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Marco Sturm is waived by Kings, but may be back soon

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Left wing Marco Sturm went from the Kings’ top line to being waived Friday but could rejoin their No. 1 trio Saturday if he goes unclaimed, as is expected.

The Kings placed Sturm on waivers to gain flexibility with their roster in case they want to add a player before Monday’s trade deadline. They’re at the 23-man maximum and wouldn’t want to lose young players on waivers if they must open a roster spot for a new acquisition.

“We have to waive a player now because you cannot do it at the deadline. You need 24 hours,” General Manager Dean Lombardi said via e-mail. If Sturm clears waivers he could be demoted without waiting 24 hours if the Kings end up needing his roster spot.

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Sturm, acquired from Boston in December for a conditional draft pick, is likely to clear waivers because he’s still regaining his form following major knee surgery last May and is earning $3.5 million this season. He has four goals and nine points in 17 games, including an assist Thursday in the Kings’ 4-2 win over Minnesota.

helene.elliott@latimes.com

twitter.com/helenenothelen

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