The Los Angeles Kings are about to play the final game of the regular season on Thursday night with a home matchup against the Calgary Flames. However, outside of potentially making franchise history, the game has no impact on the upcoming NHL Playoffs.
For that reason, the Kings are probably going to be cautious once again with who they have on the ice and a number of veterans should be resting. The focus at this point is to get everyone healthy and make sure they are available for the first game against the Edmonton Oilers.
One of those players that has missed some time as of late is Quinton Byfield, who was on the wrong side of a dirty hit by Darnell Nurse. The league would suspend Nurse for one game so he will be back on the ice for Game 1 and it looks like Byfield will be as well.
According to Zach Dooley, he was able to skate during practice and is viewed as a game-time decision and will need to meet with the medical staff. When considering a decision hasn't been made yet, it would be surprising if he were to play tonight.
Joel Edmundson expected to return for the Los Angeles Kings against the Calgary Flames
While the Kings might not have Quinton Byfield, they should have Joel Edmundson back for the final regular season game. He has been out awhile and the last time he played in a game was back on April 5th against the Oilers.
Joel Edmundson is on the ice in a regular white jersey for morning skate pic.twitter.com/UMHAVDLJ7P
— Russell Morgan (@NHLRussell) April 17, 2025
The return of Edmundson should help him knock some of the rust off and be ready for that first game against Edmonton. This is one instance where it makes sense for the veteran to play as the Kings have five days off before they take the ice for the first game of the playoffs.