Scott Laughton, C
There have been mixed reviews about the contract term and amount that the Kings gave two-way center Scott Laughton in free agency yesterday. The Kings signed Laughton to a three-year contract extension deal worth around $3.5 million in average annual value.
Maybe the one qualm here is that the Kings could've signed Laughton for two years instead of three. But some of the discussions and projections surrounding Laughton's contract price was going well north of $4-$5 million in average annual value this offseason.
Having Laughton and Haula in the mix gives the Kings plenty of veteran depth in the middle of the lineup for this upcoming season.
Grade: A-
Lane Pederson, C
Former Philadelphia Flyers and Columbus Blue Jackets center Lane Pederson signed a two-year contract with the Kings that will turn into a one-way contract for the 2027-28 season. Pederson gives the Kings and the Ontario Reign more depth at the center position for this upcoming season after the departure of forward Glenn Gawdin.
Grade: B
Scott Perunovich, D
The Kings really prioritized adding left-handed shots on the blue line on Day 1 of the free agency window this offseason. Along with Gustafsson, the Kings signed left-handed defenseman Scott Perunovich to a one-year, two-way contract on July 1 (worth around $850K in base value in the NHL and $650K in the AHL).
Perunovich has some offensive upside on the blue line on defense, and he can help provide depth at the position for the Kings and the Reign in the AHL this upcoming season.
Grade: B-
Overall, the Kings accomplished a lot while not having to spend all that much money in free agnecy. Holland and the Kings strengthened the center position, got more veteran pieces on the wing and the blue line, and brought back a familiar veteran. All this was done without giving out expensive and risky long-term contracts.
There are a couple of other needs the Kings and Holland still must address this offseason, but the opening day of free agency was a good start for the front office this summer.
Overall Day 1 Grade: A
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