Kings re-sign blue-liner LaDue to 2-year pact

The Los Angeles Kings re-signed defenseman Paul LaDue to a new two-year contract that will carry an annual cap hit of $825,000, the team announced Friday.

LaDue, 25, suited up for 12 regular-season games with the Kings last year, scoring three goals and adding one assist. He compiled 18 points in 38 AHL contests with the Ontario Reign.

Drew Doughty, Jake Muzzin, Alec Martinez, and Dion Phaneuf make up L.A.'s top four defensemen, but as a right-handed shot, LaDue will likely contend for a spot on the Kings' third defensive pairing alongside Derek Forbort this coming season.