Well, Kings coach Darryl Sutter dropped a bomb on us after practice today. Brad Richardson is out and Andrei Loktionov has been recalled from Manchester…
“He’s had (symptoms) the last couple days,” Sutter explained. “We thought maybe it was stomach-muscle related, but he had an ultrasound yesterday afternoon. We told him, `You better get checked, because we’re traveling.’ I know how he feels. I had that four or five years ago. I was in the Saddledome and I had it. There’s nothing you can do about it. It’s better to have it out than have it rupture. It’s not about hockey. With the procedures they have now, you’re resuming activity within a couple days. But, we won’t have him for a while.”
The team later sent out a press release that read, in part – “Forward Andrei Loktionov has been recalled from the Manchester Monarchs (AHL)…Loktionov,21,appeared in 39 regular season games with the Kings this season,recording seven points (3-4=7) and two penalty minutes. The 5-10,179-pound native of Voskresensk,Russia has also played in 32 games with Manchester this season,recording 20 points (5-15=20) and 10 penalty minutes. Loktionov was originally selected by the Kings in the fifth round (123 rd overall) in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.”
As of now, Jeff Carter is expected to play tomorrow night vs. the Canucks and it’s unsure how much time Richardson will miss. For example, last season, baseball player Matt Holliday returned to the line-up just nine days after his appendectomy. And Dallas Stars forward Jamie Benn was cleared to go after missing about 10 days earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Loktionov is en route and will join the Kings in Vancouver later today.
More notes and quotes were posted live from practice at www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
We’ll also be discussing this entire situation in-depth tonight on the MayorsManor LIVE show – click here for more information.
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Having had my appendix burst at Frozen Fury one year, I know how painful it can be. Luckily it looks like they got it out before it burst, so his recovery will be shorter than mine was. It can kill you, so glad he got it out and will be back soon. As DS said, It’s not about hockey.