Samuel Helenius has impressive debut with the Los Angeles Kings

The Los Angeles Kings were forced to shuffle their lines on Saturday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets after Tanner Jeannot's suspension. Along with the injury suffered by Alex Turcotte last weekend, the Kings would call up Samuel Helenius from the Ontario Reign.

Helenius was a second round pick by the Kings in the 2021 NHL Draft and has played in 150 games over four seasons with the Reign. He is not necessarily known for his offensive skill but rather bringing a physical presence to the forward line with 13 goals and 24 assists in those 150 games.

On Saturday night, Helenius would play in his first career NHL game and step into the fourth line in place of Jeannot. He definitely brought that physical presence with two hits but also showed off his playmaking ability as he had three shots and his first assist on a pass to Warren Foegele that broke the 1-1 tie in the second period against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The assist by Helenius made him the 51st player in Kings' history to have a point in their first career game but only the 25th to do it among players who were 21 years old or younger.

How much longer could Samuel Helenius play with the Los Angeles Kings?

While Tanner Jeannot is suspended for two more games, road games against the Calgary Flames and Colorado Avalanche, the determining factor for Helenius will be when Alex Turcotte is ready to return.

He was placed on injured reserve retroactively so Turcotte could return against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday night. However, if Helenius plays well against the Flames there isn't any reason to rush Turcotte back for the game against the Avalanche and he could get extra rest with the next game not being until Saturday against the Detroit Red Wings.

While Helenius will return to the Reign later this week, there is no question that he will be back with the Kings soon and likely at some point later this season.