Kevin Fiala will miss the rest of the NHL regular season for the Los Angeles Kings after sustaining fractures in his left lower leg. The team plans to reevaluate him once the regular season concludes.
The 29-year-old forward was injured Friday while playing for Switzerland in a 5-1 loss to Canada at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games. Late in the third period, he was checked into the side boards by Canada’s Tom Wilson, who then fell onto Fiala’s left leg. Fiala remained down and was transported to a hospital.
Impact of Fiala’s Injury on the Kings
Teammates and opponents indicated the collision appeared accidental, and players on the ice showed support as he was attended to. This unfortunate injury comes at a critical time for the Kings, who are vying for a playoff spot in the highly competitive Western Conference. Before the Olympic break, Fiala had accumulated 40 points (18 goals, 22 assists) in 56 games for the Kings.
As the Kings aim to close the gap behind the Anaheim Ducks, who are ahead by three points for the second wild-card spot, Fiala’s absence will be deeply felt on the ice. His contributions have been vital in the Kings’ offensive lineup, and his experience in high-stakes situations will be missed as they navigate the remainder of the season.
Switzerland advanced from the preliminary round with a 1-1-1-0 record to claim the No. 5 seed and is scheduled to face No. 12 Italy on Tuesday in the qualifying playoffs. This progression showcases the resilience of the Swiss team, even as they deal with the challenges of injuries within their roster.
In summary, the Los Angeles Kings will need to rally together in the face of Fiala’s injury as they push for a playoff berth. The team’s ability to adapt and fill the void left by Fiala will be crucial in the coming games. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching how the Kings respond in this pivotal stage of the season.