Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty recently underwent surgery to repair a fractured left ankle, resulting in him being sidelined for an indefinite period, as reported by ESPN News. The injury occurred during a collision with Tanner Pearson in a preseason game against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Doughty, a seasoned player at 34 years old, has an impressive track record in the NHL. He was the recipient of the Norris Trophy in the 2015-16 season and played a pivotal role in the Kings’ Stanley Cup victories in 2012 and 2014. Known for his durability and skill on the ice, Doughty consistently ranks among the league leaders in minutes played per game.
During the previous season, Doughty logged an average of 25 minutes and 48 seconds on the ice, placing him second behind John Carlson of the Washington Capitals. Additionally, he led the Kings’ defensemen in scoring with a total of 15 goals and 35 assists across 82 games.
Since being drafted by the Kings as the second overall pick in the 2008 NHL Draft, Doughty has amassed an impressive 669 points, consisting of 156 goals and 513 assists, over the span of 1,177 career games. His absence from the lineup will undoubtedly be felt by the Kings, as he plays a crucial role in their defensive strategy and offensive production.
The team will need to adjust its defensive pairings and strategy in Doughty’s absence to maintain a competitive edge in the league. His leadership and experience on the ice will be sorely missed, but the Kings will look to rally together in his absence and continue to push forward in the season.
As Doughty focuses on his recovery and rehabilitation process, his teammates and fans alike will eagerly await his return to the ice. In the meantime, the Kings will need to rely on their depth and resilience to overcome this significant loss and remain competitive in the challenging NHL landscape.