Klatt Signs Deal With Kings

Right wing Trent Klatt signed a two-year, $2.2-million deal Monday with the Kings, hoping to become more of a scorer after being relegated to third-line duties with the Vancouver Canucks.

Klatt, an unrestricted free agent, solidified his reputation as a physical player in five seasons with the Canucks and was an alternate captain but never approached the offensive output he had reached with Philadelphia.

Klatt, 32, had 16 goals and 13 assists and played in all 82 regular-season games for Vancouver last season. He scored a career-high 24 goals with Philadelphia in 1996-97 and followed it up the next season with 28 assists, also a career high.

“We thought Trent could fit in very well [with the Kings] and play a role that he played in Philadelphia but hasn’t played in Vancouver,” said Klatt’s agent, Neil Sheehy. “If he can crack the top two lines, he can perform at a much better pace.”

Klatt might be given the chance to play on the Kings’ top line with Jason Allison and Adam Deadmarsh, King General Manager Dave Taylor said. Klatt also could join Josef Stumpel and Ziggy Palffy on a possible No. 2 line.

“What we liked about Trent is the fact he competes hard, goes to the net and works in the corners,” Taylor said.

The Kings have an option to sign Klatt for a third year at $1.2 million, although the option becomes Klatt’s if he meets undisclosed scoring incentives.

“Playing with guys like [Adam] Deadmarsh and [Jason] Allison, it’s really a big challenge. It’s something I’m looking forward to,” Klatt said.

Klatt scored a combined 87 points in his final two full seasons with Philadelphia but was traded to Vancouver two games into the 1998 season. His highest scoring season with the Canucks was 33 points in 2000-01.

Klatt played only 34 games two seasons ago because of an abdominal injury but was not affected by it last season.

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The Kings signed unrestricted free-agent goaltender Mathieu Chouinard to a one-year contract.

Chouinard, 23, went 12-2 last season with three shutouts and a 2.12 goals-against average for Peoria of the East Coast Hockey League. He played briefly for Binghamton, the Ottawa Senators’ American Hockey League affiliate, and went 2-0 with a 1.97 goals-against average.

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A look at Trent Klatt’s NHL career numbers:

Seasons...12

Games...700

Goals...126

Assists...174

Points...300

Teams played for: Minnesota North Stars (1991-93); Dallas Stars (1993-95); Philadelphia Flyers (1995-99); Vancouver Canucks (1999-2003).