The Kings may have just lost one of their forwards for the rest of the season.

The Los Angeles Kings have been viewed as one of the favorites to emerge from the Western Conference this season, but their playoff hopes may have taken a massive blow.

According to a report in today's Los Angeles times there is now a real concern that forward Marian Gaborik may be done for the remainder of the season, including the playoffs. Head coach Darryl Sutter made it clear the injury was "long term for sure" and by the sounds of when he hopes Gaborik can return it sounds like it's safe to completely rule out any possibility of having him back for the regular season.

"Hope to get him back for the playoffs," Sutter said to the L.A. Times' Lisa Dillman.

It's a huge loss for the Kings, and although Gaborik did have a relatively slow start to the season he was demonstrating signs of a return to form in the later half of the season, and his veteran presence will certainly be missed in the postseason.

No timetable has been given for his return.

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