Sadly, Kings defenseman Drew Doughty out for multiple season due to……..
Los Angeles Kings’ Drew Doughty to Undergo Surgery, Expected to Miss Significant Time
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty will undergo surgery to repair a broken left ankle, the team announced on Friday. The 34-year-old veteran is expected to miss a substantial portion of the upcoming season, though head coach Jim Hiller has emphasized that the injury is not season-ending. The Kings have listed Doughty’s status as “month-to-month,” and no specific return timeline has been provided.
Doughty sustained the injury during Wednesday’s preseason matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights. The incident occurred in the first period when Doughty’s left leg became trapped against the boards near the blue line in the Kings’ defensive zone. The injury happened as he battled for a loose puck with Vegas forward Tanner Pearson. The collision left Doughty unable to continue, and he was immediately taken off the ice for further evaluation.
A cornerstone of the Kings’ defense for 17 seasons, Doughty has been a critical player for the franchise, contributing to their Stanley Cup triumphs in 2012 and 2014. In 2016, Doughty won the Norris Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s top defenseman, cementing his legacy as one of the league’s elite defenders. Last season, Doughty ranked second in the NHL in average ice time, playing 25:48 per game, and led the Kings’ defensemen with 15 goals and 35 assists.
This injury is a significant blow to Los Angeles, especially with the departure of defenseman Matt Roy, who signed a six-year deal with the Washington Capitals on July 1. Roy was second on the team in ice time, assists, and points last season, leaving two key spots in the Kings’ top four defensive pairings vacant.
Despite Doughty’s absence, the Kings have promising young talent in their defensive ranks. Brandt Clarke, the eighth overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, is poised to step into a larger role this season. Clarke, 21, has shown flashes of offensive potential, tallying two goals and six assists in 25 games over the past two seasons. Although regarded as a dynamic offensive defenseman, Clarke is still developing as a two-way player at the NHL level.
Additionally, Jordan Spence, 23, will be expected to shoulder more responsibility.
Spence recorded two goals and 22 assists in 71 games last season, playing primarily on the third defensive pairing while also contributing to the second power play unit. With Doughty sidelined, Spence’s role could expand as the Kings look to stabilize their blue line.
As the Kings prepare for their first full season under head coach Jim Hiller, the absence of Doughty will test the team’s defensive depth. However, the organization remains hopeful for his return later in the season as they aim to make a playoff push in the highly competitive Western Conference.
