As if there was ever any doubt: Trevor Lewis is coming back next season.
Everyone’s favorite bottom-six forward had a fantastic day yesterday, when it was announced that he’d been invited to the United States Olympic Orientation Camp. (Hell, he might even have a chance to make the team on the fourth line, if David Poile’s tire-pumping is to be believed.) Today is a pretty great day for him too, as the Los Angeles Kings have handed the RFA a one-year contract extension worth $1.325 million. Pretty good for a guy who made $700,000 last season.
Our estimates in the offseason plotting thread ranged from $800K to $1.25 million on the new contract; I reallllly like Lewis, and I thought he’d get $1.2 million. It’s a generous deal, but obviously, the value of Lewis goes far beyond his offensive production or statistics. Go ahead and read Robert’s evaluation of Lewis if you need a refresher on how he performed this season; despite once again posting a brutal shot percentage, he put up career highs in goals and points despite the shortened season. He also played perhaps the toughest minutes on the team. If this is his offensive ceiling, this is probably his peak salary, and I don’t see him leaving next summer either.
Of course, there’s a big red elephant in the room. The Kings have 24 players under contract and a little over $200K left; clearly, there’s not enough room for everyone. We’ll discuss the Kings’ options regarding Kyle Clifford soon.
Until then, watch these three videos on repeat…
Hopefully Lewis has more spotlight moments to come.
What would you have paid Trevor Lewis for a one-year contract?
| < $1 Million | 11 |
| $1 – $1.25 Million | 64 |
| $1.25 – $1.5 Million | 23 |
| > $1.5 Million | 7 |