McBain recalled from Ontario

The Kings announced Thursday afternoon that they have recalled defenseman Jamie McBain from the Ontario Reign of the American Hockey League.

McBain totaled nine points (3-6=9) and a plus-four rating in 26 games with the Kings last season and began his 2015-16 campaign with the Reign, who are undefeated at 3-0-0-0. In those three games, the 27-year-old logged one goal, two points and a plus-3 rating.

McBain was on the ice Thursday morning with the Reign for their practice at Citizens Business Bank Arena as they prepared for their Friday night home opener against Bakersfield. Theoretically, he could be available for tonight’s road game against the San Jose Sharks at the SAP Center, though an email regarding his availability wasn’t immediately returned.

Though Matt Greene won’t play tonight with an upper-body injury, McBain’s recall isn’t necessarily based entirely on Greene’s ailment. Still, on Tuesday, Darryl Sutter said, “You can’t be having a guy who’s on your roster that’s questionable. We’re thankful we’re only going to San Jose and then back, and then Ontario’s here in town, so it’s pretty easy to get a guy. It’s easier to answer [a question about Greene’s availability] before we go on the Edmonton-Winnipeg swing. Easier. Then we’ll know if he’s ready or not.”

This recall, and McBain’s hypothetical availability tonight, represents another advantage of having an AHL team in close quarters to the parent club.

In his NHL career, McBain has appeared in 301 regular-season games with the Kings, Hurricanes and Sabres. Los Angeles returns to Staples Center to face the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday night.

UPDATE, 3:20 p.m.:

Am told by hockey ops that McBain should be landing soon in the Bay Area. Will be available for tonight's game.

— Jon Rosen (@lakingsinsider) October 22, 2015

-story written jointly by Jon Rosen and Lindsay Czarnecki