Satisfied Podollan Signs Two-Way Deal

The minor league money was made right, as far as Jason Podollan is concerned. Now his mission is to avoid collecting it.

Podollan signed a two-way contract with the Kings on Friday and celebrated by playing in a 2-0 exhibition loss to the Mighty Ducks later in the evening. Wanting all the playing time he can get, Podollan left the Arrowhead Pond after the game and made his way to Phoenix for today’s exhibition against the Coyotes.

“I got what I was looking for,” said Podollan, who declined to say what that was.

At issue during negotiations has been his salary should he be sent to the minor leagues. Podollan has impressed during training camp and is among about seven players competing for two or three forward spots with the Kings.

His playing today will be determined by whether Scott Thomas is ready to go. Thomas, who injured his knee in a scrimmage a week ago, skated Friday morning and was to play today at Phoenix. If he can’t, Podollan will.

Thomas is also competing for a forward spot, but at 29 and with limited NHL experience at Buffalo, probably is ticketed for Long Beach and the IHL to start the season.

“I think it sets me back,” Thomas said of the knee strain, which cost him a week of practice. “When you don’t have many strikes left [in your career], you want all the time you can get.”

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Podollan’s signing leaves only defenseman Mattias Norstrom without a contract, and there appears to be no real progress in getting him one.

The two sides are almost $1 million apart on a three-year deal.

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Jason Blake also has knee problems, but his are more serious. He was operated on Friday and is expected to miss about four weeks.

But don’t bet on him going to the minor leagues for anything more than a bit of rehabilitation after that.

Blake, a diminutive 26-year-old who this time last year was going to English class at North Dakota, has been among the most impressive forwards in camp, according to coaches.

His spot appears to be centering the fourth line, a so-called “energy” unit designed to light a spark under the Kings offensively and defensively.

He has played in one NHL game and scored a goal in that season-ending effort against St. Louis.

“Coming to L.A. and playing in that one game made me feel like it was my home,” Blake said. “Hopefully it will be.”