Kuzmenko available for Kings in Western 1st Round against Avalanche

Forward missed last 25 regular-season games with torn meniscus; Malott, Turcotte also healthy enough to play

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of purple, gold, burgundy, and blue, conceptually representing the intensity and competitive spirit of a playoff hockey game between the Los Angeles Kings and Colorado Avalanche.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes playoff clash between the Kings and Avalanche, capturing the raw energy and competitive spirit of the Western Conference First Round matchup.El Segundo Today

Andrei Kuzmenko will be available for the Los Angeles Kings in Game 1 of the Western Conference First Round against the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday. Kuzmenko missed the Kings' last 25 games of the regular season after having surgery to repair a torn meniscus. Forwards Jeff Malott and Alex Turcotte, who also missed time due to undisclosed injuries, will also be available for the Kings.

Why it matters

Kuzmenko's return is a significant boost for the Kings as they look to upset the Presidents' Trophy-winning Avalanche in the opening round of the playoffs. The 30-year-old forward had 25 points in 52 games during the regular season and has playoff experience from last year's run with the Kings.

The details

Kuzmenko has not played since Feb. 25, when he had two assists in a 6-4 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. The forward had 25 points (13 goals, 12 assists) in 52 games this season. Malott, who missed the final three games of the regular season, had nine points (three goals, six assists) in 58 games while providing a physical presence on the fourth line. Turcotte, who most recently played on April 1 against the St. Louis Blues, had 14 points (three goals, 11 assists) in 62 games.

  • Kuzmenko has not played since Feb. 25.
  • Kuzmenko missed the Kings' last 25 games of the regular season.
  • Malott missed the final three games of the regular season.
  • Turcotte most recently played on April 1 against the St. Louis Blues.

The players

Andrei Kuzmenko

A 30-year-old forward who has 182 points (85 goals, 97 assists) in 271 regular-season games with the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers and the Los Angeles Kings. He had six points (three goals, three assists) in six games in his lone Stanley Cup Playoff appearance last season with the Kings.

Jeff Malott

A forward who had nine points (three goals, six assists) in 58 games this season while providing a physical presence on the Kings' fourth line.

Alex Turcotte

A forward who had 14 points (three goals, 11 assists) in 62 games this season for the Kings.

Kevin Fiala

A forward who finished fourth on the Kings in scoring with 40 points (18 goals, 22 assists) in 56 games, but broke his leg while playing for Team Switzerland at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Feb. 13 and is not expected to return this postseason.

D.J. Smith

The interim head coach of the Los Angeles Kings.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Everyone's available, except for Kevin (Fiala).”

— D.J. Smith, Los Angeles Kings interim head coach

What’s next

The Kings will face the Avalanche in Game 1 of their Western Conference First Round series on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.

The takeaway

Kuzmenko's return from injury is a significant boost for the Kings as they look to pull off an upset against the Presidents' Trophy-winning Avalanche in the opening round of the playoffs. The Kings will also have Malott and Turcotte back in the lineup, providing more depth and physicality up front.