Nicolas Deslauriers signs entry-level deal.

Twenty-year-old defenseman Nicolas Deslauriers, a third-round draft pick in 2009, signed a three-year entry-level deal with the Kings on Tuesday.

The native of Ville Lasalle, Quebec, led all QMJHL defensemen in 2011 playoff scoring with 20 points (5-15=20) in 24 games. Deslauriers helped Gatineau advance to the President’s Cup final, the QMJHL’s championship series, before the Olympiques lost to the Saint John Sea Dogs in six games.

In 48 regular-season games during the 2010-11 season, Deslauriers racked up 43 points (13 goals, 30 assists) and 53 penalty minutes. He led all defensemen on his team in goals (13), assists (30), points (43), power-play goals (6), and plus/minus rating (plus-22).

Deslauriers can also fight, with evidence here and here.

Deslauriers was the third player chosen by the Kings in a draft class that also includes Brayden Schenn (fifth overall) and Kyle Clifford (35th overall). Fellow 2009 draftees Linden Vey, Jean-Francois Berube and Jordan Nolan, David Kolomatis and Brandon Kozun have all signed their entry-level NHL deals too.

Seventh-round pick Nic Dowd just finished his freshman season at St. Cloud State and is unlikely to be tendered a contract before his eligibility expires. Michael Pelech, a sixth-round pick, signed an AHL contract in 2010 and spent last season with the ECHL’s Ontario Reign.

Facebook Twitter Plusone Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email
This entry was posted in Manchester Monarchs and tagged by J.P. Hoornstra. Bookmark the permalink.

About J.P. Hoornstra

J.P. Hoornstra covers the Dodgers, Angels and Major League Baseball for the Orange County Register, Los Angeles Daily News, Long Beach Press-Telegram, Torrance Daily Breeze, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Pasadena Star-News, San Bernardino Sun, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Whittier Daily News and Redlands Daily Facts. Before taking the beat in 2012, J.P. covered the NHL for four years. UCLA gave him a degree once upon a time; when he graduated on schedule, he missed getting Arnold Schwarzenegger's autograph on his diploma by five months.