Carter has tested positive for COVID-19 but is reportedly asymptomatic. Being placed in the NHL's COVID-19 protocol puts Carter's status for Saturday's game in doubt. This would leave the Penguins without all three of their top centres.
Penguins' GM Ron Hextall is familiar with Carter, having been a part of the management in Philadelphia and Los Angeles, where Carter has played his entire career to this point. Moving Carter opened up some cap space for the Kings to sign Alex Iafallo and provides plenty of middle-6 flexibility for the Penguins. Carter, who played most of his career at centre, has played primarily on the wing in 2021. He could centre the third line or move up and play on the right-wing with Evgeni Malkin. He had eight goals and 11 assists (19 points) in 40 games this season.
Carter will miss his fourth straight game on Monday but could be ready for Thursday’s game vs. the Canucks. With Nate Thompson getting traded to Montreal and Carter still out, Austin Wagner will draw into the Kings lineup on Monday.
Carter did not return for the third period of Monday’s game in New York and is questionable for Tuesday’s game against the Devils. Carter has had a tough offensive season so he shouldn’t be active in season-long leagues on a such a busy night in the NHL, especially on a back-to-back.
Carter was not on the ice for the Kings morning skate and will not play Thursday vs. the Coyotes. With Carter out, Adrian Kempe will centre the Kings’ second-line.
Carter has been out since October after having surgery to repair a cut on his ankle. It's encouraging to hear he might be practicing with the team again soon, but given that they haven't even finalized that timeline yet, it's best to consider him week-to-week for now.
Carter was reportedly cut by a skate blade in the Kings’ win over the Canadiens on Wednesday and is expected to miss a couple of weeks. It’s still too early for an exact timetable, so expect the Kings to update his status in the next 24 hours. This is a huge loss for the Kings, but should afford Adrian Kempe extra playing time, especially after a four-point performance last night.
Carter has missed the last five games with an upper-body injury, but he has taken part in line rushes the last two days, which suggests that he will return tonight vs. the Maple Leafs. Carter has 11 goals and 17 assists (28 points) in 34 games this season.
Carter has missed the last four games with an upper-body injury, but he will travel to Colorado for Monday’s game, which suggests that he might play vs. the Avalanche. It is only a one game road trip, so he wouldn’t be travelling if there was no chance he plays.
Carter was held off of the ice this morning, but he is expected to play tonight vs. the Candadiens. Carter looks like he will have a new linemate tonight with Milan Lucic moving to the top line and Michael Mersch moving to Carter’s wing. He has 11 goals and 16 assists (27 points) in 30 games this season.
Carter was in Canada on Wednesday for his grandfather’s funeral, but he has back in Los Angeles on Thursday and will be in the lineup tonight vs. the Flames. Carter is coming off of a two-point (1G / 1A) effort on Monday in Columbus.
