Kings’ Jonathan Quick and Davis Drewiske thankful for three-year extensions
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For Kings goalie Jonathan Quick, the three-year contract extension he agreed to Friday that’s worth $1.8 million per year validates the organization’s trust in him amid a season filled with mixed results.
Quick, 23, is the Kings’ No. 1 goalie and is tied for second in the league with six wins, but he has experienced adversity at different times this season. He allowed six goals in the Kings’ season-opening loss to the Phoenix Coyotes and gave up three third-period goals on seven shots Thursday in the Kings’ 5-4 overtime victory over the Dallas Stars.
‘I was really excited just to know you have a little bit of security the next couple of years,’ said Quick, who is in the final year of his contract. ‘You know you’ll be playing with these guys for a few years. It’s a great organization and I’m happy to be a part of it. I’m honored that they think highly enough of me to offer me that contract.’
Defenseman Davis Drewiske views his three-year extension worth $600,000 per year as a strong indication the Kings are pleased with his play.
Drewiske, 24, leads the team with a plus-6 rating and ranks third with 15 blocked shots. He has appeared in all 10 games this season and has one goal and two assists. His goal secured the Kings’ first victory on Oct. 6 in a 6-4 win over the Sharks. When asked if he saw the extension as a sign the team sees him in good graces, Drewiske said, ‘I would think so.
‘I think I’m continuing to play solid, try not to get scored on and play good defense,’ he said. ‘Be simple and effective, and play that role the best I can.’
Drewiske and Quick are on different paths this season. Case in point: Kings Coach Terry Murray said he planned on talking with Quick after today’s practice about what he considers ‘a lack of concentration.’ Nonetheless, Murray says both players will be valuable for the team.
‘All these young players that are getting commitments from the organization are a big part of the franchise as we move forward,’ he said.
‘Quick has come in last year and played great hockey for us. He’s our No. 1 guy right now and a big part of the future. At 22 years old, 23 years old, these guys are going to be around a long time as players. The same on the back end with Drewiske. Defensemen are very hard to find in this game. It takes a while to understand what the game is all about. He seems to have grabbed the opportunity last year when he got the call. He continues to improve on his game.’
While Justin Williams continued to sit out because of an undisclosed ‘lower body’ injury that Murray estimates will keep him out for ‘another couple of days,’ the Kings recalled forward Scott Parse from the Manchester Monarchs where he led the team with 11 points and two assists.
More later at www.latimes.com/sports
-- Mark Medina
Right photo: Jonathan Quick. Credit: Bruce Bennett / Getty Images. Left photo: Davis Drewiske. Credit: Jim Cowsert / US Presswire