Los Angeles Kings acquire Cole Krygier from Florida Panthers

The Los Angeles Kings have acquired defense prospect Cole Krygier from the Florida Panthers in exchange for future considerations, the club announced Monday afternoon.

Krygier, 22, just completed his redshirt season at Michigan State University. The six-foot-three defenseman, who shoots left, scored 10 goals and 16 points in 38 games with the 2022–23 Michigan State Spartans.

The Panthers originally selected Krygier in the seventh round (No. 201 overall) of the 2018 NHL Draft. The Kings now have until Aug. 15 of this year to sign Krygier before he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

The @LAKings have acquired the rights to defenseman Cole Krygier from the Florida Panthers in exchange for future considerations. https://t.co/ITit7D8jMu

— LA Kings PR (@LAKingsPR) March 20, 2023

Krygier made the jump to Michigan State beginning in the 2018–19 season after spending two years with the USHL’s Lincoln Stars. He scored 10 goals in 122 games over his first four collegiate seasons.

The Krygier family has extensive connections in the hockey world. Todd Krygier, Cole’s father, scored 100 goals in the NHL over parts of nine seasons with the Hartford Whalers, Washington Capitals, and Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.

Additionally, Christian Krygier, Cole’s twin brother, is a New York Islanders prospect (and another left-handed defenseman) who also spent the last five seasons at Michigan State. The Spartans’ 2022–23 campaign concluded with a 5–1 loss to the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Mar. 11.

It remains to be seen whether the Kings will be able to sign Krygier to an entry-level contract, although they still have 21 spots remaining under the 50-contract limit for next season. Owing to his age, Krygier will be eligible to sign a two-year ELC with Los Angeles.

The Kings will return to action on Monday evening to take on the Calgary Flames at Crypto.com Arena.