After a busy morning on the unrestricted free agent market today, the Los Angeles Kings made a depth signing in former Philadelphia Flyers and San Jose Sharks forward Lane Pederson.
This signing shows that general manager Ken Holland and the Kings aren't just chasing star power in free agency this offseason; they're also making sure they have a well-rounded roster with experience and depth throughout the organization.
Elliotte Friedman was the first to report the news on July 1 that the Kings signed Pederson to a two-year contract deal. The deal is reportedly structured as a two-way contract in the first year ($850K in base value for the NHL, $650K for the AHL), and the second year is a one-way deal ($900K in base value).
Los Angeles Kings continue prioritizing veteran depth with the addition of Lane Pederson
Pederson has played 76 career regular season games in the NHL in this past few years with the Flyers, Sharks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Vancouver Canucks, and Arizona Coyotes. He's scored four career goals, seven assists, and 11 total points.
In the AHL, Pederson has been a really productive player offensive in this past few years. He scored over 20 goals and 48 total points in 63 games played for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in the AHL this past regular season.
The Kings getting Pederson in the fold will not only add depth at the center position, but it will also give him a shot to make the NHL in the next couple of years if he can prove himself in training camp and the preseason this fall and at the AHL level with the Ontario Reign.
This isn't a signing for the Kings that will command headlines on Day 1 of free agency. But Pederson still fits into the broader strategy for the Kings of adding proven depth throughout the organization this offseason. If injuries start piling up during the season or the Kings need to call up a reliable center option in the middle of the lineup, Pederson gives the team the flexibility without making a major commitment in terms of contract length or average annual value.
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