Dean Lombardi’s Magic Continues With The Kings’ New Contracts
By Eric Roberts
Jun 3, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings general manager Dean Lombardi during media day before game one of the 2014 Stanley Cup Final against the New York Rangers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Kings brought in three-time All Star Marian Gaborik back in March when they traded Matt Frattin and a second round draft pick and a conditional draft pick to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The trade ultimately proved vital for the Kings as Gaborik went on to lead the NHL in goals during Los Angeles’ run to their second Stanley Cup in three years. But many questioned whether or no Gaborik’s 14-playoff goals would prove costly and up the price to resign him.
Well today it was announced that Gaborik and the Kings had agreed to terms on a seven-year extension worth $34.125 million. Gaborik will make $4.875 million annually, a very reasonable cap hit compared to his previous cap hit of $7.5 million per year.
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Gaborik’s new deal makes him the fifth highest paid King annually on the Kings’ roster, something most would see as impossible after his performance during the playoffs. This guarantees the Gaborik and Anze Kopitar connection for at least two more years, an idea that has to make Kings fans everywhere giggle.
Gaborik’s signing comes on the heels of Kings’ first contract extension of the summer, Matt Greene‘s four-year extension and new $2.5 million cap hit.
It was a mystery whether or not Greene would return to the Kings since both himself and Willie Mitchell are due for new contracts. Most thought singing the two would break the bank and be nearly impossible for the Kings to work out. But with the cheap cost of Grenne’s new contract anything is possible.
These two signings are just the latest chapter in Kings general manager Dean Lombardi’s wizardry. He has done nothing but work magic for the Kings with his work in their front office. It is now question that with out his work the Kings would not be a powerhouse in the NHL.
Being able to bring back Gaborik, an elite NHL talent, and Greene, a proven warrior for the Kings, at discount prices is a thing of mastery. Now the only real work left for Lombardi is to deal with Mitchell’s unrestricted free agent status.
But with Lombardi’s track record don’t be surprised if he is able to work something out and get Mitchell in a Kings sweater for the forceable future.