Los Angeles Kings Make Strategic Moves Following Viktor Arvidsson’s LTIR Placement

In a surprising turn of events, the Los Angeles Kings made some strategic roster moves on Thursday morning following the placement of forward Viktor Arvidsson on LTIR (Long-Term Injured Reserve). The team announced several transactions, including the recall of promising prospects Alex Turcotte and Brandt Clarke, as well as the temporary demotion of Arthur Kaliyev and Alex Laferriere.

Key Takeaways:

• Viktor Arvidsson’s LTIR placement leaves a significant void in the Kings’ lineup for at least the next 10 games.
• The move frees up $4.25 million in cap space, allowing the Kings to recall more players and increase their accruable cap space limit.
• Alex Turcotte’s opportunity to showcase his skills in the top-nine is a significant development, potentially filling the gap left by Arvidsson.

Arvidsson’s absence is a considerable setback for the Kings, as he has consistently been one of the team’s best players since joining in 2021. This loss is particularly felt in the Kings’ power play, which struggled with a 0-5 performance against the Colorado Avalanche.

However, there is a silver lining to this situation. The Kings now have extra cap space, allowing them to recall more players and field a complete lineup of 18 skaters, rather than 11 forwards and six defensemen. This flexibility also permits Arthur Kaliyev to serve the final game of his suspension.

The suspension presents an intriguing scenario for the Kings, especially if Alex Laferriere remains with the team during Arvidsson’s absence, as hinted by coach Todd McLellan. Saturday’s game offers a significant opportunity for Alex Turcotte, who has shown promise throughout training camp and the Reign’s preseason games.

Turcotte, now fully healthy and in excellent form, may secure a spot in the Kings’ top-nine, potentially filling Arvidsson’s role alongside Phil Danault and Trevor Moore. While a single game may not secure him a permanent position, a strong performance could make a compelling case for Turcotte’s inclusion in the lineup.

Jaret Anderson-Dolan could also be considered as an extra forward, but Turcotte’s strong showing may give him the edge on game day. Additionally, either Spence or Clarke may draw into the lineup on Saturday, providing much-needed reinforcement to the power play unit.

While an injury is never ideal, the Kings are adapting strategically to Viktor Arvidsson’s LTIR placement, making the most of the situation and giving promising prospects like Turcotte and Clarke a chance to shine on the ice. In an imperfect world, these adjustments are crucial for the team’s continued success.