Kings’ Andy Andreoff likely to make debut after Marian Gaborik injury

Kings forward Marian Gaborik is dealing with an issue “similar” to the injury he suffered early in the preseason, making him questionable, according to assistant general manager Rob Blake.

Of late, the term “questionable” means out of the Kings’ lineup. Defenseman Jake Muzzin was considered questionable for the season opener and has yet to play.

So, barring a surprise turn of events, Andy Andreoff will make his NHL debut Tuesday night against the Edmonton Oilers, centering Kyle Clifford and Jordan Nolan on the fourth line. The 23-year-old Andreoff, a third-round draft choice in 2011, was impressive enough in camp to make the Kings’ roster.

“I played with them in Vegas, so we have a little chemistry,” Andreoff said. “They work hard in the corners. I’m looking forward to playing with them.”

As it turned out, several of Andreoff’s family members are visiting him here and will be able to be on hand for his NHL debut.

“They’ve always been supporting me the whole way,” he said. “I’m excited to celebrate the first game with them .... You’ve been dreaming about this your whole life, since you’ve been playing in the driveway.”

With early-season injuries to forwards Trevor Lewis and Gaborik, Andreoff will be getting his opportunity slightly earlier than expected. Kings goalie Jonathan Quick came off the ice first at Tuesday’s morning skate, meaning he is expected to start.

Gaborik played 82 games in the 2011-12 season, then with the New York Rangers, and has been less than durable since then.

His persistent injury woes are a lingering concern and likely to be a continuing story line. He missed most of preseason, then played in the first three games of the regular season (recording one assist) before this latest setback.