Kings move veteran defenseman to LTIR, recall forward for potential NHL debut

The Kings have recalled forward Andre Lee from the AHLs Ontario Reign, per a team release .

Los Angeles had an open roster spot but didnt have the cap space to execute the transaction, so theyve moved Drew Doughty to long-term injured reserve in a corresponding move.

He remains month-to-month after undergoing ankle surgery in September.

Lee, 24, had a strong camp by all accounts.

Hes looking to make his NHL debut in the Kings season-opener against the Sabres, potentially in a fourth-line role alongside youngsters Akil Thomas and Alex Turcotte while veteran Trevor Lewis sits in the press box.

A seventh-round pick in 2019, Lee is entering his third professional season.

The 64 Swede signed his entry-level contract in 2022 after three years at UMass-Lowell, where he totaled 64 points (31 G, 33 A) in 87 games.

The voracious checker can play both left wing and center.

While he hasnt put up big numbers on the scoresheet since turning pro, hes shown he can be a strong enough complementary physical player to log NHL minutes (or at least earn a brief look).

He posted a career-high eight goals and five assists for 13 points in 38 games with the Reign last year, adding 23 PIMs and a +2 rating.

Lee signed a two-way extension ($775K/$100K) to remain in the Kings organization in June.

Hes set to be an arbitration-eligible RFA next summer.

Meanwhile, Doughtys LTIR placement doesnt affect his timeline for a return.

He was already expected to miss the 10 games and 24 days required for an LTIR stint.

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