The Los Angelis Kings have announced Monday the contract extension of young tough guy Kevin Westgarth. The contract extension comes on the eve of his final year under contract with the Kings, bringing him now through the 2013-2014 season. The two year deal is worth $1.45 million, a cap hit of $725,000 per year according to CapGeek.com.
"I'm ecstatic to extend my time here," Westgarth said after a training camp workout. "It's a really special group of people who are going to do some great things in the next couple of years."
Westgarth, a graduate of Princeton University, signed as a free agent in 2007, and worked his way through the minors to ensure a job at the NHL level. The 6’4 243lbs. 27 year old forward appeared in 56 games with the Kings last season, tallying three assists and 105 penalty minutes with 15 major penalties. In the post season, he was a part of all six games against the rival San Jose Sharks where he had two assists and 14 PIMS.
In 65 NHL games, all with the Kings, Westgarth has totaled three assists and 114 penalty minutes. His game is reliant on playing the body, and he does so quite effectively. He’s often found on the fourth pairing along tough guy Brad Richardson, nearly five years his senior in terms of experience.
What Westgarth brings to the table is a strong work ethic and high physical make-up with the ability to punish players on the boards, and drop the gloves with some of the NHL’s fiercest fighters – namely a developed rivalry with fellow Princeton graduate Geroge Parros of the rival Anaheim Ducks.
"I feel better than I ever have before, by a long shot," Westgarth said. "It's a lot easier (going into camp) just being around the same group of guys again. You get to know the guys a lot better and just get a little more confident."
- Kendall Grubbs
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