NHL

Veteran winger Armia returning to lineup for playoff hopeful Kings

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Los Angeles Kings celebrate after Los Angeles Kings right wing Joel Armia (40) scored against the Vegas Golden Knights during the second period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) (John Locher/AP)

Los Angeles Kings veteran forward Joel Armia has been activated off the injured reserve and will be in the lineup Saturday afternoon against the Buffalo Sabres.

The 32-year winger hasn’t played since Feb. 26 due to an upper-body injury.

Armia has scored 10 goals and 10 assists over 53 games with the Kings in 2025-26, his first season with the organization after spending the previous seven years with the Montreal Canadiens.

Los Angeles is currently battling for their playoff lives, holding down the second Wild Card spot in the Western Conference with a 28-24-16 record, one point ahead of the Seattle Kraken.

The Kings have 14 games remaining in the regular season.

A native of Finland, Armia has 113 goals and 114 assists over 639 games with the Sabres, Winnipeg Jets, Habs and Kings.