Los Angeles Kings Re-sign Kyle Clifford To A Five-Year Deal

The Los Angeles Kings have re-signed forward Kyle Clifford to a five-year contract extension.  Kings President and General Manager Dean Lombardi made the announcement this morning, via the Kings website.

The 6’2, 211 pound 24-year-old Clifford was drafted by the Kings in the 2nd round, 35th overall, of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.  Clifford has been with the Kings ever since.

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Over five seasons Clifford has played 333 NHL games, all with the Kings.  Clifford has career totals of 25 goals, 33 assists, 58 points, 3 game-winning goals, and 462 penalty minutes.

Clifford was part of both L.A.’s Stanley Cup teams in 2012 and 2014.  Clifford has played in 47 career playoff games, registering 4 goals, 10 assists, 14 points, 56 penalty minutes, and one game winning goal.  One of those post-season assists came on Alec Martinez Cup clinching goal against the New York Rangers in 2014.

This season Clifford has played in 57 games, putting up 3 goals, 10 assists, and +1 plus/minus rating, and a team-leading 66 penalty minutes.  Though, Drew Doughty is desperately trying to catch up and take that lead.

One of the goals Clifford scored this season, was a big goal recently: the first goal to open the scoring of the outdoor game at the 2015 Stadium Series, where the Kings beat the San Jose Sharks 2-1.

Lombardi is once again showing the team, the franchise, and the world his wisdom.

Lombardi values players that develop in the Kings system.  The players know if you work hard, know your role on the team and play to it, and show up with the level of compete that the Kings demand, you will be rewarded.  This isn’t a franchise that tosses players or their hard work aside.

If you don’t work, don’t produce, and don’t live up to your expectations, (ahem! – Mike Richards) you will be asked to step aside and give the next guy in line a chance.

Feb 21, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings left wing Kyle Clifford (13) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the San Jose Sharks in the first period during the Stadium Series hockey game at Levis Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier this week Lombardi re-signed forward Jordan Nolan.  After re-signing Clifford the Kings fourth line is all wrapped up.

Lombardi is wise not to wait until the end of the season, forced to scramble, to start nailing down who he wants on this team.  A number of other large signings are still looming: Jarret Stoll, Robyn Regehr, Justin Williams, and lets not forget the kids, Tanner Pearson and Tyler Toffoli.  Knowing he has Clifford and Nolan in his back pocket Lombardi can now turn his attention to the rest of the royalty in the Kingdom.

It’s a wise move, and it’s message to the players: pay your dues, buy into what we’re doing here, and we’ll buy into you when it’s your turn.

Today’s the day that Kyle Clifford gets rewarded.  Congratulations Kyle Clifford!

Go Kings Go!

Next: L.A. Kings Available for Trade

Jan 31, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Los Angeles Kings left wing Kyle Clifford (13) during the third period of the Boston Bruins 3-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports