NHL Free Agency: Lack of a splash for the Los Angeles Kings

NHL Free Agency hasn’t heard a lot of noise out of Los Angeles.

The July 1 deadline passed where NHL teams could start signing free agents and instead of a big signing the Los Angeles Kings passed the deadline without bringing in a superstar.  In need of scoring, defensive depth, and a back up goaltender the Kings signed all three. But their moves were merely practical instead of cosmetic.

Leading up to the free agent deadline it looked like the Kings were in the running to sign perennial great Joe Thornton away from their rival the San Jose Sharks.  As soon as the deadline passed when Thornton didn’t sign it was evident that the Kings were no longer in the running.

What the Kings did to add offense was to bring back Michael Cammalleri.  Drafted by the Kings Cammalleri debuted with the Kings in 2002 and remained with the team until 2008.  Now 35 years old there is hope that if healthy Cammalleri can help boast and anemic offense.

Cammalleri signed a one year one million dollar contract a relatively low risk signing for the Kings. Due to issues with the salary cap the Kings couldn’t offer more to the other high profile free agents until they get rid of their most onerous contracts  Marian Gaborik‘s or Dustin Brown‘s.

The Kings finished off the first day by bringing in two players from the Minnesota Wild.  The Kings handed out one year contracts to defenseman Christian Folin and goaltender Darcy Kuemper.  Both are moves are more for depth than anything in case the Kings can’t come to an agreement with the unrestricted free agents within the organization.

Going further into the free agency period the Kings organization will probably add more affordable organization depth, they may make deals like the entry level one they committed to Cal Petersen a goaltender out Notre Dame.

The Kings may also try to improve a team that finished fifth in the division last year through trades.  Again that may be problematic it is unlikely any team will take the Brown or Gaborik contracts they want moved off the books.

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This means Kings fans probably will see this same team heading into training camp in September.