Kings’ Dion Phaneuf to be healthy scratch vs. Flyers

Los Angeles Kings defenceman Dion Phaneuf congratulates goaltender Jonathan Quick a win over the Vegas Golden Knights. (Alex Gallardo/AP)

The Los Angeles Kings are making some changes to their blue line for Thursday’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Veteran defenceman Dion Phaneuf will be a healthy scratch for the contest.

Phaneuf, 33, has struggled this season, scoring only one goal and three points with a minus-16 rating in 46 games. He’s currently in the fifth season of a seven-year contract that pays him $7 million per.

Head coach Willie Desjardins indicated the move to scratch Phaneuf was his decision.

Sean Walker is expected to draw into Phaneuf’s spot on the team’s second defence pair, partnered with Alec Martinez.

In other Kings news, Desjardins said Jeff Carter is still not skating after suffering a lower-body injury in Monday’s win over the New York Rangers. In 51 games, Carter has 10 goals and 25 points.

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