Getting injury information from NHL teams can often be like cracking the code to a safe. The odds are pretty similar.
With the Kings recent rash of injuries — at an unprecedented pace, nearly a player per game was going down for a while — it’s also been a bit challenging to keep up with the myriad of moving pieces.
We’ve spent the last few days working with various sources to gather as much information as possible. As we understand each individual situation currently, here’s where things appear to stand… all subject to change:
(players listed by group, in alphabetical order)
FORWARDS
Viktor Arvidsson – likely back next week
Andreas Athanasiou – TBD
Brendan Lemieux – current estimate is about two weeks
Dustin Brown – likely out 3-4 weeks
DEFENSEMEN
Mikey Anderson – week-to-week (likely 2+), not expected to return next week
Toby Björnfot – probably 1-2 weeks, on track to be the next defenseman to return
Drew Doughty – could be back as early as late next week, but it’s more likely going to be longer
Alex Edler – scheduled to return on 3/17 (projected lineup here)
Matt Roy – no set timetable yet, likely at least a few weeks
What Would Jakob Chychrun Cost the Kings, and Should They Do It?
Where does all of this leave GM Rob Blake, as Monday’s NHL Trade Deadline is quickly approaching? We covered some of this in the article above and a few days ago during a radio interview on SiriusXM (see link below). Given the updated timelines laid out today, let’s now add some additional thoughts on a potential deal with Arizona for 23-year-old Jakob Chychrun…
Yes, he remains a player the Kings are highly interested in, as we’ve been saying for quite some time. However, we don’t expect Blake to make a panic move for Chychrun – primarily for two reasons. First, throughout his tenure as a GM (and, really, even back to his playing days), Blake has shown a high panic threshold. He’s as steady as they come. His moves are calculated and come with a steady hand. Second, Chychrun isn’t the only defenseman on the trade market.
If the Kings get Bjornfot back soon, combined with Wolanin being available as a depth player, that gives Blake and the Kings eight defensemen: Bjornfot, Durzi, Edler, Maatta, Moverare, Spence, Strand, and Wolanin. Sure, getting Doughty and/or Roy back would be a significant increase in skill and experience. Yet, they should be able to weather the storm with a minor addition.
Acquiring Chychrun would help the Kings now and for the next three years. If the Coyotes aren’t willing to play ball at the moment, Blake could certainly circle back to them in the summer and instead look elsewhere to bolster his roster in the days ahead; simultaneously sending a message to the locker room that he still believes in this group and appreciates what they’ve done to put themselves in a great position to make the playoffs.
Either way, we expect at least one addition to the Kings blueline before noon on Monday.
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I think the trade deadline is a tough time to help the Kings for the future. A Stanley Cup contender might be interested in Maatta or Edler. If Blake could get a young LHD prospect for one of them, then I’d be all for it. However, it seems like we have plenty of good DM prospects, so there may not be a DM trade here. I would prefer Forsberg!
Plus, Chychrun is kind of dinged up now, isn’t he? In which case, there is no rush to add him. Also, I’m thinking that a trial by fire may help sort out the bullseyes from the near-misses among the young guys.
AA is the most snakebit Kings player ever.
When he’s in the lineup,his speed & skill set are undeniable. I just wish Happytoseeyou could stay healthy and play a whole season.
Great to hear about Edler’s imminent return.
#GKG
Crazy, isn’t it? Frk had some pretty bad luck, too. Last year should have been his breakout season, and he barely played at all because of injury.
…iafallo-Kopi-Kempe
…Arvie-Danault-Moore
…Vilardi-Byfield-Anathisiou
…Grunstrom-Lizzo-Lemieux
…sit Kupari & Kalayev
I think we need to land Fialla.. Kupari, Anathisiou & Grans for Fiala.
Us Kings just need Vancouver & Vegas to choke. That would put us in the playoffs atleast. Edmonton is going to start rolling so my thinking is home ice against the Oilers is our aim and then anything could happen. Let’s just hope Edmonton doesn’t get a goalie. I could get used to Byfield with Vilardi for the next ten years. Roy is my mvp this year so far. Get well boys! Go Kings Go
Unfortunate on injuries, but Kings being in the playoff hunt at this point puts them at, or even ahead of schedule. I would not give away the 4 piece asking price for Chychrun, and definitely not right now. I don’t know how others feel, but I always have reservations about guys who are so highly touted but have perpetually garbage teams. If they were really that good, wouldn’t teams be even marginally better? I think Kings need to keep running their young guys and force them to play meaningful minutes. This is basically already playoffs with points being so important. It reminds me of a young Jake Muzzin being thrown in in 2013 and he had some real struggles, but he was so instrumental in the 2014 run. Are the Kings winning the cup this year? I don’t see it, even with a pretty weak Pacific division, so let the young guys run, and continue to flesh out what you have. Reassess in th summer unless there is just some can’t miss deal to be had.
Blake gets it done!!! Wow I love the trades he made this trade deadline. 3 new defensemen for a 7th round pick and 2 players with no future on the team. PLUS Hickey is back in Ontario! These were the correct moves! Super happy to see Lizotte come back and the Kings gave up nothing to make sure Ontario keeps winning. Great job!
Oh and what in the world happened with AA? Was that a practice injury or any news as to what it is would be much appreciated. I do enjoy the 1st round line with 13-55-89. Future looks very bright for this team!