The Los Angeles Kings made two significant moves Wednesday, signing forward Erik Haula to a two-year deal worth $3.6 million annually while also re-signing Scott Laughton to a three-year extension at $3.5 million per season. These signings follow earlier acquisitions of veterans Mats Zuccarello and Corey Perry, giving the Kings a busy start to free agency.

Haula, 35, joins after spending last season with Nashville where he posted 14 goals and 38 points. The Finnish center brings Olympic experience, capturing bronze with Team Finland at the 2022 Winter Games. His addition provides depth scoring and faceoff prowess for a Kings team looking to build on their playoff appearance.

Laughton arrived in Los Angeles mid-season via trade from Toronto and immediately saw his role expand. The 31-year-old forward averaged 15:46 of ice time with the Kings, contributing to their push toward the postseason. Despite being held scoreless in the first-round sweep against Colorado, his versatility and leadership earned him the new contract.

Both players enter their 14th NHL seasons, with Laughton sitting just 11 points shy of 300 career points. The Kings have now addressed forward depth while maintaining salary cap flexibility for future moves.