Health Concerns Loom for Kings Ahead of Four Nations Break

Many significant injuries have occurred for the Kings over the last three seasons. Many will recall the Kevin Fiala injury, the other Mikey Anderson injury, the Gabriel Vilardi injury, and the first Drew Doughty injury. The Kings lost each of these players for stretches, if not the entirety (Doughty in 21-22), for the final stretch and portions of the playoffs.

In the current session, the Kings had yet again gone without Doughty but have finally returned for the last three games. He has played three games at high minute usage and rapid deployment with somewhat uneasy results, as expected from a player hopping in midseason trying to compete at an elite level. His return however, looked to pass the injury baton, as Anderson did not return to the game against the Lightning as he took a shot to the hand area.

For Kings' fans and hockey spectators alike, this wasn't really something that hasn't happened before, right? But for LA, the huge news is that Anderson was skating already (upper body/hand area, should still be able to skate), per LA Kings Insider Zach Dooley. Anderson skated alone prior to the team's skate, following a pattern the team has often utilized.

When healthy, Anderson looked to be a snub for the Four Nations Faceoff for the United States, as he has produced his best season overall to date. He might currently be the best American shutdown defenseman in the league. He was not under serious consideration for his injury, and the roster has already been revealed.

Anderson can now utilize the time, like the vast majority of the league, to rest and reset. With both Anderson and Doughty healthy and back to their higher level of play, there is considerable potential for the Kings' blueline. Anderson has proven to be able to handle a pairing on his own (credit also to Vladislav Gavrikov, who's also producing one of his finest seasons on a contract year). 

So, there's really no need to link Anderson and Doughty, which gives more possibilities for pairings. These should include young Brandt Clarke, who recently fueled trade rumors after Doughty's return pushed him out of the lineup for two games. Clarke, the potential future face of the franchise, might not have the same defensive acumen and sometimes finds himself as the 'Kevin Fiala' of the D-corps, he will need to be a more significant part of the team for the stretch run/postseason.

For the Kings, options open up from being healthy. Health is one of the most critical factors when going into the playoffs. The Four Nations is an excellent opportunity for players to represent their countries. It is also a pivotal time for rest before the final 30-plus gauntlet of games on who decides to compete for Lord Stanley. If healthy, the Kings could make some noise.

How loud that noise will be? I'm still skeptical.