Gaborik activated; decision coming after warm-ups

Marian Gaborik, who suffered a broken foot while blocking a shot at the World Cup of Hockey on September 25, was activated from injured reserve today and could make his season debut against the Chicago Blackhawks tonight at Staples Center (7:30 p.m. / FOX Sports West / FOX Sports GO / KABC 790 / I Heart Radio).

Darryl Sutter said shortly after 11:00 a.m. that no decision had been made as to whether Gaborik would play. Yesterday, he clarified the decision-making process of introducing an injured player back into the lineup, saying, “first off, the player has to really tell you that he’s ready, and then the coaching staff has to think that way, too.” Expect Gaborik to take part in warm-ups and the ultimate decision to be made shortly thereafter. Sutter also said after the morning skate that two extra skaters would take part in warm-ups, so there appear to be several lineup decisions to be made prior to puck drop.

During line rushes at the morning skate, Gaborik skated to the left of Nick Shore and Jordan Nolan. It is also possible that Kyle Clifford, who was not skating among the initial four lines to cycle through rushes, could skate in that spot if Gaborik does not play.

Because the Kings had an open spot in their 23-man roster, no corresponding roster move was made. Andy Andreoff (thumb surgery), Brayden McNabb (collarbone) and Jonathan Quick (groin) remain on injured reserve, though Andreoff said that he has been cleared to play.

After facing Chicago tonight, Los Angeles doesn’t play until next Wednesday and Thursday, when San Jose visits Staples Center and they travel to face Arizona to complete the back-to-back set. Sutter indicated on Friday that the schedule wouldn’t have any bearing on when Gaborik would re-enter the lineup.

Gaborik, who hasn’t played a regular season game since February 12 last season, when he suffered a knee injury that kept him out of the lineup until Game 2 of the club’s first round series against the Sharks, totaled 12 goals and 22 points in 54 regular season games in 2015-16.

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