Lias Andersson activated from IR, Tkachev assigned to Ontario

A pair of game-day roster moves, Insiders!

The Kings have activated forward Lias Andersson from injured reserve, in advance of this afternoon’s game against Montreal. Andersson skated with the bottom-six group yesterday and is expected to make his season debut today against the Canadiens. The Swedish forward suffered a groin injury during the Kings’ home preseason game on October 9, and has not featured in any game action since. His tenacity has been missed by the Kings and his potential return to the group today is welcomed.

Andersson’s activation necessitated a roster move and on the other end of that transaction is forward Vladimir Tkachev, who has been assigned to the AHL’s Ontario Reign.

Tkachev was a bright story during training camp and he earned a place on the opening night roster, on a line with Gabe Vilardi and Andersson, though Andersson’s injury reduced the effectiveness of that unit. On a team in search of offensive production, Tkachev presented an intriguing option, with his passing vision and playmaking ability. After his two points on opening night, however, Tkachev was not able to continue his production throughout the early stages of the regular season, and the Kings controlled less than 30 percent of shot attempts with him on the ice through four games. As a waiver-exempt player, he now heads to the AHL, though it’s unknown at this point how long-term that assignment is.

We’ll see the official lines for this afternoon likely during warmups today, with no morning skate held considering the early faceoff. Indications from yesterday are that Andersson will check in on either the third or fourth line, with the hope that his style of play can provide a spark for the Kings, in search of their second victory of the season.

Game Thread to follow here from STAPLES Center!