Anton Forsberg, G
Forsberg was one of the most pleasant surprises for the Kings this past regular season. After starting the season as the backup goalie, he finished the regular season as the Kings' starter.
In 36 games played and 31 starts this past season, Forsberg registered a 16-12-5 record, a solid .909 save percentage, a 2.57 goals-against average, and three shutouts. He ranked in the top 10 in the NHL this past season in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes, and he led the league in high-danger save percentage (per Natural Stat Trick).
Kings fans and management couldn't hope for much better from this signing of Forsberg this past season than him winning the starting job and leading the team on a late-season playoff push.
Grade: A
Joel Armia, W
Signing Armia was probably the most underrated move that Holland and the Kings made in free agency last offseason. The Kings were able to get a versatile and reliable bottom-six forward for excellent value, on a two-year contract worth around $2.5 million in average annual value.
In retrospect, it's pretty easy to say that Armia was the most successful signing Holland and the Kings made last offseason in unrestricted free agency. He not only contributed more than expected offensively, but he also made a huge impact on special teams on the top penalty kill unit this past regular season.
Although he was brought in to be a dependable veteran forward and help contribute on special teams on the penalty kill, Armia was very valuable offensively in different situations. He led the team in shorthanded goals this past regular season (four) and he scored double-digit goals and 25 total points.
Grade: B+
Looking back on Holland's first free-agent class with the Kings, it wasn't nearly as poor as many believed it to be at the time. While the long-term commitments the Kings made to Dumoulin and Ceci on the blue line are still fair points of criticism, the additions of Forsberg and Armia specifically gave Los Angeles valuable depth and experience throughout the season.
It definitely wasn't a perfect offseason for Holland and the Kings, but it proved to be more successful than its initial reception suggested.
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