Coming in to the season, the Kings were not expected to compete for a playoff spot. This was reiterated on a near constant basis by other owners during trade talks as well as agents during free agency. As a result, the Kings top dollar offers for some free agents were passed up by players who wanted to play on a more competitive team, or on a team which would improve their own stats. One player who took a chance on the Kings was Tony Lagerstrom. Lagerstrom had spend 10 years in the minors before having a 20+ goal break out season with the New York Rangers. The Rangers, figuring he had hit his potential, backed away from re-signing Lagerstrom. Lagerstrom came to the Kings because he believed he would see an expanded role and an increase in his playing time. "I spoke with GM Berger in the off-season and really believed that in LA, they want what is best for both the players and the team. They were real straight shooters about what I could expect with the high octane offense, and my role in it."
5/26/2020 - 363 words
