Carter out for Kings if season resumes because of core injury

Jeff Carter will not be able to play for the Los Angeles Kings if the NHL season resumes with regular-season games because he's recovering from an injury to his core.

Carter missed the Kings' final 10 games before the season was paused March 12 because of concerns surrounding the coronavirus. The 35-year-old forward, who is quarantining in Los Angeles, scored 27 points (17 goals, 10 assists) in 60 games this season.

"Part of the issue is he needs to travel to see a certain specialist to get a further diagnosis and nothing can be taking place right now," Kings general manager Rob Blake said Wednesday. "He's continuing a rehab program from home. He hasn't been around the practice rink in that aspect, but I wouldn't expect him to be able to play if our season were to start in the next couple of months."

The Kings (29-35-6) were on a seven-game winning streak when the season was paused but are 14 points behind the Nashville Predators and Vancouver Canucks for the second wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Western Conference.