Coach Darryl Sutter said Tuesday that the Kings are operating with the assumption that Pearson (leg) won't be available in time for the postseason, Jon Rosen of LA Kings Insider reports.

Coach Darryl Sutter said Tuesday that the Kings are operating with the assumption that Pearson (leg) won't be available in time for the postseason, Jon Rosen of LA Kings Insider reports.

Analysis:

The Kings had previously closed the door on the idea of Pearson returning before the end of the regular season, and now it looks like a return for the playoffs is off the table as well. It's probably for the best that Pearson doesn't try to beat his projected timetable of three months, as nothing would be worse for the 22-year-old than enduring an injury setback as a result of trying to come back too quickly.