Martinez signs

Alec Martinez, a fourth-round draft pick last year, has signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Kings. He’s an under-the-radar prospect, but the Kings are quietly optimistic about his potential and view him as a future NHL defenseman. Martinez, 20, just completed his junior season at Miami of Ohio. Here’s the press release from the Kings…

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KINGS SIGN DEFENSEMAN ALEC MARTINEZ TO A MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT

KINGS’ FOURTH-ROUND CHOICE IN THE 2007 NHL ENTRY DRAFT AGREES TO A THREE-YEAR ENTRY-LEVEL CONTRACT

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Kings have agreed to terms on a three-year entry-level contract with defenseman Alec Martinez, Kings President/General Manager Dean Lombardi announced today. Martinez was the club’s fourth-round selection (95th overall) in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Per club policy, terms of the agreement were not announced.

Martinez, 20, recently finished his junior season with Miami University (Ohio) where he recorded 32 points (9-23=32) and 42 penalty minutes in 42 games. He also this past season earned CCHA All Tournament honors; was named the CCHA Best Defensive Defenseman; led all CCHA defensemen in goals and points; and was fourth among all CCHA defensemen in assists while his 32 points and his 23 assists were personal highs.

The 6-1, 207-pound native of Rochester Hills, Michigan, compiled 67 points (21-46=67) and 113 penalty minutes in 123 career games during his three collegiate seasons. During the 2004-05 season, Martinez played for Cedar Rapids of the United States Hockey League, where in 58 games he recorded 21 points (10-11=21) and 30 penalty minutes.

Since April 1, the Kings have signed defenseman Davis Drewiske (free agent, University of Wisconsin); goalie Jeff Zatkoff (third-round, 2006); forward Oscar Moller (second-round, 2007); forward Bud Holloway (third-round, 86th overall) and Martinez.

The Kings also enter the 2008 NHL Entry Draft with 15 total selections over seven rounds – including the second overall selection. In total, the Kings have two selections in the first round, three in the second round and three in the third round. The 2008 Draft takes place in Ottawa from June 20-21.

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