Norstrom Agrees to Contract

Defenseman Mattias Norstrom agreed to terms with the Kings late Thursday, ending an impasse that had threatened to carry over into the season. He was scheduled to be at the Kings’ skate today, although it’s unclear whether he will accompany the team to Nashville for Saturday’s season opener because he’s not in game shape.

Norstrom, a steady defensive player and hard hitter whose effective partership with Rob Blake made them the Kings’ top defense pair, signed what is believed to be a four-year deal. Terms were not disclosed, but he had been asking for $1.3 million a year and the Kings had been holding to $1.045 million. His signing will be officially announced today.

Norstrom’s absence during training camp was noticed by Blake, who repeatedly said how much the Kings needed the 27-year-old Swede on the blue line. Norstrom had been a restricted free agent.