Blue Jackets vs Kings: Projecting the Starting Lineups for the December 22, 2025 Matchup.

Blue Jackets vs. Kings: Projected Lineups for Tonight's Matchup

The Columbus Blue Jackets face off against the Los Angeles Kings tonight at Crypto.com Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET, and the game will be broadcast on FDSNOH, FDSNW, and TVAS2. Here's a look at the projected lineups, factoring in recent injuries and transactions:

Columbus Blue Jackets (14-15-6)

The Blue Jackets are looking to snap a losing streak against a tough Kings team. Here's how they might line up:

  • Forwards:
    • Mason Marchment — Adam Fantilli — Kent Johnson
    • Boone Jenner — Charlie Coyle — Kirill Marchenko
    • Dmitri Voronkov — Sean Monahan — Miles Wood
    • Cole Sillinger — Isac Lundestrom — Yegor Chinakhov
  • Defense:
    • Ivan Provorov — Denton Mateychuk
    • Brendan Smith — Damon Severson
    • Jake Christiansen — Dante Fabbro
  • Goalies:
    • Jet Greaves
    • Elvis Merzlikins

Blue Jackets Roster Notes:

  • Zach Werenski is day-to-day with a lower-body injury after blocking a shot in Saturday's game against the Anaheim Ducks. While x-rays revealed no fracture, his absence would be a significant loss on the blue line.
  • Miles Wood is expected to play after being a late scratch in the same Saturday game due to a lower-body injury.
  • Erik Gudbranson (upper body) and Mathieu Olivier (upper body) remain on injured reserve with no clear timeline for return.
  • Luca Del Bel Belluz and Zach Aston-Reese are expected to be scratched.
  • Recent transactions include the addition of Mason Marchment from the Seattle Kraken.

Los Angeles Kings (15-10-9)

The Kings are aiming to defend their home ice. Here's a possible lineup:

  • Forwards:
    • Warren Foegele — Anze Kopitar — Adrian Kempe
    • Kevin Fiala — Quinton Byfield — Alex Laferriere
    • Trevor Moore — Alex Turcotte — Andrei Kuzmenko
    • Joel Armia — Samuel Helenius — Corey Perry
  • Defense:
    • Mikey Anderson — Drew Doughty
    • Joel Edmundson — Brandt Clarke
    • Brian Dumoulin — Cody Ceci
  • Goalies:
    • Anton Forsberg
    • Pheonix Copley

Kings Roster Notes:

  • Darcy Kuemper is on injured reserve with an upper-body injury. He has been skating with the goalie coach, signaling progress, but remains out for tonight's game. Anton Forsberg is expected to start in goal.
  • Jeff Malott and Jacob Moverare are likely to be scratched.
  • Phillip Danault will not be playing as he has been traded to the Montreal Canadiens.

Keys to the Game

The Kings enter as favorites, but the Blue Jackets will look to play spoiler. Columbus will need strong goaltending and disciplined defense to contain Los Angeles' offensive threats, such as Adrian Kempe. The Kings, meanwhile, will aim to capitalize on their scoring opportunities and maintain a solid defensive structure.


Written By
Kabir Verma is a results-driven sports journalist who focuses on accuracy, insight, and audience engagement. He combines storytelling, analysis, and clear communication to craft impactful sports narratives. Kabir believes great journalism lies in simplifying complexity while keeping the passion intact. His goal is to inform, engage, and inspire every reader.
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