Kings forward Jeff Carter out indefinitely after surgical procedure on left leg

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) Los Angeles Kings center Jeff Carter is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery to repair a cut on his left leg.

Kings general manager Rob Blake announced his star power forward's injury Thursday.

Carter was hurt on a hit by Jeff Petry during the Kings' 5-1 victory over Montreal on Wednesday night to extend the best start in franchise history (5-0-1). Petry's skate came off the ice and connected with the inside of Carter's lower leg during the first period.

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Carter has three assists in six games this season for the Kings, who start a six-game road trip Saturday in Columbus.

Carter had 32 goals and 34 assists last season in his highest-scoring season since 2011. His absence will strain Los Angeles' depth at center behind captain Anze Kopitar.

Also on Thursday, the Kings signed defenseman Derek Forbort to a two-year contract. Forbort's contract will have an Annual Average Value (AAV) of $2.525 million.