Former Los Angeles Kings defenseman Jacob Moverare's time in Southern California is officially ending, as he is signing to play in Switzerland's National League this summer.
Swiss Hockey News reported on Tuesday morning that Moverare signed with EV Zug in his home country of Switzerland early this week. Moverare became an unrestricted free agent on July 1 after not re-signing with the Kings early this summer.
Moverare was selected 112th overall by the Kings in the fourth round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. He developed over the course of multiple years in the Kings' prospect pipeline, including multiple seasons playing for the AHL affiliate Ontario Reign.
Jacob Moverare's departure creates another opportunity for the LA Kings' young defensemen
In this past few seasons, Moverare mostly served as a reliable depth option on the Kings' blue line. While he had several opportunities over the past few seasons, he was never able to secure a full-time role with the Kings.
Moverare made his NHL debut with the Kings in the 2021-22 season, playing his first game in the league at 22 years old against the Nashville Predators. He continued to serve as a depth defenseman for the Kings on the blue line while playing in a career-high 49 games in the 2024-25 regular season due to the injury that kept Drew Doughty out for a large portion of that campaign.
In this past regular season, Moverare played 15 games for the Kings, mostly coming in the first half of the campaign. Moverare registered two career goals, nine assists, and 11 total points in 109 regular season games played.
Moverare's departure opens the door for other younger Kings' defensemen to have the opportunity to earn NHL minutes on the blue line this upcoming season. The Kings signed a couple of defensemen in free agency this summer who could compete for minutes on the NHL roster this fall.
Erik Gustafsson and Scott Perunovich are expected to compete with young defenseman Angus Booth for NHL minutes on the blue line this upcoming season in training camp and the preseason.
Moverare spent a decade in the Kings' organization, developing into a reliable depth defenseman and a respected presence with the Reign. Even though he never established himself as a full-time NHL player, he gave the franchise valuable depth whenever he was called upon.
As he begins the next chapter of his pro career in Switzerland, Moverare leaves behind another opportunity for the Kings' next wave of young defensemen.
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