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LA Kings' Drew Doughty Breaks Silence on Team Canada Speculation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jan 28, 2025 6:00 AM ET

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty is nearing his long-awaited return from a preseason ankle injury and has his sights set on more than just rejoining his NHL team.

With Alex Pietrangelo withdrawing from the 4 Nations Face-Off, Doughty sees an opportunity to once again represent Team Canada.

“I’m still hoping I have that outside chance to play in 4 Nations,” Doughty said Sunday. “I don’t want to break, I want to play. So, we’ll see what happens.”

Doughty hasn’t played since late September but his return appears imminent, with TSN insider Darren Dreger reporting on Monday that Doughty could rejoin the Kings’ lineup within 3–5 games.

Drew Doughty is expected to return to the Kings in the next 3-5 games. His health is great, but needs time to get back up to speed. Hence, Canada is slow playing a decision in replacing Petro.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) January 27, 2025

The 35-year-old is coming off scoring 50 points in 82 games last season while logging the second-most ice time in the NHL with 2,115 minutes played in the regular season, as well as 136 through five postseason contests.

“It’s sucked, I’m not going to lie,” Doughty said about his rehab, via LA Kings Insider. “It’s very repetitive, you have to work your bag off, even just to get something back like mobility, that’s a lot of hard work to get back. The hard work just never stops.

"I’m in the gym every day doing that stuff. 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.”

Team Canada will take its time evaluating its options to replace Alex Pietrangelo who pulled out of 4 Nations. Probably have until just before they arrive in Montreal in 2 weeks. Likely preference is RHD but management is evaluating a group of players and will take best player at…
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) January 27, 2025

According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, Team Canada will take some time evaluating replacements for Pietrangelo. That said, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun identified Doughty as a strong candidate if he can prove he’s ready in time.

“Drew Doughty’s imminent return looms large,” LeBrun wrote on Monday. “If he can show he’s up to speed in time for 4 Nations, he has a real shot at being the guy. But we’ll see.”

Doughty has a long resume while representing Canada, having played for the teams that won the gold medal at the 2010 and 2014 Olympics and the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

Team Canada’s deadline for roster decisions is Feb. 11, the day before their opening game against Sweden.

Following Monday's 5-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings, the Kings and Doughty (assuming he returns on Thursday) have six games left in their schedule before the 4 Nations break.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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