OLCZYK SEEKS CAREER UPSWING : VETERAN CENTER SIGNS TWO-YEAR, $2-MILLION DEAL WITH KINGS.

Byline: Tim Trepany Daily News Staff Writer

Eddie Olczyk's career has risen and fallen just as severely as the Kings' fortunes have, so it's probably fitting that the two agreed Monday to team up.

The 12-year veteran, whose offensive output has dramatically diminished since getting 90 and 88 points in 1988-89 and 1989-90, signed a two-year deal worth about $2 million with the Kings, who have missed the playoffs the past three seasons since reaching the 1993 Stanley Cup Finals.

``We always said we'd like to have a big centerman,'' Kings general manager Sam McMaster said. ``On the ice he's an outstanding face-off man, he's good on the power play and he goes to the net. He brings a lot of experience.''

The Kings have been undergoing a massive on-ice restructuring since trading Wayne Gretzky to the St. Louis Blues this past season, dealing veterans for mostly younger players or prospects.

But in Olczyk, the team's first free-agent signing this summer, the Kings are getting a player whose best years seem to be behind him.

The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Olczyk's most productive seasons came when he played with Toronto, scoring 42, 38 and 32 goals from 1988-90.

His career went into a tailspin when he joined the New York Rangers. Frequently held out of games because of a coach's decision and slowed by a torn thumb ligament, he had three goals and eight points in 37 games in 1993-94. The next season he had six goals and 16 points in 33 games for the Rangers and Winnipeg Jets.

He regained some of his scoring touch last season, getting 27 goals and 49 points in 51 games for the Jets, now the Phoenix Coyotes. A partially torn medial collateral ligament in his left knee limited his playing time.

Olczyk, who turns 30 on August 16, said his knee is fine and is eager to regain his previous form.

``I'm a hungry player,'' he said. ``You always have to prove yourself, but I really have to prove myself. I want to get back to where I was a few years back.

``I'm a goal scorer. I've been doing that my whole career. . . . Throw out my two years in New York and I've been pretty consistent.

``I want the opportunity to play night in and night out. I want to be the guy counted on at the end of a game to win a face-off or to play defense or because we need a goal.''

The Kings are hoping he gives their meager power play a boost. Sixteen of his goals last season came with the Jets on a man advantage.

``I love to stand in front of the net and cause havoc by screening the goalie and having a quick stick and causing deflections,'' Olczyk said. ``When I'm getting a stick in the back of my helmet I thoroughly enjoy it because that means I'm getting their attention.''

Olczyk said several teams contacted him, but only four showed serious interest. None were as ardent in their pursuit as the Kings, he said.

Even though the Kings finished 16 games below .500, he wasn't scared off by them. With defenseman Rob Blake returning from knee surgery and goalie Stephane Fiset coming over from the Colorado Avalanche in a trade, Olczyk believes a solid base is in place.

``The bottom line is we have to win,'' he said. ``I disagree with people who say it will take us a couple years. The main thing is we have to get Blake back healthy and we got a top-notch goalie. I feel I can score 30 to 35 goals. If we stay healthy and add a player here and there and play consistently, we can win.''

Said McMaster: ``I don't believe in the word `rebuilding.' We're retooling the hockey club. We're a little younger, but we're going to be competitive. We're doing things now rather than waiting.''

PROFILE EDDIE OLCZYK Position: Center/Right wing

Age: 29

Height: 6-foot-1

Weight: 205 pounds

Experience: 12 years

Teams played for: Chicago Blackhawks 1984-87; Toronto Maple Leafs 1987-90; Winnipeg Jets 1990-92; 1995-96; New York Rangers 1992-95

Career totals: 294 goals, 394 assists, 688 points

Career bests: 42 goals in 1987-88; 90 points in 1988-89

Career lows: Three goals and eight points in 1993-94

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Photo, Box

Box: Profile (see text)

Photo: Eddie Olczyk