An under-the-radar, almost stealth signing in the quiet days of August might be one of the most important moves the Kings made in the off-season.
First, when they plucked defenseman Christian Ehrhoff from the free-agent market, it looked like an insurance policy in case defenseman Slava Voynov's return to the ice was delayed. As Voynov's immigration issues deepened — and culminated in his recent return to Russia — the acquisition of Ehrhoff took on additional significance.
Will the offense-minded Ehrhoff replace the offense-minded Voynov, a top-four defenseman?
Not precisely.
"You can't do that," Kings Coach Darryl Sutter said.