The Los Angeles Kings have given 2014 7th round draft pick (209th overall) Spencer Watson a three-year, entry-level contract, the team announced Thursday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
However, General Fanager reports that the deal carries a $705,833 AAV.
“A couple things to note why we really like him – he’s kind of like a little rat out there, he’s kind of like a Kris Versteeg, a goal scorer who can get under your skin because he’s stealing pucks and winning puck battles,” said Los Angeles Director of Player Development Nelson Emerson.
The 5-foot-10, 19-year-old forward played 64 games with the Kingston Frontenacs this season, prior to the season coming to an end after the team was swept by the Niagara IceDogs in the second round of the OHL playoffs.
Watson led the team in goals with 43, which ranked eighth in the OHL overall. He also led Kingston in assists (46), points (89), power play goals (15), and was second in plus/minus at plus-31. His 15 power play goals ranked fifth in the OHL.
He proved a huge factor in Kingston’s playoff run, scoring three goals and 14 assists in nine games.
Throughout his four-season career with Kingston, he’s posted 25 points in 22 playoff contests.
Dustin Nelson is the News Editor for The Hockey Writers. He’s a contributor to Hockey Prospectus, Hockey Wilderness, and writes a column for Rotowire. He’s also written for Gone Puck Wild, Wild Xtra, InDigest, Electric Literature, The Rumpus, Tiny Mix Tapes, Prefix Magazine & other publications. Have a tip? Email him at dlukenelson[at]gmail[dot]com.
