The Los Angeles Kings have signed Devin Setoguchi to a one-year, two-way deal worth $575K, reports LA Kings insider Jon Rosen. Both sides were rumored to be close to a deal last night, and finally came to agreement late today. Setoguchi initially signed a PTO with the Kings this offseason to try and re-establish himself in the NHL.
The signing is not necessarily permanent, but rather an extension of Setoguchi’s tryout. With forward Marian Gaborik out for at least eight weeks, the Kings needed an experienced stop-gap at a reduced rate. They have just over $2MM in cap space, and it is unclear whether they will place Gaborik on LTIR.
This signing gives Setoguchi a forum to impress. His last NHL season ended in disappointment as he failed to register a point in 12 games for the Calgary Flames in 2014-15. Setoguchi then signed with HC David of the Swiss League and scored 11G and 13A in 30 games. The forward has overcome battles with alcoholism and depression during his career, and looks to turn a new over a new leaf after being sober for almost two years. Setoguchi’s place with the Kings is similar to Theoren Fleury’s tryout with the Calgary Flames in 2009 before the Flame fan-favorite was released.