Kings Sign Free Agents Tonelli, Watters

Left winger John Tonelli and defenseman Tim Watters, both free agents, have signed contracts with the Kings, the National Hockey League team announced Monday.

Tonelli, 31, was offered a termination contract by his former team, the Calgary Flames. He had until July 1 to accept the contract or negotiate a deal with another team.

Watters, 28, was in the same situation with his former team, the Winnipeg Jets.

The Kings won’t be required to compensate Calgary or Winnipeg because of the signings.

Tonelli had 17 goals and 41 assists in 74 games with the Flames last season. His career totals are 246 goals and 414 assists in 755 games.

Watters has appeared in 438 NHL games with 21 goals and 101 assists. He had no points in his 36 games last season.

“John Tonelli is widely recognized as one of the hardest working players in hockey who uses his size and strength to his advantage,” King General Manager Rogie Vachon said. “Watters is a solid, stand-up defenseman who knows his position and stays at home to make sure he gets the job done.”