Dancing in the Reign: Kings take care of RFA’s; Agree to terms with Richardson
The Los Angeles Kings have been active in the front office the past couple of days, re-signing five players. Are they the moves fans have been hopefully anticipating? No, but building a solid roster does not entail glamorous front office activity. What Dean Lombardi and Co. have done is extended the progress of young talent in the Kings system for one more year. More importantly, the Kings agreed to terms with RW Brad Richardson before taking the the route of arbitration to court. Below I’ll break down Richardson’s deal, and the four RFA’s who were recently granted new contracts:
Richardson Signed: On Saturday, the Kings announced the re-signing of Brad Richardson to a one-year deal, paying the right winger $900,000. Not a surprising move here, and I never expected the Kings to take this to court. In two seasons with the Kings, Richardson has recorded 11 goals and 27 assists. His first season was marred by a foot injury. However, Richardson proved to be a key player last season, contributing by finishing offensively and creating chances for others with his hard work low in the zone. You’re not going to find a better 2nd/3rd line winger who can grind to create opportunities like Richardson.
Reports have shown that the Kings recently signed Trevor Lewis, Rich Clune, Corey Elkins, and Marc – Andre Cliche to one year deals. In no position to negotiate a lucrative deal, each player is said to have taken Lombardi’s initial offer.
Trevor Lewis, the 2006 1st round Entry Draft selection, has the clock ticking on his development in the Kings organization. Lewis missed the majority of the season last year with Manchester with an upper body injury. However, his comeback was strong, and may have been the clincher for the Kings in holding on to him for one more season. Lewis had a solid post-season for the Monarchs, and needs to continue to build on that in training camp.
Rich Clune provided some energy and intensity to the Kings roster for 14 games last season. Clune recorded a measly two points, but scoring isn’t his role. He quickly made his presence as an enforcer, and his quick uprise with the big club last year made it no surprise to me that the Kings allowed Raitis Ivanans to walk, especially with Kevin Westgarth developing as well. I’d bet on Clune making the team out of training camp as a 3rd/4th line enforcer. Westgarth is clearly his biggest competition.
Corey Elkins is the oldest of the RFA’s, but showed plenty of promise last year with the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL. In his first year of professional hockey, Elkins recorded 21 goals and 22 assists. His post-season performance was impressive as well, tallying 8 goals in 14 games. His opportunity of making the Kings out of training camp is up in the air, although I fully expect Elkins to start the season in Manchester to continue to develop in only his second year of professional hockey.
Marc – Andre Cliche, the Alternate Captain for the Manchester Monarchs last season, has yet to separate himself from the rest of the talent in the AHL. I don’t expect Cliche to start the season in Los Angeles, but wouldn’t be surprised to see a lengthier NHL appearance (one game) than last season, to truly test his stature as a centerman.
