Los Angeles confirmed the rumors on Tuesday, officially signing defenseman Jamie McBain to a one-year pact worth $550,000.
McBain, 26, had previously been with the Kings’ AHL affiliate in Manchester on a PTO and, prior to that, appeared in 275 career NHL contests with Buffalo and Carolina. An offensive defenseman, McBain posted personal highs in assists (23) and points (30) for the ‘Canes four seasons ago, but fell out of favor with the Sabres last season and went without a deal until well into October.
His signing -- on the cheap, you’ll notice -- helps the cap-strapped Kings offset the losses of Robyn Regher (injured) and Slava Voynov (suspended). Like Voynov, McBain is a right-handed shot and could fill in for certain offensive situations, like on the power play.
That said, McBain will need some time to get adjusted to the Kings’ style. Just ask head coach Darryl Sutter.
“There’s a lot to go over with him. It’s way different coming to this conference. The pace of play is way different,” Sutter said, per LA Kings Insider. “He hasn’t played on a good team. Big difference. Good kid, good skill set. The next part is the game.”
The Kings next play on Wednesday, in an rivalry night contest against Anaheim.