Los Angeles Kings forward Ryan Smyth will be sidelined for "up to a month" due to a lower-body injury, head coach Terry Murray told the L.A. Times on Wednesday.
Smyth suffered the injury on Monday during the second period of the Kings' 4-3 shootout victory over the Florida Panthers. He left the game and did not return for the third period.
Alexander Frolov will skate on the top line with Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams in Wednesday night's game against the Philadelphia Flyers, in Smyth's place.
"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," admitted Murray to the L.A. Times. "But you know what? You take a look around the league, there's all kinds of injuries to top players and you've got to deal with it. It's part of the game. It's an opportunity for [Frolov] right now.... Take advantage of it and hope he plays very well there.
"We've seen his play in the past with Kopitar and they've had good chemistry together so hopefully they'll come together right away."
Kopitar and Williams share the same optimism about their new linemate.
"[He's] kind of a similar player to Smitty," Williams told the L.A. Times. "Works hard in the corners...We have enough depth on this team that it shouldn't be a problem scoring goals. I know Frolov and myself are looking to put more pucks in the net and hopefully maybe we can spark something right away here and get something jumping as far as goals and getting some secondary scoring.
In 22 games this season for the Kings, Smyth has nine goals and 14 assists for 23 points, while adding 10 penalty minutes.
Smyth was in the running for a roster spot on the Canadian Olympic team, but the injury likely puts an end to his chances of playing in the Winter Games in Vancouver.