On the day that 71 players in...

On the day that 71 players in the National Hockey League became free agents, the Kings signed forward Brian Wilks to a new contract, left wing Lyle Phair to a one-year termination contract, free-agent defenseman Steve Richmond from the New Jersey Devils to a one-year contract and center Mario Chitaroni to a contract so that he can play at New Haven, Conn.

The Kings who became free agents are defensemen Ken Hammond and Craig Redmond, and forwards Paul Fenton and Paul Guay. All have received contract offers from the Kings, which makes the Kings eligible for compensation if the players sign with other teams.