Injury report: Key defenseman placed on IR

The Los Angeles Kings have announced that top defenseman Alec Martinez has been placed on injury reserve, retroactive to October 3rd.

The injury likely happened in practice. The defenseman won't be available for the season opener against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Paul LaDue was recalled and is expected to take his spot in the lineup for the time being.

Martinez set a career-high in points last season with 39, showing a good and steady improvement from year to year. He posted 22 points for two consecutive seasons, which was followed by 31 in 2015-16, and last year's 39.