With end-to-end skill and fluid playmaking ability, his offensive skills bring a dynamic component to the Kings' blueline.
A gold-medal winner with Team Canada in the 2010 Olympics, Doughty is the second-youngest player to be nominated for the Norris Trophy since Bobby Orr. He’s also the first Kings defenseman since Rob Blake in the 1999-2000 season to be elected as an All-Star.
Among Canada’s best players at the 2009 World Hockey Championships in Switzerland, as well as at the Olympics in 2010, Doughty has already shown he is among the elite.
His passing skills and vision are only matched by his speed and uncanny hockey sense. His humble nature disarms even the most ardent distractor. His defensive game, meanwhile, is still developing, but Doughty has shown no fear of delivering the big hit—just ask Taylor Hall.
At just 20 years of age, Doughty stands on the brink of superstardom and highlights an excellent mix of talent, youth and experience in the LA defensive corps.
With 16 goals and 43 assists last season, Doughty helped transform and revive the Kings' transition game.
Helping take the Kings to the postseason for the first time since 2002, he led all defenders in scoring in the first round.
Doughty was above the point-per-game mark and recorded three goals and four assists in the six games played.
On July 1st, he becomes a restricted free agent and will receive a hefty raise before it’s all said and done. The Kings would be foolish not to retain the youngster at any cost, but could break the bank by signing him.
Earlier this year, the Kings signed Jack Johnson to a seven-year contract extension, but could Drew Doughty sign for possibly longer?
Long-term contracts and the obvi...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Kings
