LA Kings Training Camp Preview: Drew Doughty

His 23:05 average ice time led all defensemen on the Kings, but his 5v5 minutes according to Natural Stat Trick were third. His penalty kill minutes were fifth among defensemen and ninth on the team, but they jumped to third and sixth, respectively, in four playoff games. It was clear that although Doughty led all Kings defensemen in average ice time, the Kings were reducing his role in certain aspects.

2026-27 outlook

Doughty will be entering the final year of his eight-year contract. After the first round of the draft, general manager Ken Holland dropped a bombshell by saying the team won’t extend him during the season and will play out the 2026-27 season. It would be hard to imagine Doughty in a jersey other than the Kings, but it’s a possibility that was once unthinkable.

I believe it’s time we start seeing Brandt Clarke get more of Doughty’s minutes and be trusted in a more prominent role. If the Kings want to bring Doughty back at the end of the season, that’s fine, but it will need to be at a discount, knowing that his role will be reduced. Will he finish his career as a King like Anže Kopitar and Dustin Brown, or will he continue it elsewhere like Jonathan Quick?