Kevin Fiala nears Kings return as Mats Zuccarello comes off injured reserve

Kevin Fiala could make his season debut Thursday when the Los Angeles Kings host the New York Islanders, NHL.com reported Tuesday. ESPN reported that Fiala is expected back this week and could instead play Saturday against Calgary.

The Kings will get Mats Zuccarello back against the Nashville Predators on Tuesday at 7 p.m. PT. Los Angeles activated him from injured reserve after he missed six games with an upper-body injury. He has one assist in six appearances for the Kings this season.

Fiala practised with Quinton Byfield and Corey Perry on Monday. Kings coach Peter Laviolette said Fiala took part in five-on-five drills and that the team was weighing how much ice time to give him when he returns.

Fiala has been out since breaking his leg while playing for Switzerland at the Olympics in February. He had a follow-up operation in September.