The Los Angeles Kings are set to activate forward Warren Foegele off injured reserve on Sunday following a nearly two-week absence due to an upper-body injury. Team reporter Zach Dooley confirmed that Foegele is “feeling really good” as he prepares to return to the ice.
Foegele, 29, has not played since sustaining his injury during the Kings’ victory against the Chicago Blackhawks on October 26, 2025. Prior to his injury, he was contributing to a solid third-line combination with Phillip Danault and Trevor Moore. Despite his potential, Foegele has struggled to find the scoresheet this season, recording only one point in ten games. This slow start contrasts sharply with his performance last season, where he achieved career highs of 24 goals and 46 points.
With Foegele’s return, the Kings face a roster adjustment. Scorer Andrei Kuzmenko has taken over Foegele’s previous position, and Dooley reports that Foegele is likely to rejoin the lineup on the fourth line alongside Corey Perry and Alex Turcotte. This shift suggests that Jeff Malott, an undrafted veteran forward who earned his NHL role after a successful season with the AHL’s Ontario Reign, might become a healthy scratch. Malott has only managed two points in 13 NHL games this season and averages less than eight minutes of ice time per game.
Foegele’s contributions, particularly on the penalty kill, could prove significant for the Kings, even if he does not immediately start scoring. Last season, he ranked fourth among Kings forwards in short-handed ice time per game, aiding the team as they finished eighth in the league for penalty kill success rate. As the Kings strive to rise in the fiercely competitive Pacific Division, Foegele’s return is a positive development, strengthening the team’s bottom-six lineup.
The Kings will look to leverage Foegele’s experience and skills as they aim to improve their standing in the division. His return not only adds depth to the roster but also enhances the team’s defensive strategies, which will be crucial as they face upcoming challenges on the ice.