FREE AGENCY GRADES: Grading the LA Kings’ Day One Signings

Grade: A+

Joel Armia

Contract: 2 years, 2.5 million AAV

The AAV might be a little high. However, Holland wanted to address the fourth line and did so on day one by adding Perry and Joel Armia to the mix. Armia recorded 29 points in 81 games with the Montreal Canadiens and could factor into the team’s penalty kill units. With Perry and Armia in the fold, the Kings have a fourth line with experience and toughness for Jim Hiller to deploy.

Grade: A

Brian Dumoulin

Contract: 3 years, 4 million AAV

Holland did well addressing the fourth line, but not so much in the top nine or defensive side, although there is still time to address the former. The Kings needed to find a replacement for Vladislav Gavrikov and ultimately settled on Brian Dumoulin. Over the weekend, when watching Holland’s press conferences during the draft, he mentioned he wanted to add a defenseman or two, and Dumoulin was one of those signings. Dumoulin can transition the puck, but the term is a little too high for me. I would like to see him paired with Brandt Clarke, though.

Grade: C-

Cody Ceci

Contract: 4 years, 4.5 million AAV

This one was the biggest head-scratcher of the day. I always felt Cody Ceci being a King was a possibility when Holland was brought on board. That possibility became a reality. Ceci was signed to a four-year deal worth an AAV of 4,500,000. That’s too much term and dollars when the Kings could’ve had Jordan Spence, who is younger, cheaper, and a better player. During the playoffs with Dallas at five-on-five, Ceci had a Corsi percentage of 41.6% and the Stars were outscored 16-8 with him on the ice.

Grade: F

Anton Forsberg

Contract: 2 years, 2.25 million AAV

Anton Forsberg had a .901 save percentage with a 2.2 GSAx in 30 games with the Ottawa Senators last season, per MoneyPuck. It’s not a bad deal considering the year David Rittich had, but the two-year deal was surprising to me. His contract ends after the 2026-27 season, the same time as Darcy Kuemper’s deal, but this most likely means Erik Portillo will start the year with the Reign after missing the final two months with an injury for Ontario. This gives him a chance to get back into rhythm and bounce back after a rough sophomore season. The move gives the Kings four goalies under contract with at least one NHL game of experience, which is a good thing because Kuemper and Forsberg have injury histories. Still a decent signing for a backup role.

Grade: B

*NOTE: 

Carson McNitt, a valued member of the Hockey Royalty family, was recently involved in a serious accident after being struck by a car late Monday night. Carson suffered major injuries that required surgery. We’re thankful to hear that Carson said the surgery went well and that he is on the road to recovery. On behalf of the entire Hockey Royalty team, we’re wishing him strength, healing, and a speedy return to doing what he does best — covering your LA Kings and Ontario Reign.

Stay strong, Carson. We’re all behind you!