Updates on Carter, Richardson

Darryl Sutter surprised the assembled media when, after a brief update on Jeff Carter’s status, he announced that Brad Richardson underwent an appendectomy last night. Richardson will not accompany the team to Vancouver, and it’s not known how long he will be out of the lineup.

SUTTER: “He’s had (symptoms) the last couple days. We thought maybe it was stomach-muscle related, but he had an ultrasound yesterday afternoon. We told him, `You better get checked, because we’re traveling.’ I know how he feels. I had that four or five years ago [in 2004]. I was in the Saddledome and I had it. There’s nothing you can do about that. It’s better to have it out than have it rupture. It’s not about hockey. With the procedures they have now, you’re resuming activity within a couple days. We won’t have him for a while. … When I had it, you were allowed to resume activity, as long as you feel all right, in three or four or five days. Then it’s basically up to you. They used to take the ax and cut you open. Now, you wouldn’t even know they did it.’’

As for Carter, Sutter said, “He’s better today than he was yesterday.’’ Sutter once again stopped short of saying Carter would play, but there’s little doubt that the Kings are planning on having Carter in the lineup., after Carter made it through a full-team practice for the second consecutive day.

CARTER: “It felt better today. I think it takes a little bit to warm up, but once I get going, it’s been feeling pretty good.’’

Question: Is there anything, in particular, that causes you difficulty on the ice?

CARTER: “The first couple strides are a little sore, but once I get moving I’m all right.’’

Question: Do you feel like you have to sell Darryl on getting back into the lineup?

CARTER: “It doesn’t seem like it. … I feel like I’m getting better and I feel like I can contribute.’’

Loktionov will meet the team in Vancouver. His addition is notable in one way. After the trade deadline, the Kings can only made four call-ups from the AHL. They had already used two of them, as (on paper) they technically sent Dwight King and Jordan Nolan to the AHL, then immediately recalled them (in order to make them eligible for the AHL playoffs). Loktionov is the third roster move.

SUTTER: “He’s a good little player. He’s similar to Brad, except he can play center if we need him. Brad is a better winger.’’