The Los Angeles Kings have received a pleasant surprise at a recent practice as defenseman Drew Doughty has since again joined the team. Her skated with a red non-contact jersey on 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 big 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.
Doughty’s presence has been missed as teammates have joked that eh is already chirping at practice. His experience, leadership, and ice time will be a welcomed addition back to the team, who have been solid in his absence. Doughty was second in the NHL in ice time last season with an average of 25:48 of ice time.
With Doughty rejoining the Kings on the ice again soon, there will need to be a move 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: lakingsinsider.com; Zach Dooley) (photo: lakingsinsiderk.com; Zach Dooley)
The post Kings’ Doughty practices; return date still unknown appeared first on Los Angeles Sports Nation.