Kings sign Russ Courtnall

Courtnall will boost the King's surprisingly strong offense. Los Angeles ranks second in the NHL with 56 goals.

Courtnall started last season with the Vancouver Canucks and was traded to the New York Rangers on March 8. He had 11 goals and 24 assists in 61 games.

"Russ brings the element of leadership and speed to the Kings," said Los Angeles general manager Dave Taylor. "In acquiring Russ, we've added another quality veteran with a lot of experience."

Courtnall is a 14-year veteran and has 279 goals and 428 assists in 914 NHL games. His best season was 1992-93 with the Minnesota Stars when he had 36 goals and 43 assists.

In other action the Kings sent their first-round draft choice, third overall, center Olli Jokinen back to Finland. He was assigned to IFK Helsinki of the Finnish Elite League.

Eighteen-year old Jokinen did not score a point in eight games and was benched throughout the Kings' recent five-game trip.

Jokinen will play for Finland in this winter's World Junior Championships and is eligible for Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan.