Baumgartner Recalled to Help King Defense

The Kings recalled defenseman Ken Baumgartner from their New Haven, Conn., affiliate Thursday, the third emergency recall in the last week because of injuries suffered on the team’s five-game trip.

Center-wing Dan Gratton was flown to Toronto for Wednesday night’s game against the Maple Leafs, and winger Lyle Phair joined the Kings in Winnipeg last Thursday.

Baumgartner replaces defenseman Larry Playfair, who will be moved to left wing to beef up the line. Baumgartner was previously with the Kings for three games in early January, scoring no points with 26 minutes in penalties.

Defenseman Steve Duchesne suffered a mildly sprained left knee Tuesday night against Quebec and will be out for three weeks.