Los Angeles Kings activate Viktor Arvidsson from long-term injured reserve

Good news for a team looking to get to 100% before the playoffs.

On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Kings announced that forward Viktor Arvidsson has been activated from long-term injured reserve.

Arvidsson has been absent for most of the 2023-24 season. Thanks to a back injury, the 30-year-old missed the first 50 games. He was eventually activated to the main roster last month, but suffered a lower-body injury in just his fourth game back in the lineup. The Swedish star registered just two assists over that span.

He is eligible to play on Wednesday night against the Minnesota Wild but it is unknown if Arvidsson will be in the lineup.

The former Nashville Predator has been known to be a scoring threat throughout his career. His absence has been noticeable in Los Angeles. Of the 16 teams currently in a playoff spot, only the Philadelphia Flyers have scored fewer goals than the Kings.

It might take some time for Arvidsson to find his footing, but if he can be in full force by the time the playoffs begin, it will be a huge boost for the Kings.

No matter how many games he plays by the time the regular season ends, it will be by far the fewest games Arvidsson has played in one season. In 532 career games, he has scored 173 goals and 176 assists, including 34 points in 67 playoff games.

The Kings (35-22-11) are currently in the top three of the Pacific Division, but are fighting to stay up there. Coming into Wednesday, Los Angeles is just two points ahead of the reigning Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights. The Kings are also five points back of the Edmonton Oilers for second.