Kings Sidelined Zuccarello Amid Winless Start
The Los Angeles Kings placed forward Mats Zuccarello on the injured list after losing their first three games.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Hockey
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The Los Angeles Kings have placed forward Mats Zuccarello on the injured list after he was ruled week-to-week with an undisclosed injury. This development follows a challenging start for the team, which has lost its first three games of the 2026-27 NHL season.
Why it matters
Losing a veteran player like Zuccarello complicates the Kings roster depth as the team attempts to reverse a winless start. The organization must now adjust its lineup to improve defensive performance after surrendering 15 goals in three games.
Mats Zuccarello, who signed a one-year, $1 million deal on July 1, recorded one assist in three games while averaging 17 minutes of ice time. The team has allowed 15 goals and scored nine in their initial trio of contests.
The players
Mats Zuccarello
A veteran NHL forward who signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Los Angeles Kings after recording 54 points in the 2025-26 season.
Alex Turcotte
A forward for the Los Angeles Kings who is currently listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed injury.
Los Angeles Kings
A professional ice hockey team based in Los Angeles that competes in the National Hockey League.
The details
Zuccarello missed two days of practice following the loss to the Florida Panthers, where he played 17 minutes. Additionally, the Kings have announced that forward Alex Turcotte is currently day-to-day with his own undisclosed injury.
Timeline
July 1, 2026: Mats Zuccarello signed a one-year contract with the Kings.
October 6, 2026: Zuccarello played 17 minutes during a loss to the Florida Panthers.
October 10, 2026: The Kings face the Vegas Golden Knights.
Season Trajectory
The Los Angeles Kings face a critical juncture as their 0-3-0 start threatens to derail early playoff positioning. Addressing depth issues caused by injuries to Zuccarello and Turcotte will be vital to maintaining competitive balance within the division.
The injury to Zuccarello removes a veteran playmaker who managed one assist during the team's first three games. His absence forces immediate line adjustments as the team prepares to face the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday.
The takeaway
The Kings must stabilize their defensive output to recover from their winless start. Fans should monitor upcoming lineup changes to see how the team fills the vacancy left by their veteran forward.
Further reading
For more on roster updates and team performance, visit the Los Angeles Hockey section.
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