Mitchell gets closer; Richardson uncertain

Willie Mitchell, recovering from a broken wrist that has cost him 13 games, continues to inch toward a return. Mitchell said today that he has still not been totally cleared, and will visit with the team doctor again tomorrow. Mitchell said he has not yet attempted slap shots, which, he said, “put a lot of pressure on that joint,” but Mitchell expressed confidence that he would be able to play during the upcoming road trip. Terry Murray, based on his comments today, seems to be looking toward a return early in that trip, rather than later. The Kings play at Detroit on Monday and at St. Louis on Thursday.

MURRAY: “It’s coming along. He saw our team doctor last night. It’s a matter of being able to tolerate everything and getting yourself prepared to play. I think we’re kind of gearing up for the road trip. I am. It’s not going to be tomorrow, but I would hope that with another couple days of good practice that he would be able to get in the lineup here on the road trip.”

The prognosis for Brad Richardson is much less certain. Richardson did not practice today and is unlikely to play tomorrow due to his “upper-body injury.” Beyond that? Murray didn’t seem very certain.

MURRAY: “I don’t know if it’s day-to-day. I don’t know how to term that. It’s an upper-body injury that we’re just going to take our time with and see how he comes around. Hopefully soon.”