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Even at full strength, it’s pretty clear this is shaping up to be a rough season for the Kings.   They’ve got problems on the blue line and problems between the pipes.  Where they do have some talent is on the front line, and along those lines they put a big ol’ checkmark in one of the last boxes on their preseason to-do list, resigning 23-year old restricted free agent center Patrick O’Sullivan to a new three year contract.  As it is considered rude to discuss financials in mixed company, the team didn’t announce the terms, but Helene Elliott of the LA Times reports O’Sullivan will average just a hair under $3 million per season, though the deal is front loaded a touch.

While there wasn’t real danger of O’Sullivan leaving the Kings, any time he missed threatened the one strength the team has- scoring goals.  With 53 points in his first full NHL season, the nifty O’Sullivan was a key part in the Kings’ attack.  Additionally, he’s one of their best two-way players, a big issue on a team with so many young defensemen.

Now it’s a question of getting O’Sullivan on the ice and practicing.  How fast he’ll get up to speed is an open question, but it’s safe to say he’ll be a little breathless Saturday night when the Kings open up the season in San Jose.  But for Kings fans, the important thing is that O’Sullivan will, in fact, be on the ice.

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