The Los Angeles Kings continue to scoop up veteran players as they reached a one-year, $1.6 million contract with Teddy Purcell as first reported by Pierre LeBrun. The 30-year old winger spent last season with the Edmonton Oilers before being sent to the Florida Panthers at the trade deadline.
LA Kings have signed forward Teddy Purcell
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2016
Purcell tallied 14 goals and 29 assists in 76 games between the two clubs, including 10 at even-strength. He also scored a pair of playoff goals in the Panthers first-round playoff exit to the New York Islanders in six games.
The Kings actually went after the St. John’s, Newfoundland native at the trade deadline, but they and the Oilers couldn’t come to terms. That deal died when Nikolai Prokhorkin would not sign a contract and commit to playing in North America.
The forward netted a career-high 24 goals in 2011-12, which was a year after he tallied six goals in the playoffs the previous season.
What Teddy Purcell Means to L.A.
The Kings will miss the production of Milan Lucic, who went to Pacific Division rival Edmonton. The signing won’t completely offset that loss, but it’s a step in the right direction.
Purcell did get two minutes, 31 seconds of power-play time and just over 30 seconds of time on the penalty kill. He could be a person that gets on the second line, but will play an important role as a depth forward.
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His Corsi numbers have also been in positive territory for the last five seasons, so he can offer good possession numbers. His 6-foot-2, 198-pound frame also gives him a physical presence.
The deal is a “prove it” contract that could lead to a more lucrative deal if he turns in a solid season at the Staples Center.
The move comes as part of a flurry of signings made by the team on Friday. Los Angeles also agreed to terms with Michael Latta, Tom Gilbert, Jeff Zatkoff and Zach Trotman.