Futa receives promotion to assistant GM
Rob Blake, appointed general manager of the Kings on Monday, made his first major move Wednesday when he promoted Michael Futa to assistant general manager.
Futa, highly regarded in the hockey world for his work with the Kings’ development system, had been the vice president of hockey operations and director of player personnel under Dean Lombardi, who was fired Monday along with coach Darryl Sutter.
“Mike has made tremendous contributions to our hockey club over the years and he will be one of several people we are going to internally lean on,” Blake said in a news release issued by the Kings. “He and his department have enjoyed success here both with the NHL draft and the Ontario Hockey League in particular, and we look forward to additional success in the immediate future.”
Futa just finished his 10th season with the Kings. He had been their director of amateur scouting but was elevated to the vice presidency in order to get him to stay after other teams inquired about his potential availability for jobs in their organizations.
Futa previously was general manager of the Owen Sound Attack of the junior-level OHL.
Determining Futa’s future topped the list of Blake’s tasks, a list that also includes identifying candidates to replace Sutter as coach. It’s believed that Blake will meet with John Stevens, who was the Kings’ associate head coach under Sutter, before expanding the scope of his search.
Iginla update
Future Hall of Fame forward Jarome Iginla, who brought a dose of competitiveness to the Kings’ lineup after they acquired him from Colorado just before the trading deadline, said he had so much fun in his short stint with the team that he’d like to continue his career after he turns 40 on July 1. He said returning to the Kings would be an option for him, though he’s not sure if the new management group headed by Blake will want him back.
Iginla had six goals and nine points in 19 games with the Kings, who acquired him for a conditional 2018 fourth-round draft pick. He ranks 34th on the all-time NHL scoring list with 1,300 points and is tied for 15th with 625 goals. His contract ended after the just-completed season.
Speaking on a conference call with reporters, Iginla said he was not 100% sure he will play another season but added that his confidence and enjoyment increased during his time with the Kings. He said he had been 50-50 about continuing his career while he played for the struggling Colorado Avalanche. “I thought sometimes maybe it’s time,” he said of hanging up his skates.
“But going to L.A., it was a really good experience to be back and have fun and play with the group there and have a good opportunity to play in meaningful.… I know we didn’t make [the playoffs] but up until our last four every game felt like a big deal. It was a big deal with the standings and stuff. It was exciting and I would like to keep playing.”