Los Angeles Kings‘ 6th round pick in the 2008 draft (#153 overall) center Justin Azevedo(15) will be taking his restricted free agent status to Finland, joining Lukko of the SM-liiga.
Although the deal is done, they have to wait until after the Kings‘ battle in the Stanley Cup Finals is over to announce it. There’s a bit of irony in there too, as he’s one of L.A.’s “Black Aces” practicing with the team as they push towards the finish.
The 5’7″ 172 lbs. forward leaves never having skated in an NHL game over four seasons with the team’s minor leaugue affiliate Manchester Monarchs.
He has played in 271 AHL regular and postseason games scoring 79 goals and 108 assists. He had a career-year for goals scored with 28 in 2011/2012.
The 24-year always worked hard out there despite his smaller size and was probably a bit overlooked for at least a few games at the end of a season test-run in the big league.
