Kings’ Doughty Practices; Return Date Still Unknown
The Los Angeles Kings received a pleasant surprise at a recent practice: defenseman Drew Doughty has again joined the team.
He skated with a red non-contact jersey and participated in 3- and 4-player drills.
This is the first time he has taken part in practice since he broke his ankle in a preseason game against the Vegas Golden Knights on September 25, 2024.
Kings’ Doughty Takes The Ice
Doughty hopes to take the ice full-time soon, as there has not been a date set for his return to the Kings lineup. There was a significant change to the top-pairing as the void he left was filled by Vladislav Gavrikov, who has done a tremendous job filling in with Mikey Anderson.
PHOTO: Kirby Lee/Imagn Images
Doughty’s presence has been missed, and teammates have joked that he is already chirping at practice. His experience, leadership, and ice time will be a welcomed addition to the team, which has been solid in his absence. Last season, Doughty was second in the NHL in ice time, with an average of 25:48.
With Doughty rejoining the Kings on the ice again soon, a move will need to be made.
Andreas Englund or Kyle Burroughs may be scratched to fit Doughty into the lineup. The Kings’ defense is now at full capacity, and someone will need to be sat, traded, or sent down to make room when the time comes. Los Angeles will need Doughty’s take-no-prisoners attitude as the Kings have hit a bit of a skid, although they remain in third place in the Pacific Division. His presence on the ice may give the team a lift, knowing the former Norris Trophy winner is once again in the lineup, ready to push teammates on every play.
Of course, head coach Jim Hiller may want to monitor his minutes until he is at full strength.
Having Doughty playing his usual 25-30 minutes a night after just coming back from a broken ankle could put him back on the shelf.
Yes, he is an extremely important player to the team and defense, but they also need to be careful in putting him in a spot where he could get hurt again.
Doughty wants in at every opportunity.
However, another major injury to Doughty may cost him the rest of the season, and the Kings are hoping for a lengthy playoff run.
PHOTO: Kirby Lee/Imagn Images
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