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Alex Killorn signs with Anaheim Ducks

Christopher Bagdonas / NHL / July 2, 2023

Alex Killorn signs four-year deal in Anaheim

Alex Killorn is joining the youth movement in Anaheim. The two-time Stanley Cup winner agreed to a four-year deal worth $25 million with the Ducks on Saturday. After an incredibly successful 11 years in Tampa Bay, the Lightning legend is starting a new chapter.

Pierre LeBrun confirmed the news of the former Harvard man:

Killorn agrees with Anaheim to four-year deal x $6.25M AAV https://t.co/3l7I60itYS
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2023

It’s a well-deserved raise for Killorn. He’s embodied the Lightning philosophy for over a decade: Work hard, get to the right places and play for the team.

Along with 466 career points, the Nova Scotia native has also won a lot of hockey games. Usually known for his physical dominance, the 33-year-old set a career high with 64 points this season. He will now mentor the likes of Trevor Zegras, Troy Terry and maybe even 2023 No. 2 pick Leo Carlsson.

The Lightning might also be at risk of regressing next season. Yes, their stars are as good as any in the league, and more than enough to reach the playoffs in all likelihood, but losing supporting pieces like this could add up. They also had to move on from Ross Colton and now have ZERO cap space. They’ve also still got Brent Seabrook’s LTIR money on the books for one more season. Major roster surgery might still be needed.

Birds of a feather

It’s a move that definitely had people surprised, as some believed 2023 would be the year of the Mighty Ducks, but it certainly was not. Adding some veteran talent that will also protect your young studs makes sense here. A term of four years will not seriously impact their future cap flexibility, either.

Yes, this is an overpay, but they’re not anywhere near cup contender status. This also comes with the pickup of Radko Gudas on a three-year, $12 million deal. Anaheim is paying a pretty penny for some physicality in their lineup.