Kings Get Galley Back for Leadership, Scoring

The Kings’ first free-agent signing this summer brings a familiar face back to Los Angeles, and General Manager Dave Taylor expects Garry Galley to also bring the leadership and competitiveness that have made him a valuable presence on the blue line for 13 NHL seasons.

Galley, 34, an unrestricted free agent, agreed to a three-year deal Saturday whose terms were not disclosed. The Kings’ fourth pick and 100th overall in 1983, Galley spent the first 2 1/2 seasons of his career with the Kings. He also played for Washington, Boston, Philadelphia and Buffalo and has been his team’s top-scoring defenseman each of the last five seasons.

Galley had four goals and 38 points and a plus-10 goal ratio in 71 games last season with the Sabres, who were surprise winners of the Northeast Division.

“I think Garry fits the description of power-play quarterback and I think he’ll help to upgrade our power play,” Taylor said, recalling the Kings ranked 25th in that category last season. “He’s had some pretty good seasons and he’s always been good in a leadership role. His dedication to the game is excellent and I think he still has three good years left.”

Said Galley: “It’s an opportunity for me to finish where I started and to better what I did before. It’s going to be exciting for me to bring my experience and leadership to a young club that looks very good and has a lot of potential.”

Taylor also is interested in free-agent right wing Mike Keane but is deterred by reports Keane may be able to command $2 million or more a season. He has pursued Kris King although he believes he has depth at left wing. He also said he’s not actively bidding for defenseman Luke Richardson.