Viktor Arvidsson’s Struggles: Kings Winger on IR Again, Lizotte Steps Up

Premier League attacker Blake Lizotte makes his long-awaited comeback, but star winger Viktor Arvidsson is placed back on the injured reserve list.

The Los Angeles Kings received both good news and bad news regarding their roster as they navigate through the grueling NHL season. 

Arvidsson’s reemergence into the lineup proved fleeting, as he now confronts yet another obstacle following an undisclosed injury incurred during the Kings’ recent triumph over the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Although specifics regarding the nature and severity of the injury are yet to be confirmed by head coach Jim Hiller, ESPN’s Kevin Weekes suggests Arvidsson could be sidelined on a week-to-week basis. This comes as a blow to the Kings, who were hoping for a boost from Viktor Arvidsson after his delayed season debut due to a back injury.

Over the course of the four games following his comeback, Arvidsson actively contributed with two assists and showcased a commendable performance on the ice.

Viktor Arvidsson’s Scoring Struggles Persist

However, his search for his first goal of the season may be further delayed by this latest setback. With a string of injuries disrupting his season, there’s concern that Arvidsson might fall short of his usual goal-scoring prowess, which has been a consistent feature of his career since the 2015-16 season.

On a brighter note, Blake Lizotte’s return from long-term injured reserve provides the Kings with a much-needed reinforcement. Lizotte, who has been sidelined since mid-January, brings valuable experience and versatility to the lineup. 

With nine points in 34 games this season, Lizotte is expected to fill the void left by Arvidsson’s absence on the third line, alongside Quinton Byfield and Pierre-Luc Dubois.

However, the Kings’ depth will still be tested, as Carl Grundstrom remains unavailable until March 9 due to injury. Until then, the team will rely on a rotation of depth forwards, including Lizotte, Arthur Kaliyev, and Jaret Anderson-Dolan, to step up and contribute in various roles within the bottom six.

As the Kings navigate through this challenging period, they’ll be hoping for a swift recovery for Arvidsson and a seamless integration of Lizotte back into the lineup to bolster their playoff push in the competitive NHL Western Conference.