LA Kings management temporarily pressed the pause button on their season yesterday. An all hands on deck meeting was held with GM Rob Blake, the coaching staff, and players. It wasn’t as much about the wild game on Tuesday vs. Seattle, as much as it was an opportunity to address the first 25 games played thus far in 2022-23.
LA Kings GM Rob Blake met with the players yesterday. Here's his synopsis… pic.twitter.com/Odp68ZOs9r
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) December 1, 2022
Earlier today, there were several roster transactions; beginning with forward Rasmus Kupari being returned to AHL Ontario. After starting the season with the Reign and playing six games, he had suited up for 16 games with the Kings.
After originally being recalled earlier this week, 22-year-old Sammy Fagemo is set to make his return to the NHL tonight. Originally selected by the Kings in the second round of the 2019 NHL Draft (50th overall), Fagemo made his NHL debut last season and skated in four games with the Kings. Overall, the Swedish forward has produced 70 points (43G, 27A) in 110 career games with Ontario — including the 15 games played thus far this season, where he is leading the Reign in goals (6) and power-play goals (4).
Joining him in coach Todd McLellan’s lineup for the first time this season will be defenseman Toby Björnfot.
Last season, the 6-foot Swede appeared in 70 NHL games with the Kings (more than any other player in LA’s blueliner in 2021-22). Selected 22nd overall by the Kings in the 2019 NHL Draft, Bjornfot has registered one goal and 14 points in 106 NHL games. Additionally, he’s posted 22 points with a plus-14 rating in 62 career AHL games with Ontario. This season, the 21-year-old rearguard has produced a plus-3 rating over 17 games with the Reign.
Kings coach Todd McLellan on:
— Björnfot, who will play with Roy tonight
— Fagemo, who will play with Kaliyev and JAD
— Kupari, who was sent back to AHL Ontario pic.twitter.com/viRZD8bMDt— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) December 1, 2022
Note: slight correction, Fagemo is scheduled to play on a line with Jaret Anderson-Dolan and Carl Grundstrom.
After clearing waivers, goaltender Cal Petersen was assigned to AHL Ontario. Taking his place on the roster will be Pheonix Copley.
Thoughts on Kings Placing Goaltender Cal Petersen on Waivers
Tyler Madden was also recalled, although he is expected to be a healthy scratch.
There was an additional roster transaction today…
Kings recalled Tyler Madden from AHL Ontario. So he'll get a nice pay bump for being a healthy scratch tonight.
Solid reward for somebody who has been playing extremely well of late.
ICYMI — recent article 👇 https://t.co/j3VlATXUgj
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) December 1, 2022
LA Kings Projected Lineup vs. Arizona Coyotes
Fiala – Kopitar – Kempe
Moore – Danault – Arvidsson
Vilardi – Lizotte – Kaliyev
Grundstrom – JAD – Fagemo
Anderson – Doughty
Björnfot – Roy
Edler – Durzi
Quick
Copley
Scratches: Madden, Clarke, Walker
Injured Reserve: Lemieux (targeting around Dec. 17)
Long-term Injured Reserve: Iafallo (has begun skating, targeted for mid-late December return)
ICYMI — explanation of why Clarke is not playing
Additional Game Notes
Puck drop is set for 7:30pm PST and will be televised by Bally Sports West.
Last time out, Arizona lost 4-3 to the Wild in Minnesota on Sunday. Here’s how the Coyotes lined up for that one:
Tonight's projected lineup: pic.twitter.com/atrRKytKdS
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) November 26, 2022
Tonight will be game 11 of 14 straight Coyotes games away from their home arena. And that’s not a typo. They last played a home game on November 3 and won’t do it again until Friday, December 9.
Galie Karel Vejmelka is expected to get the start for Arizona. He is 6-5-2 thus far this season, with a 2.97 goals-against average and .916 save percentage.
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Lineup image created by ALo Images
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