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Willie Mitchell D LA
2 Months Los Angeles Kings Comment

Kings general manager Dean Lombardi is concerned that Willie Mitchell's knee injury could cause him to miss next season, possibly even ending his career.

Mitchell had two surgeries on his knee, which was injured during the lockout, and the Kings GM expressed his worry over the 35-year-old's availability for next season. In terms of his career, that's what I think we have to figure out now where he is health-wise in terms of his career," Lombardi said. ... "Now I'm getting some information - and I don't like speaking to it because I don't have it all, but I guess it's safe to say there would be a legitimate concern now whether he plays next year. But that could be premature. Let's just say now, though, it's possible, where I wouldn't have thought it possible." Mitchell has another year left on his deal at $3.5 million, and there's a chance he could be bought out this offseason.

Injury: There had been hope in LA Willie Mitchell might return but ... (dailyfaceoff.com)
2 Months Willie Mitchell D LA Comment

He is not fantasy relevant.

Willie Mitchell D LA
2 Months Los Angeles Kings Comment

Willie Mitchell (knee) isn't likely to return this season.

"I'd say it's a very long shot.There's always 'maybe', but I think we're convinced now he's not going to play this year," Kings GM Dean Lombardi said. "Now, if he comes back, then it's clearly a bonus." Mitchell hasn't played at all this season, which is a far bigger blow to the Kings than it is to most fantasy owners.

Willie Mitchell D LA
3 Months Los Angeles Kings Comment

Willie Mitchell underwent another procedure on his knee Tuesday, according to Los Angeles Kings GM Dean Lombardi.

Mitchell underwent platelet-rich plasma therapy, according to Lisa Dillman of the Los Angeles Times. PRPT has become increasingly popular among athletes in recent months, but Lombardi would only describe the procedure as "something (Mitchell) wanted to try." Mitchell has been medically cleared to play, but there has been talk he might miss the entire season. Adding to the confusion, Lombardi said Tuesday the Kings are still in the "same holding pattern" with Mitchell's recovery. More as we know it.

Willie Mitchell D LA
3 Months Los Angeles Kings Comment

Willie Mitchell (knee) isn't expected to participate in the Kings' upcoming three-game road trip.

Beyond that there's been no update on Mitchell's status. He's been medically cleared to play, but it's also been suggested that he might miss the entire season. If that sounds confusing to you, then you're not alone. It doesn't help that Kings coach Darryl Sutter has previously voiced his displeasure over the situation. On top of that, Mitchell's agent and Kings GM Dean Lombardi exchanged contradictory statements regarding whether or not Mitchell has suffered a setback in late January.

Willie Mitchell D LA
3 Months Los Angeles Kings Comment

GM Dean Lombardi says the Kings are operating on the premise that Willie Mitchell (knee) will not play again this season.

Lombardi was careful to state the Kings aren't sure if Mitchell will miss the season, but this certainly sounds foreboding. Lombardi's words also appear to lend credence to Mitchell's agent suggesting his client suffered a setback in his rehab. Given his limited upside and the fact that no one seems to know for sure when he'll be back, it's probably time for fantasy owners in most formats to part ways with Mitchell.

Willie Mitchell D LA
4 Months Los Angeles Kings Comment

Willie Mitchell (knee) didn't participate in Friday's practice.

There seems to be some conflicting statements between Mitchell's agent suggesting that he has suffered a setback and Kings GM Dean Lombardi, who said an MRI revealed no setback. Either way, the bottom line for fantasy owners is this: Mitchell is not playing and there seems to be no timetable for his return.

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