Kings’ Smyth out up to 4 weeks

The Los Angeles Kings will be without forward Ryan Smyth(notes) for several games, it was announced on Wednesday.

Smyth, 33, suffered an upper body injury that forced him to leave Monday’s game, a 4-3 win for Los Angeles over Florida.

Coach Terry Murray told Kings website writer Rich Hammond that Smyth will be out up to four weeks.

“It’s very unfortunate that you lose a player that’s an important player for your team, that’s going to be out up to that length of time,” Murray added. “But you know, you take a look around the league, there’s all kinds of injuries to top players. You’ve got to deal with it. It’s part of the game.”

Smyth had been off to a strong start this season with the Kings after two disappointing seasons in Colorado.

The Banff, Alta., native had nine goals and 14 assists in 22 games, and is tied for third in the league with five power-play goals.

Los Angeles (13-7-2) hosts Philadelphia (11-5-1) on Wednesday.