Dempsey Will Be Back With Kings

The Kings re-signed offensive-minded defenseman Nathan Dempsey to a two-year, $2.2-million contract Thursday, with a team option for a third year.

Dempsey, acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks in March, had four goals and three assists in 17 games with the Kings. He also played on the power-play and penalty-killing units, and would provide insurance if the Kings don’t re-sign defenseman Jaroslav Modry, who becomes an unrestricted free agent July 1.

Dempsey, 29, would have become an unrestricted free agent on the same date.

“It’s nice to get this out of the way ahead of time,” Dempsey said. “They’ve built a great character squad. With the core group of guys we have and maybe a few additions, and with some of the young guys continuing to pick up their game, we’re going to have a great next couple of years.”

The third year on Dempsey’s deal becomes his option, not the team’s, if he meets unspecified statistical incentives.

Dempsey had eight goals and 17 assists in 58 games with the Blackhawks. The Kings acquired him for a fourth-round selection in 2005 and a conditional sixth-round selection in 2006. The Kings do not have to surrender the conditional pick because they didn’t make the playoffs.

Dempsey made $600,000 last season with Chicago. He was originally drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 11th round of the 1992 draft.

-- Mike Bresnahan

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Vancouver introduced David Nonis as its general manager, three days after announcing predecessor Brian Burke’s contract would not be renewed.

Nonis spent the last six seasons as the Canucks’ assistant GM. He was also the NHL’s manager of hockey operations for four seasons.

Nonis, who turns 38 on May 25, is the youngest general manager in franchise history.

His first move was to promote Steve Tambellini from vice president of player personnel to assistant general manager.

Nonis interviewed to be Calgary’s general manager in 2001 and was in the running for the same position in San Jose last summer.

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Toronto Coach Pat Quinn will return next season, ending speculation that the team would make a change after failing to get past the second round of the playoffs.

“Pat will be back. He’s our coach and his record speaks for itself,” Toronto General Manager John Ferguson said.

Quinn, who last summer relinquished his duties as the team’s general manager, has one year left on his contract.

Ferguson wouldn’t say if Quinn will be offered an extension this summer, but he did say that he hopes Quinn will coach beyond next season.