The Los Angeles Kings have made a minor move ahead of college signing season, acquiring the rights to defenseman Cole Krygier from the Florida Panthers in exchange for future considerations, per a team release.
Krygier, 22, was initially drafted by the Panthers in the seventh round of the 2018 NHL Draft. He has since played five seasons with Michigan State University, establishing himself as a hardworking, physical defender with a late-blooming goal-scoring touch.
Krygier wore an “A” on his sweater for his final season at Michigan State, leading the team’s defensemen in goals with 10. Across five seasons at Michigan State, Krygier has totaled 20 goals, 21 assists, and 193 penalty minutes in 160 games.
The trade likely occurred either because the Panthers had no interest in signing Krygier to an entry-level contract or Krygier had informed the Panthers he would not sign with them. Either way, it seems the Kings are interested in adding the 6’3″ left-shot defender to their organizational pool of prospects.
Krygier is the son of former Hartford Whalers, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, and Washington Capitals winger Todd Krygier. His brother Christian Krygier was also selected in the seventh round of the 2018 NHL Draft by the New York Islanders.