Earlier this week, in a move that flew fairly low below the radar, the LA Kings did something pretty rare — they made a trade after the NHL Trade Deadline. How is that possible and what does it mean, you ask? Essentially, they acquired a player who won’t be eligible to play in the remaining NHL regular season or playoffs this year, that’s all really.
Technically, they didn’t even really acquire a player. LA acquired his rights for future considerations.
Defenseman Cole Krygier was originally drafted by the Florida Panthers in the seventh round (201st-overall) at the 2018 NHL Draft. This came after he had played parts of two seasons with the USHL’s Lincoln Stars. Now 22 years old, Krygier just completed his fifth season with Michigan State University. Earlier this week, he signed a tryout contract with the Ontario Reign for the balance of this season. It was all just the precursor to his new two-year entry-level contract (ELC) signed with the Kings. It begins in the 2023-24 season and carries an average annual value (AAV) of $837,500.
The #LAKings signed '18 7th Round Pick 22 y/o LD Cole Krygier to 2 year Entry Level Deal starting next season (23-24):
Salary 775K
Signing Bonus 62.5K
Minors 70KCap Hit/AAV 837.5K
16P in 38 NCAA GP
Acquired from #TimetoHunt last weekhttps://t.co/ahoo7AuPZA— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) March 25, 2023
The left shot blueliner stands 6-foot-3 and weighs in at 205 lbs. He served as one of Michigan State’s alternate captains this season; where in 38 games, he put up 16 points – including 10 to lead all Spartans defensemen and ranked tied for fourth among all NCAA blueliners. Additionally, those 10 goals matched his career output in his first four seasons at MSU. He also blocked 39 shots after blocking 51 shots in 35 games played last season.
According to scouts we’ve spoken with, Krygier is an excellent skater, with both power and speed. He plays a strong physical game with bite; one of those defensive-defensemen the organization has been thin on in recent years. His transitional game with the puck has really improved over the course of his college career. There’s still some work to be done, yet that’s typical of young defenseman looking to make the jump from college to the pros.
Overall, in 160 career NCAA games, Krygier accumulated 41 points (20G, 41A) with 193 penalty minutes (PIM). He will now add depth to a Kings pipeline that largely lacks size on the blueline and needs more left shot options.
His father, Todd, played parts of 10 seasons in the NHL from 1989-98, splitting time between the Hartford Whalers, Washington Capitals and Anaheim Mighty Ducks organizations.
In Other College Hockey News
With Harvard losing today, their season is over.
As we've reported previously, look for LA Kings prospect Alex Laferriere to turn pro / sign an ELC soon. Depending on timing, will likely join AHL Ontario for balance of this season.
He's been fasting rising forward in pipeline.
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) March 24, 2023
What makes fast rising LA prospect Alex Laferriere so special?
Pretty sure this former Kings scout can fill you in 👇 https://t.co/wUz1j4pp1l
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) October 29, 2022
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Lead photo via Michigan State University
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