The Los Angeles Kings are buzzing with excitement as defenseman Drew Doughty is set to make his much-anticipated season debut against the Florida Panthers tonight. After recovering from surgery necessitated by a fractured ankle—an injury he sustained during preseason—Doughty's return is seen as pivotal for the Kings as they navigate the latter half of the NHL season.
Doughty's last appearance on the ice prior to tonight was during the late September preseason game against the Vegas Golden Knights. He has been sidelined ever since, missing the Kings' first 47 games of the season. Despite this lengthy absence, the team has managed to remain competitive, boasting a record of 26 wins, 15 losses, and 6 overtime losses, currently placing them third in the Pacific Division.
Head coach Jim Hiller officially confirmed Doughty's return, noting, "Doughty will play alongside Jacob Moverare and is expected to reclaim his role on the first power play unit." The Kings' defense has had to adapt without their star player, yet they demonstrated resilience, with standout performances from young defenseman Brandt Clarke, who filled some of the void left by Doughty's absence.
Reflecting on the challenges of his recovery, the 35-year-old Doughty shared, "It's sucked, I'm not going to lie. The hard work just never stops. I'm sick of doing this stuff. I've had a good mentality for most of it, but right now, it's kind of been the toughest point for me." His candid remarks provide insight not just on his physical battle, but also on the mental strain of long-term recovery.
With Doughty's extensive experience—over 1,177 regular-season games, two Stanley Cup championships (2012 and 2014), and the 2016 Norris Trophy—his presence on the ice is expected to give the Kings a significant boost. Doughty's leadership and skill have long been central to the Kings’ defensive play, and his return may alter their fate as they strive for playoff contention.
Handling Doughty's activation off long-term injured reserve has been complicated, as the Kings currently have little cap space and a full active roster. They face additional decisions about which player could be sent to the AHL Ontario to create the required space for Doughty's return. Likely candidates for this move are players like Andreas Englund or Kyle Burroughs, who could clear room for Doughty to step back onto the roster.
What's even more fascinating is the strategic elements surrounding Doughty's integration. The coaching staff must evaluate if they will continue with the current system of 12 forwards and six defensemen, or revert to the prior strategy of 11 forwards and seven defensemen to facilitate his swift adjustment back onto the ice.
Doughty’s stats speak volumes; last season he recorded 15 goals and helped the Kings reach the playoffs, contributing significantly through both defensive play and offensive output. His experience will be invaluable, especially with the Kings having lost six of their last eight games leading up to his return. The team is eager to capitalize on his presence as they finish their current road trip, providing hope for improved performance.
On the horizon, there’s also the potential for Doughty to represent Team Canada at the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. Following the withdrawal of Vegas Golden Knights’ Alex Pietrangelo, Doughty might be seen as the ideal candidate to step up, should he find his stride quickly upon returning.
With Doughty back, Kings fans are filled with optimism. The defenseman's return couldn't come at a more opportune time, with the team needing rejuvenation on the ice. Everyone is ready to witness if Doughty can spearhead the Kings' efforts to regain momentum as they push toward playoff aspirations.