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Kings Re-Sign Defenseman Alex Lintuniemi

The Kings signed the last of their remaining RFAs on Wednesday, signing defenseman Alex Lintuniemi to a one year, $650,000 contract.

The 2014 second round pick has been more of a long term project for the Kings. Lintuniemi has spent his career in the minor leagues so far, putting in one year with the ECHL Manchester Monarchs and the past two with the Ontario Reign.

He showed a major jump in his game this past season, becoming more of a roster regular, even on a crowded blue line. Lintuniemi appeared in 64 games for the Reign, putting up career highs in goals, assists, and total points (4G, 20A).  With the Reign welcoming several new defensemen next season, including Kale Clague and Chaz Reddekopp, Lintuniemi’s experience will position him well to be a leader on the team. While players like Paul LaDue, Kurtis MacDermid, and Oscar Fantenberg are ahead of him on the team’s depth chart, Lintuniemi has become a reliable player for Ontario and, if he continues to progress as a pro, could see himself earning a call-up this season.

In AHL signing news, Philippe Maillet and Sam Herr were re-signed to AHL contracts.

Maillet took the long route to professional hockey, playing four years with the Victoriaville Tigers of the QMJHL, followed by a four year college career at the University of New Brunswick before joining the Reign. Maillet’s 36 points (18G, 18A) in 64 games led all rookies on the Reign. He had a strong second half of the season, including a game against the San Jose Barracuda where he posted five points.

Sam Herr will be in his third professional season. He joined the Reign after finishing his college career with Notre Dame. Herr is more of a depth-level signing for the team, as the forward has never put up more than 14 points. Last season, he had five goals and four assists in 59 games, and a fairly average 31 penalty minutes.

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