Kings' Jack Johnson out at least two months

A tough start just got tougher for the Kings today, with the announcement that defenseman Jack Johnson will undergo shoulder surgery later this week and is expected to be out until around mid-season.

Johnson injured his shoulder in the first period of the Kings' 1-0 loss to San Jose Sunday at Staples Center, apparently while trying to knock the puck out of the air. He played one shift in the second period but couldn't continue.

That's a difficult blow to the Kings, who had been counting on Johnson to be a key piece of a young and assertive defense. 

They claimed defenseman Kyle Quincey off waivers from Detroit, but there was no immediate word whether he might report in time to play against the Ducks on Tuesday at Staples Center.

More coming as we get more information.

-- Helene Elliott

Photo: Defenseman Jack Johnson, left, and San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton fight for the puck during the first period of Sunday's game. Credit: Gus Ruelas / Associated Press

Comments

[Christine]

So much for that building with nothing but youth mentality, eh GM Lombardi? In hindsight, claiming veteran defenseman Mathieu Schneider off waivers would have looked pretty good right about now instead of having to troll to Detroit and get their rookie scraps. Oh well, I'm sure AEG is pleased about last night's sellout crowd in spite of the limited skill level players you have foisted upon L.A. sports fans.