As the postseason is in full swing, players out of the playoffs begin recovering from the long season. One of those is Viktor Arvidsson, who will miss three to five months with back surgery. This decision comes after the Los Angeles Kings were eliminated by the Edmonton Oilers in seven games in Round 1.
Kings' Viktor Arvidsson to miss 3-5 months after back surgery. https://t.co/S27lLHgLvJ pic.twitter.com/zlzMP3oEaK
— theScore (@theScore) May 17, 2022
Viktor Arvidsson Surgery Keeps Him Out 3-5 Months
Arvidsson was one of the better forwards on Los Angeles this season. Finishing top four in goals, assists, and points for the club, he was one of the most productive skaters. The 28-year-old played 66 games for Los Angeles, putting up 49 points in the form of 20 goals and 29 assists. While these numbers are not mind-boggling, they were good enough to keep the Kings afloat. In his first year on the west coast after being traded from the Nashville Predators, his production improved drastically. Just last season, he only had 25 points in 50 games.
What This Means For Los Angeles
Obviously, this is not a huge deal for LA. If anything, it’s a benefit going into next season. Arvidsson will be healthy for opening night puck drop, and Los Angeles will be at full strength. As they recover from their seven-game postseason stint, they look to next season. The Pacific Division will likely be weak again, so the Kings can pounce. The Vegas Golden Knights and Calgary Flames will be strong again, barring any major offseason moves. So the Kings will once again be in a battle for third place with the Edmonton Oilers. If the Kings add some depth pieces to their roster, and Quick plays like it’s 2012 again, they could win that competition. However, a lot of things have to go right in the offseason for this to happen. But for now, all they can do is sit and watch the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
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