The LA Kings hit the ice for one final practice before the Olympic break, and while the mood was focused, there were a few notable absences that could shape the lineup in the short term.
Three players were missing from the session at Toyota Sports Performance Center: defensemen Mikey Anderson and Brian Dumoulin, along with forward Alex Turcotte. Anderson and Turcotte are both dealing with upper-body injuries, and head coach Jim Hiller confirmed they’re considered day-to-day.
Turcotte has been out since the Kings’ win over St. Louis back on January 24, while Anderson exited early in Sunday’s overtime loss to Carolina-he returned for a few shifts but didn’t finish the first period.
Dumoulin’s absence was a bit more unexpected. He logged over 22 minutes against Carolina, including a late shift with just over a minute left in regulation.
But Hiller clarified it was simply a “maintenance day” for the veteran blueliner. Nothing to sound the alarms over-yet-but it’s something to monitor ahead of tomorrow’s matchup against the Seattle Kraken.
With Anderson and Dumoulin potentially unavailable, the Kings are preparing for all scenarios. Defenseman Jacob Moverare is expected to slot in, and Joe Hicketts has been recalled from AHL Ontario as insurance. Hicketts joined the team for practice today and could be called upon if the Kings find themselves down two defensemen.
Hiller has a long-standing familiarity with Hicketts, dating back to the defenseman’s junior days in Kamloops. “He was really impressive, even at 16,” Hiller said.
“He’s someone with good experience. Had he been six-foot-one, you’d know his name-he’d be a household name in the NHL.
But he stuck with it. Great teammate, and in a pinch, he can help us out.”
This isn’t just a feel-good recall. Hicketts brings a lot of practical value.
He can play both sides of the ice, something that’s been key for Ontario this season given their surplus of left-shot defensemen. That versatility could come in handy if the Kings need to juggle pairings mid-game.
Add in his leadership-he’s the Reign’s captain-and his 552 games of AHL experience, and you’ve got a player who won’t be rattled by the moment.
Hicketts last played in the NHL during the 2019-20 season with Detroit. After years of grinding in the AHL, he’s not taking this opportunity lightly.
“It’s exciting,” Hicketts said. “Anytime you get that opportunity, it’s something you dream of.
And the fact that it’s been this long since the last one-it’s special. When you still get those butterflies, you know you’ve made the right decision.
I’m excited to come in and try to help this team get a couple wins.”
If he does draw into the lineup, expect a steady, responsible game. Hicketts isn’t going to wow you with flash, but he knows who he is as a player-and that counts for a lot.
“I’m hoping to move pucks, get the forwards the puck as quick as I can, eliminate plays in the d-zone,” he said. “I’ve been put in a lot of situations over the years that maybe some other guys haven’t. I’m just coming up to play my game-move pucks, make plays quick, and hopefully that leads to some o-zone time.”
The transition from the AHL to the NHL can be tricky, but Hicketts has a leg up. Ontario and LA run similar systems, and he’s already familiar with many of the guys in the room. That continuity matters.
“A lot of the systems are the same, and being in the same building obviously helps,” Hicketts noted. “I’ve played with a lot of these guys-Wardo, Malott, Helenius, Clarkie, Tuna.
Being around them for training camp helps too. It definitely makes it more comfortable.”
As for the rest of the roster, the Kings are sticking with what’s been working up front. The forward lines remain unchanged from the recent games against Philadelphia and Carolina, especially with Anze Kopitar back in the fold.
The Perry-Laferriere-Kempe and Malott-Helenius-Ward lines have been clicking, and there’s no indication that will change. Warren Foegele remains the extra forward for now.
Here’s how the Kings lined up at today’s skate:
Forwards:
- Moore - Kopitar - Armia
- Perry - Laferriere - Kempe
- Fiala - Byfield - Kuzmenko
- Malott - Helenius - Ward - Foegele
Defense:
- Hicketts - Doughty
- Edmundson - Clarke
- Moverare - Ceci
Goaltenders:
- Kuemper / Forsberg
With games against the Kraken tomorrow and the Golden Knights on Thursday, the Kings have two more hurdles to clear before the Olympic break kicks in. Then comes nearly three weeks off-valuable recovery time for Anderson and Turcotte, and a chance for the team to reset.
But first, they’ve got business to handle. The blue line may be in flux, but the Kings are prepared.
Whether it’s Moverare stepping up, Dumoulin returning, or Hicketts making his first NHL appearance in years, LA has options. And that’s exactly what you want heading into a crucial two-game stretch.