Dean Lombardi knows how to build a winning NHL franchise.
The Los Angeles Kings general manager has put together two Stanley Cup-winning teams over the last three years, and he’s constructing the foundation for more championships by re-signing top-four defenseman Jake Muzzin to a team-friendly five-year, $20 million contract.
The team announced the deal Wednesday afternoon, and TSN’s Darren Dreger reported the terms.
Muzzin’s current contract has a $1 million salary cap hit and expires after the 2014-15 campaign. He would have been a restricted free agent next summer.
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Muzzin has tallied 41 points (12 goals, 29 assists) in 132 career NHL games. He posted 12 points (six goals, six assists) in 26 playoff games as a key member of the team’s 2014 Stanley Cup run playing over 23 minutes per contest.
In addition to his scoring production, the 25-year-old defenseman is one of the best puck-possession players at his position, and he also plays excellent defense. Muzzin and Drew Doughty arguably are the best defense pairing in the league with their strong two-way skill sets.
Photo via Richard Mackson/USA TODAY Sports Images
