LA Kings claim Christian Wolanin off waivers from Buffalo

The move comes on the heels of the Ontario Reign needing more depth on defense. After Sean Durzi was promoted to the NHL, Cameron Gaunce was injured but returned in Tuesday’s loss to Abbotsford.

Wolanin, 26, was acquired in the Michael Amadio deal with the Ottawa Senators in March, playing in only five games between the AHL and NHL level combined. He had an outstanding performance at the World Championships in Riga, Latvia for Team USA, accumulating a goal and five assists in 10 games.

A restricted free agent in the offseason, the Kings brought Wolanin back one a one-year deal worth $750K. However, he was placed on waivers in mid-October and claimed by Buffalo.

The coaching staff was always fond of Wolanin during his first stint, so it’s not surprising that Wolanin is back with the club.

“Mobility, a puck-moving defenseman,” Kings head coach Todd McLellan said last season. “He’s come as advertised. Not easy to come and play two minor-league games and then get called up right away, and play, and try and figure out systems or structure, your teammates. But, he’s done a pretty good job. You can see that he can skate. He skates well with the puck head up and some good outlet passes.”

Wolanin played in just one NHL game this season prior to being placed on waivers.

The Kings can assign Wolanin straight to Ontario without having to clear waivers.