet some needs in a free agency.”
Blake said re-sign the defense man Mickey Anderson It is also a priority. Anderson scored eight points (two goals, six assists) in 57 regular season games, losing 22 due to an upper body injury. He earned one assist in seven playoffs.
Anderson can also become a restricted free agent on July 13.
“You want them to be grounded, so you know exactly where you stand,” Blake said. “Obviously we have expectations on each. They are constrained, they can’t get away, so you obviously have time to get the deals done. There have been talks with several RFAs and they are leaning in that direction, but (we) are trying to identify That’s sort of, so if we have to get into the UFA market for specific needs, we know what we have.”
Fiala, the striker, signed a seven-year, $55.125 million ($7,875 AAV) contract Thursday, one day after being acquired in a deal from Minnesota Wild for potential prospect Brock Faber and a first-round pick (No. 19) in the 2022 draft. NHL. Villala had 85 points (33 goals, 52 assists) in 82 regular season games, and three points (all assists) when Minnesota lost to the St. Louis Blues in six games in the first round of the Western Conference.
The Kings (44-27-11) qualified for the playoffs this season, ending a three-year drought. They made two big acquisitions last summer, trading in the future Victor Arvidson From Nashville Predators and Signature Free Agent Center Philip DanaultWho finished third in the team with 51 points (27 goals and 24 assists) in 79 matches. Arvidsson came fourth with 49 points (20 goals and 29 assists) in 66 games.
Blake and his Montreal staff prepare for the 2022 NHL Upstairs Draft at the Bell Center. Round 1 will be on Thursday (7PM ET; ESPN, ESPN+, SN, TVAS), and Rounds 2-7 on Friday (11AM ET; NHLN, ESPN+, SN, TVAS). The Kings have five picks left after trading their selection in the first round with Wild.
Fiala said he likes the direction the kings are taking.
“It’s just a great opportunity and a great organization,” Fayala said. “I see the team kind of coming up, you know? They did the playoffs last year, a great group of guys I heard, and on the ice, they’re getting better and better. The future is bright, I felt, so I’m very happy with that.”
