Very Troubling Update on Kings' Viktor Arvidsson

After suffering a back injury in practice last week, Viktor Arvidsson and the Los Angeles Kings knew he was set to miss at least the first couple of games of the season, but further diagnosis has painted an even gloomier scenario for the top-six forward. 

He was placed on long-term injured reserve, and now might very well need surgery, Kings general manager Rob Blake revealed this weekend. 

"Looks like he may have to have surgery next week for repair, which would take him out month-to-month, so we had to put him on long-term.

“You’re never able to replace a player like [Arvidsson]," added Blake. "Very tenacious, generates a lot of shots, but keeps the team in it most of the time and gets guys going, too.”

Arvidsson scored 26 goals and added 33 assists for a 59-point season last year, his best output since 2017-18. It was his fifth 20+ goal season in eight full campaigns in the NHL. He's heading into the final season of a 7-year, $4.25M AAV contract, and it was reported last week that Blake was working on an extension for the veteran right winger. Whether that is still in motion while Arvidsson recovers from the back injury and impending surgery is not known at this time. 

Being on LTIR, the earliest he can return would be Nov. 8. With surgery, however, it could be a lot longer.

Rookie Alex Laferriere has replaced Arvidsson in the Kings lineup, playing on the right side with newly-acquired center Pierre-Luc Dubois. 

Photo: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports