Milan Lucic leaves the LA Kings after just one season; signs with Oilers
The LA Kings' biggest free agent of this offseason is leaving. Milan Lucic agreed to a reported 7-year, $42 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers on the opening day of NHL free-agency.
The @EdmontonOilers agree to terms with Milan Lucic on a seven-year contract. #NHLFreeAgency pic.twitter.com/ugsgpn5QRh
— NHL (@NHL) July 1, 2016
Joining the Kings in a blockbuster trade last season from the Boston Bruins, Lucic came to LA with Stanley Cup aspirations and just one year remaining on his contract. With Lucic and the team both open to new long-term deal, immediately there were talks of contract extension as the Kings raced out to a formidable lead in the Pacific Division.
Despite a somewhat uneven start with his new team, Lucic did round into one of the Kings top scoring options. The big winger's 20 goals and 35 assists were good enough for fourth on the team in scoring. However, the Kings were pipped for the Pacific Division title on the season's final day and crashed out of the playoffs in the first round to eventual Stanley Cup finalists San Jose. Lucic and the team could not agree to a deal during the season or before the July 1 opening of the NHL free-agency period, leaving the former Bruin free to talk with other teams.
Having just dealt LW Taylor Hall to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for D Adam Larsson, the Oilers worked quickly to secure Lucic's services.
With the requisite cap space in hand and an opening on wonder-kid Conor McDavid's top line, Edmonton now has the Kings looking elsewhere replace Lucic's 55 points last season.
