Kings Face Uncertainty with Trevor Moore’s Health During Crucial NHL Break

Trevor Moore has been a key player for the Kings in the Rob Blake era, particularly since being paired with Phillip Danault a few seasons ago. He enjoyed his first thirty-goal season last year and was looking to build on that success despite some doubts about it being a 'one-off' year.

Unfortunately, this season has not been kind to Moore's health, as he is now dealing with his second injury before the halfway mark of the season. The first injury occurred at the end of November, shortly after the Kings played the Winnipeg Jets, when coach Jim Hiller described Moore as being 'day-to-day.' This injury was a bit of a mystery, as Moore did not miss any shifts during that game.

Just like the Winnipeg game, Moore played the entire match against the New Jersey Devils on the recent road trip, only to be scratched the following game against the New York Rangers, where Hiller again labeled him as 'day-to-day' due to an upper-body injury. It has now been over a week since Hiller updated Moore's status, raising the question: Is he now more likely in a 'week-to-week' situation?

The Kings have a history of being tight-lipped about injuries, unless they are season-ending or involve prominent players like Drew Doughty, whose diagnoses tend to be clearer. This leaves fans in the dark regarding Moore's situation, though it's understandable that the organization wants to protect its players.

When in the lineup, Moore has been a consistent contributor, posting 6 goals, 12 assists, and 18 points with a +3 rating over 28 games. His presence is missed, as he is a top-nine forward capable of playing against elite competition. However, Alex Turcotte has stepped up in his absence, performing well in the top line role previously held by Moore.

Moore's return remains uncertain in terms of both his health and where he will fit into the lineup upon his return. Alex Laferriere has made a strong impact while playing alongside Phillip Danault and Kevin Fiala, in Moore's usual position. Will it be worth disrupting that chemistry when Moore comes back?

The Kings will likely continue to keep their players' injury statuses close to the vest. However, there is a recurring issue where one of their top players tends to struggle when returning from an injury. As noted, Moore's situation may also become a topic in trade discussions, given the terms of his contract, including his average annual value (AAV) and the absence of a no-movement clause.

For now, Moore must wait for the right opportunity to unfold as the Kings come out of the holiday break, remaining in a day-to-day or possibly week-to-week situation regarding his return.