(Betting Express) - The Los Angeles Kings gave senior vice president/general manager Dave Taylor a contract extension through the 2005-06 season on Tuesday.

Taylor, 46, has directed the Kings hockey operations department since his appointment as general manager on April 22, 1997.

"The consensus among ownership and management is that Dave's leadership, direction and decision-making ability has brought the Kings to the doorstep of being a Stanley Cup-contending team," said Kings president Tim Leiweke. "Dave has spent his entire professional career in the Kings' organization and we feel he will continue to guide this team to a championship level."

Under Taylor's direction, the Kings have made a series of changes bringing a combination of leadership, skill and youth. Through trades, drafts and free agency, the Kings lineup has been bolstered by the additions of players such as Jason Allison, Ziggy Palffy, Adam Deadmarsh, Aaron Miller and Felix Potvin.

Taylor was also responsible for the hiring of head coach Andy Murray, who has guided the Kings to three-straight playoff appearances and currently boasts the highest winning percentage in team history (.574).

"I appreciate the opportunity provided to me by Tim and our ownership," said Taylor. "I look forward to continuing our efforts to bring a Stanley Cup championship to Los Angeles."

A 25-year veteran as a player and front office executive in the National Hockey League, Taylor has spent his entire professional career with the Kings.

Taylor was drafted by the Kings in the 15th round of the 1975 NHL Entry Draft. In 17 seasons with the club, he played in a franchise-record 1,111 games. He recorded 1,069 points, including 431 goals.

A five-time NHL All Star, Taylor served as the Kings captain for four seasons (1985-89) and was a member of the LA squad that reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 1993. On April 3, 1995, Taylor's jersey No. 18 was retired by the organization, and he currently joins Rogie Vachon (No. 30), Marcel Dionne (No. 16) and Wayne Gretzky (No. 99) as the only Kings to have their sweaters retired.

WHAT'S NEXT

LA kicks off a five-game road trip Wednesday in Detroit and will also visit the Rangers, Columbus, Atlanta and Chicago during the swing.