Demitra, Frolov Might Be Back for Torchetti’s Debut

Even before the Kings introduced interim Coach John Torchetti, they had received some positive news.

Pavol Demitra, who has sat out three games because of a concussion, skated Wednesday and could be in the lineup against the Nashville Predators on Saturday. Alexander Frolov (separated shoulder) participated in full-contact drills and also could play.

Demitra, the team’s top offensive player, has played in only eight of the Kings’ last 27 games because of injuries. He has 22 goals and 57 points.

“We get Fro and Pavol back, that’s going to give us a big boost,” assistant captain Craig Conroy said.

Defenseman Aaron Miller, meanwhile, had his sore back treated by a chiropractor Tuesday. Miller played only 10 minutes 20 seconds in the loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Monday. He sat out 16 games because of a back injury earlier this season.

*

After Andy Murray was fired as coach, King Chief Executive Tim Leiweke criticized forward Jeremy Roenick “for not sticking his nose in every night.”

“I kind of wished that he wouldn’t have singled Jeremy out like that,” Conroy said. “We play as a team and we’re all responsible for what happened. But if he felt like he had to say that, that is his right.”

Roenick has eight goals in 45 games this season.

*

General Manager Dave Taylor said that Torchetti would be considered for the job permanently once the season ends, which means one thing.

“This is an audition for sure,” Torchetti said. “The next 12 games, I want to enjoy the ride. But I’m also here to get this organization into the playoffs.”

The Kings will have their first practice under Torchetti today.