The Kings have activated Kyle Clifford from injured reserve, Jon Rosen of Fox Sports West reports. Jon Rosen of Fox Sports West

EDGE Analysis

The Kings need Clifford in their lineup after Andy Andreoff, Oscar Fantenberg and Jussi Jokinen were scratched. However, owners shouldn't rush to get him into their lineups. With one assist in six games this season, the Canadian winger is only valuable in leagues that value accumulated hits.

Clifford (undisclosed) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, retroactive to Dec. 16, Jon Rosen of Fox Sports West reports.

EDGE Analysis

Clifford missed significant time earlier due to an upper-body injury earlier this season, and it's unclear if this is related since he was healthy for less than a week before being relegated to the bench. Either way, he'll benefit as the league takes a few days off over Christmas time and will be eligible to return Thursday, Dec. 28.

Clifford (upper body) is expected to return Tuesday night against the Devils, NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The power forward has missed the past 28 games, but the Kings -- who are currently in first place within the Pacific Division -- would have no reason to rush him back before he's ready, so feel free to deploy Clifford if you're involved in an extremely deep league or one that gives a big multiplier for accumulated hits; he's reached double-digits in that category in each of his first seven seasons.

Clifford (upper body) will begin practicing at some point in the coming week, Jon Rosen of Fox Sports West reports.

EDGE Analysis

Now approaching two full months on the sidelines, Clifford has finally received some positive news. The report also indicates that the bottom-six forward is without a timetable for his return to game action, so it's safe to assume that practices will initially serve as a testing ground to see how Clifford's body reacts to the rigors of NHL hockey. Expect additional updates on Clifford's progress to be given when available.

Clifford will travel with the Kings on their upcoming four-game road trip, Jon Rosen of Fox Sports West reports.

EDGE Analysis

Clifford has been skating for a while, so it seems likely that he will be making his return at some point during this trip. The veteran has never had more than seven goals or 15 points in a season, so the fantasy impact here is likely minimal.

Clifford (upper body) skated on his own Wednesday, but is not ready to return to practice, Jon Rosen of Fox Sports West reports.

EDGE Analysis

It is certainly a good sign that Clifford is back on the ice, but he remains without a timeline to return to action. Even once the winger is able to rejoin practice, he will likely need some time to get up to game speed. Until then, the 26-year-old will remain on injured reserve with Jussi Jokinen, Nic Dowd and Jonny Brodzinski among the potential replacements in the lineup.

Clifford has been moved to injured reserve, retroactive to Oct. 11.

EDGE Analysis

With the hard-hitting winger considered week-to-week, the Kings activated defenseman Alec Martinez (lower body) from IR and put Clifford in that spot. We wouldn't expect many fantasy owners to notice his absence, as he's never cleared 15 points in a single season.

Clifford has been deemed week-to-week after suffering an upper-body injury Wednesday, Jon Rosen of Fox Sports West reports.

EDGE Analysis

While the team provided some information, Clifford's status remains murky. Clifford is playing his eighth season for the Kings, and over that time he has developed into an important piece of the team despite never scoring more than seven goals or 15 points. Unless you find yourself in a deep league that puts a premium on penalty minutes and hits, Clifford won't be missed during his absence.

Clifford will not return to Wednesday's game against Calgary due to an upper-body injury, Kristen Odland of Postmedia reports.

EDGE Analysis

Odland surmised that it's a shoulder issue, but the team didn't release any details beyond an upper-body issue. His next opportunity to rejoin the action arrives Saturday against the Sabres.

Clifford went to the locker room after taking a hit from the Flames' Michael Stone, Curtis Zupke of the Los Angeles Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

The exact nature of the injury remains unclear, but the winger was unable to immediately return to the ice. The bottom-six forward tallied saw just 5:21 of ice time and recorded two shots on goal before leaving. If he's unable to rejoin the action, his next opportunity to play comes Saturday against the Sabres.