77 Jeff Carter C

Kings' Jeff Carter: Could play Saturday

Carter has missed the previous five games due to his lower-body issue, but could be ready to rejoin the lineup. Prior to getting hurt, the center was bogged down in a five-game goal drought, during which he managed just one assist, 10 shots and four hits. While the veteran certainly won't be reaching the 60-point mark this year, he could still challenge for 40 with 25 games remaining on the schedule, though he'll have to shake off any rust quickly.

Kings' Jeff Carter: Absence likely to continue

Carter was able to skate on his own before practice, but got off before the rest of the team came on per Rosen. The 34-year-old will have his status monitored daily, but his absence seems likely to extend into next week. Adrian Kempe has stepped up for the Kings, currently riding a five-game point streak, so consider him as a filler for Carter.

Kings' Jeff Carter: Still not right

Head coach Willie Desjardins sounded cautiously optimistic about Carter's status moving forward, but the veteran won't play Tuesday and -- for now, at least -- should be considered questionable at best to suit up against the Kings on Thursday. Carter has missed three games with a lower-body injury.

Kings' Jeff Carter: Out against Boston

Carter will miss a third straight contest Saturday, and the Kings have yet to establish a potential timetable for his return to game action. Another update on the veteran pivot's status will undoubtedly surface prior to Monday's matchup with Washington.

Kings' Jeff Carter: Status gloomy heading into weekend

Even though this is a gloomy take on Carter's injury situation, and it's a virtual certainty that he'll miss the next game, the veteran pivot remains on the active roster rather than injured reserve. Adrian Kempe has really stepped up for the Kings lately, notching three goals and an assist over the past two games, so consider picking him up as a stopgap option if you're a Carter owner.