Kings top defenseman needs surgery, is month-to-month

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Kings top defenseman to undergo surgery, considered month-to-month

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Sep 27, 2024 4:05 PM ET

There is only one thing professional sports teams want to see from their star players in training camp and the preseason.

Do not get hurt.

Above all else, do not get hurt.

The Los Angeles Kings and defenseman Drew Doughty were unable to avoid that on Wednesday night. Doughty was injured in the Kings' preseason game against the Vegas Golden Knights when his leg was jammed against the boards in a collision with Tanner Pearson.

It was initially reported that Doughty had suffered a fractured ankle, but there was no timetable for his return.

On Friday, the Kings announced that Doughty is going to be sidelined on a month-to-month basis.

pic.twitter.com/8apptoJo8U
— LA Kings (@LAKings) September 27, 2024

This is a brutal loss for a Kings team that is hoping to be a Stanley Cup contender in the Western Conference.

Even though Doughty is entering his age 35 season he remains one of the Kings' top defenders and is coming off a big 2023-24 season that saw him score 15 goals with 50 total points and reclaim some of his previous glory defensively.

His injury, as well as the free agency departure of Matt Roy to the Washington Capitals, leaves some huge early season holes on the Kings' defense.

There is going to be a lot of pressure on their secondary players and young players to step up, including Brandt Clarke who figures to take on an even bigger role than originally expected.

The Kings have made the playoffs three years in a row but have lost in the first round to the Edmonton Oilers each season. Expectations are high this season and this is not the best start.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on Twitter @AGretz

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