Deadmarsh’s Injuries Are Healing

Sitting out nine games because of a concussion hasn’t been all that bad for Adam Deadmarsh.

The pain in his right wrist has dissipated and the tendinitis in his left knee has disappeared since he last played Nov. 12.

“I don’t ever want to say an injury’s a blessing in disguise, but other things have been able to heal,” said Deadmarsh, who returned to practice this week.

“But I’d rather take those injuries back and get rid of this concussion.”

He hopes to play Saturday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets, as does Ian Laperriere, who has been sidelined since Nov. 23 because of a concussion.

Meanwhile, defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky, who has sat out four consecutive games and five of seven because of back spasms, suffered a major setback when his back seized after Tuesday’s practice, which he left early.

“I think Lubo could be out for a while,” possibly as long as several weeks, Coach Andy Murray said before Thursday night’s game against Nashville.

Enforcer Ken Belanger, sidelined since Nov. 5 because of a concussion, has made little progress and has not resumed skating.

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Barring further injuries, the Kings will have to clear a roster spot when Deadmarsh is activated from injured reserve. Asked what he told veteran Steve Heinze, who was recalled last week after starting the season in the minors, Murray said: “I haven’t told him anything about that. I just told him to work hard.” Tough guy Kip Brennan probably will be sent down before Heinze.... Craig Johnson, suffering from stomach flu, sat out Thursday’s game.

-- Jerry Crowe