The Los Angeles Kings will be without forward Andrei Kuzmenko in their upcoming Thursday game against the Edmonton Oilers, head coach Jim Hiller confirmed to reporters including Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period. Kuzmenko is working to regain full health before the Kings face the Calgary Flames on Saturday, but his status remains uncertain.
Kuzmenko’s Recent Performance and Injury Context
Although Kuzmenko left the ice during the third period of the Kings’ February 5th match against the Vegas Golden Knights, no obvious injury was reported at that time. Before this, he had played a full game on Wednesday after the Olympic break, contributing two assists. Over his last three games, Kuzmenko has collected four points, showing an encouraging scoring rhythm despite the Kings losing all three contests. Since the new year began, Kuzmenko has accumulated 13 points in 19 outings, totaling 13 goals and 25 points in 52 games this season. His consistent performance has earned him more than 20 minutes of ice time per game, highlighting his role as a key playmaker for the team.
Impact of Injuries on Team Lineup and Scoring Potential
With both Kuzmenko and winger Kevin Fiala sidelined—Fiala having suffered multiple fractures to his left leg during the 2026 Winter Olympics—the Kings must adjust their offensive strategies. To cover Kuzmenko’s absence, the team is promoting forward Taylor Ward, who has compiled four points in 15 NHL appearances this season. Ward has been more productive in the AHL with the Ontario Reign, where he recorded 12 goals and 21 points in 32 games this year. While Ward is expected to fulfill a bottom-six role on the ice, much of the responsibility for replacing the lost scoring will fall on newly acquired star Artemi Panarin. Panarin made a strong debut on Wednesday with two assists and joins the Kings after leading the New York Rangers with 57 points in 52 games before his trade.
Outlook for the Kings Amid Player Absences
The Kings face an anxious wait as they hope for Kuzmenko’s swift recovery while managing the gap left by key injured players. The absence of reliable wingers Kuzmenko and Fiala creates significant challenges, but the lineup adjustments involving Taylor Ward and the impact of Artemi Panarin provide some hope. How these changes influence Los Angeles’ offensive output will be critical in their next games against division rivals Edmonton and Calgary.
“The Los Angeles Kings will be without forward Andrei Kuzmenko in Thursday’s game against the Edmonton Oilers, head coach Jim Hiller told reporters including Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period.” – Jim Hiller, Head Coach
“Panarin recorded two assists in his Kings debut on Wednesday, and led the New York Rangers in scoring with 57 points in 52 games prior to his trade.” – Dennis Bernstein, Reporter
"For all intents and purposes, this is a playoff game."
Kuzmenko (injury) and Helenius out.
GameNight #LosAngeles pic.twitter.com/9ivz2PAKWL— Dennis Bernstein (@DennisTFP) February 27, 2026
