Purcell was signed by the Kings as an undrafted free agent in 2007 and played paarts of three seasons for them (2007-2010).
Purcell's recent offensive numbers have never come close to the ones he put up with the Tampa Bay Lightning (17 goals, 51 points in 2010-11; 24 goals, 65 points in 2011-12; 11 goals, 36 points in 48 games during the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season). Since then, he's averaged fewer than 13 goals and 40 points per season with the Lightning, the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers, who acquired him prior to the 2016 NHL Trade Deadline.
Though Purcell, a right-hand shot, played the left side for most of his short time with the Panthers, he's spent most of his career on right wing. He scored 14 goals and 43 points last season despite limited power-play time and production (two goals, 10 points) and playing most of the season with the Oilers, who finished last in the Western Conference.
With NHL totals of 101 goals and 204 assists, Purcell, 30, can play on the first line in a pinch, but is more valuable as a second- or third-line player. He's generally been a good scorer who has helped drive possession, has good hockey sense and can play on either wing. Purcell is not a great defensive player and isn't very physical despite being 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds (his career high in hits is 39). However, he is very useful as a complementary player who can score or set up his linemates.
