Los Angeles Kings acquire Cole Krygier from Florida Panthers
The Los Angeles Kings have acquired defensive prospect Cole Krygier from the Florida Panthers in exchange for future consideration, the club announced Monday afternoon.
Krygier, 22, just finished his redshirt season at Michigan State University. The six-foot-three defenseman, who shoots on the left, scored 10 goals and 16 points in 38 games with the 2022-23 Michigan State Spartans.
The Panthers originally selected Krygier in the seventh round (201st overall) of the 2018 NHL Draft. The Kings now have until August 15 of this year to sign Krygier before he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
Krygier made the jump to Michigan State starting in the 2018-19 season after spending two years with the USHL’s Lincoln Stars. He scored 10 goals in 122 games in his first four college seasons.
The Krygier family has many connections in the hockey world. Todd Krygier, Cole’s father, scored 100 NHL goals in nine seasons with the Hartford Whalers, Washington Capitals and Anaheim Mighty Ducks.
Additionally, Christian Krygier, Cole’s twin brother, is a New York Islanders prospect (and fellow left-handed defenseman) who also spent the past five seasons at Michigan State. The Spartans’ 2022-23 campaign ended with a 5-1 loss to the Minnesota Golden Gophers on March 11.
It remains to be seen whether the Kings will be able to sign Krygier to an entry-level contract, although they still have 21 spots left under the 50-contract limit for next season. Due to his age, Krygier will be able to sign a two-year ELC with Los Angeles.
The Kings will return to action on Monday night to take on the Calgary Flames at Crypto.com Arena.
