Anderson-Dolan is 22 years old and his deal will carry a $750,000 cap hit. Despite spending the 2020-21 season with the Kings, the forward returned to the AHL this past season, scoring 24 goals and 47 points in 54 games with the Ontario Reign.
Vilardi is also 22 years old and had a similar path, spending a good chunk of the year in the AHL after playing with the Kings in the 2020-21 season. He split time between the Kings and Ontario Reign this season and his deal carries a $825,000 cap hit.
The coming year is a pretty important one for both forwards. The Kings are now looking to compete once again and the core of their forward group is becoming somewhat set. At this point, there aren’t really spots open to be won and both Anderson-Dolan and Vilardi will have a more difficult time earning roles with the team.
Both players will also be eligible for waivers, meaning they could end up elsewhere if they can’t crack the team’s roster out of camp. Unlike in previous years where the Kings had more spots open for young talent, each forward will have to outperform many others to get a chance.