Los Angeles Kings forward Kevin Fiala is expected to make his season debut this week, with Thursday against the New York Islanders or Saturday against the Calgary Flames as likely dates, sources told ESPN's Emily Kaplan. The 30-year-old fractured his left leg while playing for Switzerland at February's Olympics and underwent surgery in Italy, followed by a procedure in September. Fiala recorded 18 goals and 22 assists in 56 games for the Kings last season.
Mats Zuccarello returns Tuesday night from an upper-body injury to face the Nashville Predators. The 39-year-old has played six games this season across two stints after signing a one-year, bonus-laden deal in free agency. He posted 15 goals and 39 assists in 59 games for the Minnesota Wild last season, marking his fifth consecutive 50-point campaign.
For the Los Angeles Kings (5-8-2), the returns come at a crucial juncture. The three games this week close out a seven-game homestand, giving Los Angeles a chance to put together its first consecutive wins in nearly three weeks. Fiala's return will also mark the first time the Kings have had him and Artemi Panarin in the lineup together.
Source: ESPN NHL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing