UM’s Purcell signs contract with Kings Winger needs to get stronger

As expected, University of Maine right winger Teddy Purcell, the Hockey East Rookie of the Year, has signed a multi-year, entry-level pro contract.

The undrafted free agent, who was also Inside College Hockey’s Rookie of the Year, signed with the Los Angeles Kings.

Under the new collective bargaining agreement, the 21-year-old Purcell will receive a $170,000 signing bonus and a two-year, two-way contract.

He said he was “surprised” and “happy” with the contract, which will pay him close to the rookie maximum of $850,000 if he makes the Kings roster and close to the AHL maximum of $62,500 if he plays for the Manchester Monarchs.

“We’re very happy for Teddy,” said Maine coach Tim Whitehead. “His goal was to get to the NHL as quickly as possible and forge a [long] career in the NHL.”

Purcell said it was a “tough decision.

“First, I had to decide to leave Maine and the opportunity I had here to continue that success we had [Frozen Four appearance]. Then I had to decide which team was the best fit for me,” said Purcell, a native of St. John’s, Newfoundland. “The Kings did a real good job expressing interest in me early and consistently. The general manager [Dean Lombardi] and assistant GM [Ron Hextall] flew to Newfoundland to meet with us. We had a video session.

“They got to know me well and I felt real comfortable with them. The amount of time and effort they put into it was a key factor in my decision,” he added.

The 6-foot-3, 182-pound Purcell was Maine’s third-leading scorer with 43 points on 16 goals and a team-high 27 assists. His five game-winning goals led the team and his seven power-play goals were second best.

Kings scout Bob Crocker said Purcell will be “an exciting player to have in the organization for sure.

“He’s a good, young prospect. He certainly brings a dimension the NHL has today and that’s quickness,” said Crocker. “He’s got good hands, a good head and puck skills. We feel fortunate to have been able to procure his services.”

Crocker said the Kings were one of “at least eight teams in the hunt” to sign Purcell.

The Kings missed the playoffs with a 27-41-14 record.

Crocker said Purcell will need to “get physically stronger in the combative areas of the ice where there’s traffic. He’s got to be able to fight his way through checks. But that’s something he can easily overcome.”

Purcell concurred.

“Everyone in the NHL is a man. I’ve got to be ready physically to battle and compete in all three zones,” said Purcell, who hopes to weigh more than 190 pounds next season.