Los Angeles Kings’ Viktor Arvidsson to miss first two games of regular season

Los Angeles Kings’ forward Viktor Arvidsson will miss at least the first two games of the 2023-24 regular season, according to head coach Todd McLellan.

Arvidsson was already ruled out for Wednesday’s season opener against the Colorado Avalanche after sustaining a lower-body injury at practice on Monday. Following the morning skate on Wednesday, McLellan spoke with media and said he would also miss Saturday’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes.

McLellan also said he wasn’t sure if Arvidsson will be a candidate for long-term injury reserve.

The Kings’ coach also said Arthur Kaliyev will be recalled from the AHL’s Ontario Reign to start serving his two-game suspension. He received the punishment after kneeing Anaheim Ducks’ forward Chase De Leo in the preseason.

Because of Arvidsson’s injury and Kaliyev’s suspension, combined with the Kings being right up against the salary cap, Los Angeles will be one player short on Wednesday night.

“We have quality people that are ready to go,” said McLellan. “The one thing I know, at this time of year, people are begging for ice time. It’s right in front of you, so do something with it.”

Arvidsson, 30, had 26 goals and 33 assists for 59 points in 2022-23. Through eight full NHL seasons, Arvidsson has 173 goals and 174 assists for 347 points in 528 career games.

The Kings went 47-25-10 in 2022-23, finishing third in the Pacific division. They were eliminated in the first round by the Edmonton Oilers. In the offseason, they acquired Pierre-Luc Dubois from the Winnipeg Jets, then signed the forward to an eight-year, $68 million extension.