In a reversal of fortune story, the Kings have reclaimed forward Samuel Fagemo off waivers from the Predators.
Even though coach Todd McLellan has been going with a consistent lineup in recent weeks, it was a move Kings management preferred for depth reasons — especially with Viktor Arvidsson still sidelined for quite some time.
https://twitter.com/KieserNick/status/1723398950281945539?t=KQ-tBHEny33y5x5Ry9NP2g&s=19
There was no guarantee the Kings would be able to reclaim Fagemo, as the priority list reverted to current standings (in reverse order) on Nov. 1, meaning 27 other teams had to pass on Fagemo today before LA could claim him. If none of the teams below the Kings (i.e. Rangers, Canucks, Golden Knights, and Bruins) also put in a claim, then Blake will be free to assign Fagemo to AHL Ontario.
From a transactional standpoint, LA will now return the $41,250 in compensation they received after he was initially claimed by Nashville back in early October.
GM Rob Blake knew he was going to have a tough time sneaking the 23-year-old Swedish forward through waivers during training camp, but he was left with few choices. LA’s lineup was largely set earlier in the summer and with the team so tight up against the salary cap, there wasn’t enough room to keep more than 21 players on the roster. With a decision to keep a defenseman as the lone extra player, that left forwards like Fagemo, Jaret Anderson-Dolan, and Akil Thomas being exposed to waivers (for the purpose of assigning them to AHL Ontario).
After being claimed by Nashville, Fagemo only saw action in four games for the Predators, recording one goal.
Nice little goal here for Samuel Fagemo. #Preds are up 5-1. #Smashville pic.twitter.com/xhzzenIUfM
— Jeff Middleton (@jjmid04) October 6, 2023
Originally selected by Los Angeles in the second round of the 2019 NHL Draft, Fagemo made his Kings debut during the 2021-22 NHL season. In total, he had played 13 games with the big club, along with 151 games as a member of AHL Ontario.
KINGS ROSTER NEWS
Look for JAD to be recalled from AHL Ontario for tonight's game. He will then play for the Reign again tomorrow.
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) November 11, 2023
In an ironic twist, Anderson-Dolan was sent to AHL Ontario to get some game action under his belt. He was not expected to be there long. However, with Fagemo now claimed, the Kings now have options. It’ll be interesting to see how things shake out in the coming. As we understand things, the plan as of ow is to have Fagemo targeted for the Reign.
UPDATE 11:30am — Confirmed, Fagemo is being assigned to AHL Ontario.
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