He’s not exactly thrilled to be so underappreciated by members of the NHL print media, but he’s fine with the inevitable snub. The Kings system might hurt his statistics, but it allows the 24-year-old defenseman the opportunity to do what he does best: win championships.
"I know if I want to ever win a Norris, I’m going to have to be top two or three in the league for defensemen in points,” Doughty told Bleacher Report recently during a reflective postgame moment. "Playing here in L.A., that’s just not our style of game. It’s just not going to happen."
Doughty—who given his propensity for standing out when the pressure is highest might be among the top few players in the world—may not even be a finalist for the Norris. Despite being one of the best players at the Sochi Games at any position and helping the Kings become one of the league’s best at preventing goals against, his point total is only good enough for 22nd in the league this season among defensemen.
Ultimately, he knows he’s appreciated by his own organization, his peers and is aware that any of the league’s other 29 general managers would love to have him on their teams. He'd rather hoist another team trophy at the end of the season over an individual award and add a second Stanley Cup to his collection of team accomplishments many past Norris winners would be extremely jealous of.
He has Olympic gold medals from both Winter Games appearances (Vancouver 2010, Sochi 2014). He claimed a Stanley Cup with the Kings in 2012. He’s also won gold at the 2008 World Junior Hockey Championship and silver at the 200...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Kings
