Devin Setoguchi signs one-year deal with Los Angeles Kings

Devin Setoguchi has signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Los Angeles Kings.

Back in 2007, nobody would have guessed then San Jose Sharks forward Devin Setoguchi would ever find himself in a Los Angeles Kings jersey. But after his career fell apart, he found himself out of hockey. The Kings gave him a tryout during training camp and preseason and they liked what they saw.

According to Jon Rosen, the Kings have signed Setoguchi to a one-year, two-way deal.

Setoguchi’s career has been a fascinating one. After scoring 31 goals with 65 points in the 2008-09 season, Setoguchi never repeated those numbers. Following 77 total points in his next two seasons, the Kings sent him to the Minnesota Wild in the Brent Burns trade. He never panned out with the Wild with just 63 points in two seasons. Tenures with the Winnipeg Jets and Calgary Flames didn’t go well.

A huge reason for Setoguchi’s struggles? His alcoholism. Struggles often led him to heavy drinking, and his constant injuries certainly didn’t help. Alcoholism nearly cost him his life back in April of 2015. Luckily, Setoguchi checked into rehab and is now fit to play in the NHL again.

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Setoguchi should at worst be an excellent role model for the Kings’ young players. He’s a lesson in what can happen if you don’t focus on your career as much as you should. However, he’s also a guy who knows perhaps more than anyone how much of a blessing it is to play in the NHL. Off the ice advantages are often overstated, but in this case, Setoguchi could be a very positive influence on the Kings and their locker room.

On the ice, the Kings will be turning to Setoguchi as they try to score more goals. The injury to Marian Gaborik likely opened a spot on the roster for Setoguchi. It has been a long road back to the NHL for the former first round pick.