Kuznetsov One Visa Away From Playing

King defenseman Maxim Kuznetsov, stuck in Russia for almost seven weeks because of visa problems, received a Canadian visa Thursday and will travel with his family Sunday to Ottawa while he awaits admittance to the U.S.

Kuznetsov, who played 53 games with Detroit and three games with the Kings last season, is not expected to receive a U.S. visa for 10 days after he arrives in Ottawa, King officials said.

Kuznetsov will practice with the Ottawa 67s of the Ontario Hockey League while he waits to return to the U.S.

*

Winger Adam Deadmarsh practiced with the rest of the team during a non-contact skate but will return today to his usual skating routine in a small group with other injured skaters.

Deadmarsh, out since last December because of post-concussion syndrome, has not improved to the point where he is ready for contact.

“Same story, different day,” Deadmarsh said. “When I get going out there pretty good, I feel it a little bit. Something’s there that’s not right. It’s not as severe as maybe before, but something’s still hanging with me that I know isn’t supposed to be there.”

Jason Allison, out since February with a whiplash injury, is seeing another medical specialist, King Coach Andy Murray said. Allison has been skating in the same group of injured skaters as Deadmarsh.

*

Rookie Dustin Brown received an endorsement from Murray as the decision nears whether to keep the 18-year-old winger or send him back to Guelph of the Ontario Hockey League.

Brown has not scored a point but has earned praise for his physical play.

Said Murray: “As a coach, I would just as soon have him here the whole year, but I understand the way it works and we have to do what’s smart for the organization, too. But right now there’s been no talk of him going down.”

-- Mike Bresnahan