Kovalchuk won't play Thursday against the Stars due to an upper-body injury.

EDGE Analysis

This news comes as a surprise, as there was no indication that Kovalchuk was dealing with an injury until he didn't take the ice for pregame warmups. The veteran forward is considered day-to-day with his upper-body issue, so there's a chance he'll be ready to return Saturday against Chicago.

Kovalchuk is slated to rejoin the top line alongside Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown on Saturday, Jon Rosen of LA Kings Insider reports.

EDGE Analysis

Saturday marks the first time since the first six games of the season that Kovalchuk will work with Kopitar. The veteran winger tallied six points over that span, but he's managed just 13 in the other 26 games he's played in this season. The two will look to rekindle the early season magic Saturday, though it's unclear if this will be a permanent move

Kovalchuk scored two goals, including the overtime winner, in Saturday's 3-2 victory over the Sharks.

EDGE Analysis

After missing 10 games with an ankle injury, Kovalchuk seemed determined to make up for the lost time -- his first goal, a power-play marker, opened the scoring inside the first five minutes of the first period. The veteran winger now has seven goals and 16 points through 26 games in his return to the NHL, and his consistent time with the man advantage gives him a solid fantasy floor despite the fact that he sees less overall ice time at even strength.

Kovalchuk (ankle) has been activated from injured reserve, per the NHL's official media site. According to Kings coach Willie Desjardins in a report by Helene Elliott of the Los Angeles Times, the power forward will not face a minutes restriction against the Sharks on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

On Wednesday, Kovalchuk received the green light from the bench boss to return for this game, which will be the 4,000th regular-season contest for the Kings in the history of the franchise. While it's great that Kovalchuk isn't expected to confined by a minutes cap, that doesn't change the fact that Los Angeles ranks dead last in scoring at 2.23 goals per game.

Kovalchuk (ankle) is expected to return Saturday against host San Jose, Jon Rosen of Fox Sports West reports.

EDGE Analysis

While Kings coach Willie Desjardins said Kovalchuck is "good to go," the fact remains that the brawny winger is still on injured reserve. An activation appears imminent in this case, but the Russian hasn't been too appealing of a fantasy option since he plays for a team that ranks 31st in the league in scoring at 2.23 goals per game.

Kovalchuk (ankle) has been designated for injured reserve, per the NHL media site.

EDGE Analysis

Kovalchuk is slated to miss the next four weeks due to his ankle injury, which likely factored in the team's decision to Brendan Leipsic off waivers. The Russian winger's return from the KHL has been less than stellar, as he has tallied 14 points in 25 outings on the Western Conference's worst team (a 10-16-1 record for 21 points).

Kovalchuk underwent an ankle procedure and will be sidelined about four weeks, Lisa Dillman of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kovalchuk will aim for a return Dec. 31 against Colorado.

Kovalchuk (ankle) won't play in Sunday's game versus the Hurricanes, Helene Elliott of the Los Angeles Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kovalchuk missed Sunday's morning skate and will sit out for his second consecutive game. It's unclear when the 35-year-old will be available agian, but Nate Thompson will slot into the bottom six for the time being.

Kovalchuk (ankle) didn't participate in practice and isn't expected to play Sunday versus the Hurricanes, Helene Elliott of the Los Angeles Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kovalchuk's dealing with an infection in his ankle. The Kings claimed Nikita Scherbak off waivers to serve as depth during Kovalchuk's absence. The team still hasn't released a timeline for his return, but Kovalchuk's next chance to play will be Sunday versus the Coyotes.

Kovalchuk (ankle) won't play in Friday's game versus the Flames, Jon Rosen of Fox Sports West reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kovalchuk's responsibilities have dropped since being placed in a bottom-six role and suffering an 11-game pointless streak. He'll watch this one from the press box and look to get healthy for Sunday's game versus the Hurricanes.