77 Jeff Carter C

Kings' Jeff Carter: Scores in loss

It was a forgettable night for the Kings, but it's nice to see Carter continue to show that he's back to full strength. Each game he skates at this level of production is only further reason for owners to be confident in the 33-year-old this season.

Kings' Jeff Carter: Converts two goals

Carter's surgically repaired ankle does not seem to be bothering him all that much, as skated for 21:31 of ice time in this one. In fact, that was more ice time than any other forward logged between the two Pacific Division teams.

Kings' Jeff Carter: Putting bum ankle to test

Kings coach John Stevens cautioned that Carter's repaired ankle is unlikely to return to normal. "That type of injury is just different," Stevens said. "It's healed but now there's scarring in there. He's got a scar he has to deal with." Carter recorded 13 goals and nine assists in only 27 games last season, so it's clear that he can still be productive after sustaining such a significant injury, and now he'll have winger Illya Kovalchuk alleviating some of the offensive challenges presented to the top-six group.

Kings' Jeff Carter: Ready for 2018-19 campaign

Carter missed a significant chunk of the season due to his ankle injury, but general manager Rob Blake told reporters he expects the center to be ready to go for 2018-19. The Ontario native logged a mere 27 games last year, but still managed to rack up 22 points when in the lineup. The veteran should continue to slot into a top-six role for the Kings.

Kings' Jeff Carter: Posts 22 points in injury-shortened season

Despite dealing with an ankle injury that kept him sidelined for four months, Carter didn't miss a beat when he returned, going on a tear that saw him score six goals in nine games, and even had a hat trick March 29 against Arizona. The sniper still isn't showing any signs of slowing down and he would've been on pace for a fourth straight 60-point season barring the injury, though he did have the benefit of a 15.3 shooting percentage. Nine of Carter's points also came on the man advantage as he remained lethal on the power play, and he'll return to Los Angeles in 2018-19 and likely reprise his role on the top six and first line of the man advantage.