It has been a busy week for defenseman Cole Krygier. Earlier this week, his rights were acquired by Los Angeles from Florida in exchange for future considerations with the blueliner signing an AHL tryout soon after. Now, he has put pen to paper on another contract as the Kings announced that they’ve signed Krygier to a two-year, entry-level deal. The contract begins next season and carries an AAV of $837,500.
The 22-year-old was initially a seventh-round pick by the Panthers back in 2018 (201st overall). He recently wrapped up a five-year college career with Michigan State, saving his best performance for last as Krygier had ten goals and six assists in 38 games with the Spartans while serving as an alternate captain. He had 20 goals and 21 assists over his college career, spanning 160 contests.
By moving his rights earlier in the week, it was clear that Florida decided that they weren’t intending to sign Krygier, the son of long-time NHL winger Todd Krygier, and were likely to let him go in free agency in mid-August. Instead, the Kings decided that he was worthy of signing and were able to jump the queue to get him without parting with a tangible asset going the other way as his rights were moved for future considerations. Since the deal begins next season, he’ll be limited to play with AHL Ontario for the stretch run.
Nice low risk, high reward. Hoping for Sean O’Donnell or Willie Mitchell 2.0!