The Los Angeles Kings announced the signings of five restricted free agents on Thursday: Nick Shore (to a two-year deal), Jordan Weal (one), Andrew Crescenzi (one), Nic Dowd (one) and Vincent LoVerde (two).
Shore and Weal (pictured) are the two players to watch most closely.
Shore, 23, brings decent size to the table and already managed seven points in 34 regular season games last season. He’s “currently penciled in as the third-line center for the Kings” next season, according to Mayor’s Manor.
Shore can also be sent down to the AHL via waivers, which is worth considering if he suffers from a slow start or a rough season in general. Mayor’s Manor points out that Weal, also 23, would need to pass through waivers.
Have heard that Shore's contract carries a 600K AAV. First year of the contract is two-way.
— LA Kings Insider (@lakingsinsider) July 16, 2015
Weal was the MVP of the AHL’s Calder Cup playoffs after tying for the league lead with 22 postseason points. He’ll likely get a strong chance to earn a depth spot with Los Angeles in 2015-16.
Crescenzi, 22, is a big forward acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs back in 2014. Dowd, 25, put up solid AHL numbers during the Manchester Monarchs’ playoff run. LoVerde, 26, is an undrafted free agent with plenty of AHL experience.
