It did not take long to replace Alexander Frolov in Los Angeles, as Alex Ponikarovsky has agreed to join the Kings on a one-year deal worth $3 million plus a $200,000 signing bonus.
The 30-year old Ukraine native had 21 goals and 29 assists in 77 games last season, split between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Pittsburgh Penguins. He added a goal and four assists in the Pens' 11-game playoff run.
Originally drafted by the Leafs 87th overall in the fourth round of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft, Ponikarovsky should immediately fill the role that the departed Frolov held on one of the Kings' top two lines. He should also see some time on both the power play and penalty killing units.
This is the first significant move by the Kings so far this off-season after missing out on both Frolov and Ilya Kovalchuk.
