After Wednesday night's game against the Calgary Wranglers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings/latest-news/reign-recap-reign-take-down-1-team-in-the-ahl], Marco Sturm updated Aatu Jamsen on his health. "He [hasn't] skated [before last game], so we just have to be patient. I don't think we're gonna see him before Christmas." Jamsen got into a fight late in the game against San Jose Sunday night, which seemed to have caused the injury. Despite this, Reign insider Jared Shafran said that the fight was not the cause of the injury but wouldn't say what the actual cause was or what the injury was. The fight completed the Gordie Howe hat trick for Jamsen, earning him the Reign Train Conductor Hat [https://x.com/ontarioreign/status/1868550143454384556] in the post-game. He looked to be okay in the video taken in the locker room. The seventh-round pick made a lot of noise during training camp before the season's start, and the hype has transitioned well into Ontario. There have been a few adjustments the 22-year-old has had to make, though. One of the most significant adjustments Jamsen has had to make this season is getting used to the smaller rink size. In Liiga, the professional hockey league in Sweden where he came from, the width of the ice ranges from 92 feet to 98 feet, differing from arena to arena. Obviously, in the AHL (and NHL), the width is 85 feet. Jamsen has shown flashes of trying to do too much with the puck, thinking he has more room on the ice than he does. This is probably the biggest adjustment he will have to make to make it to the Kings. The injury is unfortunate since Jamsen has been a key part of Ontario's successes this season and is a big reason why the fourth line has been as deadly as it's been. In 14 games played this season, Jamsen has tallied three goals and three assists while being the main guy carrying the puck into the zone on the fourth line. His soft hands and overall skill work well with his linemates, especially Shawn Element. So why has he played in only 14 games? The Reign has much forward depth, and Sturm likes to keep everyone fresh. So, on the fourth line, he rotates guys in and out. These guys include Tyler Madden, Jacob Doty, and Kaleb Lawrence. Fortunately for Ontario, they went a perfect 3-0 since losing Jamsen last Sunday, including two against the Coachella Valley Firebirds. The next game is on December 27th in San Diego, where Jamsen is expected to return. THNWeek1222KeithFries
