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Kings sign rugged winger Ethan Moreau to one-year, $600K deal

Ethan Moreau

FILE - This Feb. 6, 2010, file photo shows Edmonton Oilers left winger Ethan Moreau reacting after his shot was stopped by Colorado Avalanche goalie Craig Anderson in the second period of an NHL hockey game in Denver. The Columbus Blue Jackets have claimed former Edmonton Oilers left wing Ethan Moreau off waivers. Wednesday, June 30, 2010. (AP Photo/Dave Zalubowski, File)

AP

Every once in a while, a contending team quietly adds a veteran player who makes a small - but worthwhile - addition to a bid for the Stanley Cup. The Los Angeles Kings will face some harsh challenges as they attempt to progress from lovable upstarts to legitimate contenders, so it doesn’t hurt to add more bodies and leadership. It’s possible that the Kings helped themselves out in that area by signing former Edmonton Oilers captain Ethan Moreau to a one-year deal worth $600K.

Moreau is a rugged winger who should fit right into the Kings’ defensive-minded scheme, but his health might be a question. Moreau suffered from an injury-plagued season in his only campaign with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2010-11, appearing in 37 games and managing just six points. His last two seasons in Edmonton were better (76 games in 09-10 and 77 in 08-09), but he only played in 25 games in 07-08 and 7 in 06-07.

The former Oilers captain won’t be a big scorer (he scored 18 points in 09-10 and 26 in 08-09), but he might be a helpful bottom-six contributor if he can stay healthy and skate reasonably well. It’s a low risk deal that could pay some solid dividends for the Kings, unless he’s just flat-out done.

(H/T to Kukla’s Korner.)