The Kings acquire a veteran with nearly 500 games in the NHL
Photo credit: Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles Kings are rolling the dice on a proven middle-six winger after head coach D.J. Smith officially added Mathieu Joseph to the roster this afternoon.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman confirmed the 29-year-old forward has signed a one-year contract at a pro-rated $900,000 salary. The move comes just hours after Joseph had his previous contract terminated by the St. Louis Blues.
Getting a veteran with nearly 500 games of NHL experience for under a million dollars is an absolute steal. Joseph brings championship pedigree from his time in Tampa Bay and a high-end motor that fits the Kings' transition game.
He previously played under current Kings assistant coach D.J. Smith in Ottawa, which should make his integration into the locker room incredibly efficient. That familiarity is a massive advantage on trade deadline day.
Kings buyers or sellers?
The Kings are in a strange spot in the standings, hovering right on the playoff bubble. This signing suggests they aren't ready to wave the white flag just yet.
Joseph recorded 11 points in 39 games before his departure from St. Louis. He also maintained a solid +4 rating while playing heavy minutes on the penalty kill.
Management is clearly betting that a change of scenery will spark the speedy winger. His ability to hunt pucks and force turnovers is a trademark of his style in the Show.
The contract termination in St. Louis remains a bit of a mystery, but the Kings wasted zero time pouncing on the opportunity. They needed a depth scoring punch without sacrificing their future cap flexibility.
Joseph is expected to join the team for their upcoming road trip. His versatility allows him to slide up and down the lineup depending on the nightly matchup.
Over his NHL career, Joseph has proven he can produce even with limited ice time. He currently sits at 487 career games played and will likely hit the 500-game milestone in a Kings sweater later this month.
The bottom-six rotation just got a whole lot faster. If Joseph finds his rhythm early, this $900k gamble could be the most efficient piece of business handled at the deadline.
Los Angeles is keeping their options open while adding a reliable soldier for the stretch drive. It is a calculated move for a team still searching for its identity.
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