Vey signs contract fit for a “King”

Linden Vey has signed his first pro contract.

The 19-year-old from Wakaw inked a standard three-year deal with the Los Angeles Kings Monday, surely not a surprise after he led the entire Canadian Hockey League in scoring.

“We've been working a contract out for the last little while, ever since playoff season,” said Vey. “It's a good thing just to get it over with, realize my future is in hockey for sure and I can start focusing on this other career.”

Vey, who had 46 goals and 70 assists in 69 regular season games for Medicine Hat, isn't sure whether he'll be back in major-junior next season as the Kings are sure to give him a long look in the pre-season.

A fourth-round (96th overall) NHL draft pick in 2009, he was challenged to step up his game last year and did just that, raising his point production by more than 50 per cent. In the previous two years Vey had 72 and 75 points for the Tigers.

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Even his defensive game improved, going from a plus-5 a year earlier to a plus-37 this past season.

“I think when you go into a season I don't think you expect numbers like that,” he said. “It's a tough season, a lot of things can happen and I can't take all the credit.”

Vey was the last Tigers veteran expected to sign an NHL deal, following linemate Emerson Etem's deal with Anaheim last week. Unlike Etem, however, the Kings can choose to send him to the American Hockey League or back to Medicine Hat if he doesn't stick with the big club.

“I haven't talked to them a whole lot about next year,” said Vey. “It's all about earning your spot, I want to make sure I'm ready for camp.”