Kelly Released as Kings Have a Busy Day; Hachborn, Hakansson Among Others Cut

Left wing J.P. Kelly, who has been with the Kings for seven years, has been released. His contract was bought out in one of many contract dealings announced Tuesday by Rogie Vachon, the club’s general manager.

“It certainly was a tough decision,” Vachon said. “J.P. has been so good for this organization. He’s given about all he can.

“We felt it was a question of numbers. We feel we have to make room for the kids. We are building for the future.”

Kelly had six goals and nine assists in 61 games for the Kings last season.

Center Len Hachborn, who had four goals in 24 games for the Kings after being purchased from the Philadelphia Flyers, also had his contract bought out. Released outright were wingers Anders Hakansson and Darcy Roy, defenseman Allan Tuer and Dave Lundmark and centers Bob Mongrain and Marty Dallman.

Termination contracts were offered and agreed to by right wings Morris Lukowich and minor leaguer Mark Lofthouse, meaning they will be released after next season. Lukowich, a 10-year NHL veteran, was claimed by the Kings off waivers from the Boston Bruins in November of last season. In 55 games for the Kings, he had 11 goals and 9 assists. Lofthouse spent last season with New Haven.

Left wing Dan Brennan, an eighth-round draft pick in 1981 who spent last season with New Haven, refused a termination contract and became a free agent.

Meanwhile, goaltender Roland Melanson, defenseman Dean Kennedy and Grant Ledyard, right wings Phil Sykes and Bryan Erickson and rookie centers Guy Benoit and Jeff Crossman all agreed to contract terms.