Grimson Signs With Kings

Stu Grimson, who played for the Mighty Ducks in their inaugural season and parts of three others, signed a one-year, $500,000 contract with the Kings on Thursday.

Grimson, 35, earned the same amount last season, finishing with one goal, two assists and 116 penalty minutes in 50 games.

“Stu certainly brings grit, toughness and character to our team,” King General Manager Dave Taylor said of the 6-foot-5, 241-pound Grimson, a veteran left wing who has 13 goals, 19 assists and 1,802 penalty minutes in 627 NHL games.

Meanwhile, it was announced that the Kings will open the 2000-01 season Oct. 6 at Washington and play 12 of their first 16 games on the road. They’ll play the St. Louis Blues, who had the league’s best regular-season record last season, in their home opener Oct. 11 at Staples Center.

The Ducks open the season against the expansion Minnesota Wild on Oct. 6 at the Arrowhead Pond. The Columbus Blue Jackets also will begin play next season.