Gaborik practices, deemed “day-to-day”

Marian Gaborik, who hasn’t played since scoring twice in the Kings’ home split-squad preseason-opening win over the Arizona Coyotes, practiced with the full squad for the first time on Friday since suffering an undisclosed injury earlier in training camp. Prior to Friday, Gaborik had joined the team on the ice late in practices and morning skates and did not participate fully in team drills.

Hockey operations told LA Kings Insider that Gaborik had suffered a muscle pull but preferred not to disclose the location of the injury. After the Kings’ 4-2 win in Anaheim on September 28, Darryl Sutter told reporters that Gaborik had experienced a “body” injury.

Confirming that the injury is of the “day-to-day” nature, hockey operations disclosed that Gaborik is doubtful to play in the preseason finale against the Colorado Avalanche in Las Vegas on Saturday, as there would be no need to rush him back to action for an exhibition game. He will continue to be monitored following today’s practice and in the coming days – the Kings also have a scheduled recovery day on Sunday – and there appeared to be confident hope that the winger should be ready for the season opener against the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday.

Hockey operations also expressed encouragement in the play of Andy Andreoff and Brayden McNabb in the most recent exhibition games. McNabb looked strong at both ends of the ice during Thursday’s 2-1 shootout win over Colorado and twice denied center Matt Duchene quality looks at the net during one-on-one defending situations.

I’ll have more on these topics throughout the day. The Kings are scheduled to fly from Colorado Springs to Las Vegas this afternoon in advance of the 16th installment of Frozen Fury.

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