LA Kings Sign 19 Year Old Free Agent Cole Kehler

By Jeff Duarte
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Updated: December 9, 2017

*Featured photo credit to the Portland Sports News

One of the biggest complaints about former LA Kings’ GM Dean Lombardi in the last few years, was that he had made way too many trades that ended up depleting our prospect pipeline. A mistake that current Kings’ GM Rob Blake seems to be fixing that by doing anything he can to add talent and more depth to our minor league affiliates, especially with goaltending. And another example of that is by signing the 19-year-old, free agent goaltender, Cole Kehler, to a 3-year entry level contract.

(Photo Credit to Bryan Heim/Portland Winterhawks)

Born on December 17th, 1997, and at 6 foot 4 and 205 pounds, Kehler had been impressing the Kings’ scouts and management with his stellar goaltending for the Portland Winter-Hawks in the Western Hockey League. During this season, Kehler already has a 17-5 1 record, with a 2.15 GAA, 2 shutouts and a whopping .932 SV%! Which is projecting that he would double the stats he achieved the previous season, when he had a 32-17 2 record, plus 2 shutouts, a 3.10 GAA and .910 SV%.

Kehler had this to say about joining the Kings’ organization;

“I couldn’t be more excited to sign with the LA Kings. It is an absolute honor and I would like to say thank you to everyone who has been there along the way and helped me get to this point.”

The Portland Winterhawks goalie posted a 17-4-0-1 record, .931 SV%, 2.20 GAA and two shutouts this season.https://t.co/xbR8hM9DgO

— LA Kings (@LAKings) December 8, 2017

General Manager, Head Coach and Vice-President of the Winterhawks, Mike Johnston had this to say about Cole;

“As an organization, we are extremely excited for Cole and his opportunity with the Los Angeles Kings. It’s a good lesson, if you work hard and stay focused on your goals, good things will happen. He is very deserving of the contract.”

It is most likely that Kehler will finish out his season with Portland before going professional next season with the Ontario Reign in the AHL.

Welcome to the Kingdom Kehler!

GO KINGS GO!!!

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