Kings re-sign UFA defenseman Jeff Schultz

On the eve of Free Agency officially beginning in the NHL, the LA Kings have added a little bit of depth to their blueline. Last summer, with Rob Scuderi about to depart to another team and Willie Mitchell’s future very much in doubt, Kings GM Dean Lombardi moved quickly to sign Jeff Schultz, who had spent the previous few years with the Washington Capitals.

After parking his insurance policy in Manchester all season, Lombardi’s summer 2013 signee paid off in a big way when injuries took hold in Los Angeles during the recent Stanley Cup playoffs. Schultz ended up playing seven games for the team and put in a solid effort each night for coach Darryl Sutter, including six games vs. the Anaheim Ducks in the second round.

The 28-year-old former first round pick also played in 67 regular season games with the Monarchs this past season, recording 13 points (2-11=13), 32 penalty minutes and a plus-10 rating.

MayorsManor has learned the Kings have re-signed the 6-foot-6 defenseman to a new two-year contract. Schultz is reportedly scheduled to earn $850,000 per season under the new deal.

He will be given a chance to make the Kings NHL roster during training camp. If he doesn’t lock down a spot, he would have to pass through waivers before being sent to the AHL for the start of the 2014-15 season. One other note, by signing a contract for less than $925K, if he does end up in the AHL, his salary cap hit doesn’t stay on the Kings’ NHL books.

MORE: Schultz on why he originally signed with the LA Kings

Follow @mayorNHL

Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news or interviews from this site please remember to include a link to www.MayorsManor.com