The Los Angeles Kings have re-signed Center Blake Lizotte to a 1-year, $800,000 contract. The 5-foot-7 forward comes back to the Kings as an important piece to the bottom 6.
He will be counted on more than ever as the Kings march toward a playoff run in the 2021-22 season.
Lizotte was a restricted free agent after the Kings season ended.
He played a key part last season, establishing himself as a legit NHL forward who can play any amount of minutes while playing a regular shift plus penalty kill time.
Last season, Lizotte played in 44 games, scoring 3 goals and 7 assists for 10 points while leading the Kings in plus/minus at a plus +2. In his career, all with Los Angeles, he has played 107 games, totaling 9 goals and 24 assists for 33 points.
Lizotte made his NHL debut in April of 2019 out of St. Cloud St. University. He is not a player who will lead the Kings in scoring but will play an important bottom 6 role as he continues to shut down the opposition. The key to his game is his speed and defensive awareness, as he uses his speed to disrupt offensive chances from the opposing teams. With more moves, likely this offseason locking up Lizotte was key as it solidifies that bottom half of the forwards.
Lizotte brings everything to the rink, is always smiling, and brings positivity, proving he does not need a huge contract to love the game. Although small in stature, his presence is big in the locker room. He will be looked at for a bigger role with the team this season in search of Lord Stanley.
Do you agree with bringing back Lizotte, or would you have not signed him and went after someone else? Lizotte can help the team immensely without putting up huge offensive numbers.
Welcome back, Blake!
Featured Image: Jack Harris
