The Kings are expected to announce — probably tomorrow — that Brayden Schenn will return his his junior team, Brandon of the WHL. Schenn has appeared in eight games with the Kings but has not appeared in a game since Oct. 30. In between, he had a two-week conditioning stint in Manchester, but with Alexei Ponikarovsky on the verge of returning — not to mention the possibility of the Kings acquiring Marco Sturm — Schenn’s chances of sticking on the NHL roster were further diminished.

It’s highly likely, now, that Schenn will also be able to participate in the World Juniors tournament, which begins on Dec. 26 in Buffalo. After today’s morning skate, coach Terry Murray endorsed the idea of Schenn playing in the tournament.

MURRAY: “That’s a decision for management. My candid opinion would be, sure, that would be a great thing for him to go play for Canada in the World Juniors like that. It’s great competition and invaluable experience.”