Versteeg to the Kings

The Carolina Hurricanes have completed another trade tonight sending to the Los Angeles Kings forward Kris Versteeg. In exchange for Versteeg, the Carolina Hurricanes obtains prospect Valentin Zykov and a conditional 5th round pick. Carolina will not assume any portion of Versteeg 4.4M cap hit. Of this 4.4M cap hit, 2.2M is assumed already by the Florida Panthers. To make room for Versteeg salary, the Kings placed forward Marian Gaborik on their long-term injury reserve list.

For Los Angeles, this deal means more depth and playoff experience. He has won the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2009-10 and 2014-15. In 2015-2016, Versteeg has tallied 11 goals and 22 assists in 63 games with the Hurricanes.  Versteeg is on the last year of his current contract and is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 536 career NHL games, Kris Versteeg has recorded 127 goals, 181 assists for 308 points. Los Angeles represents Versteeg sixth team he has played for. He has also played for Blackhawks (twice), Panthers, Philadelphia Flyers, and Toronto Maple Leafs. Versteeg was also drafted by the Boston Bruins, 134th overall in the fifth round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.