{"id":562592,"date":"2026-04-29T14:33:18","date_gmt":"2026-04-29T14:33:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/562592\/"},"modified":"2026-04-29T14:33:18","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T14:33:18","slug":"does-drew-doughty-still-fit-the-la-kings-long-term-plan-the-hockey-writers-los-angeles-kings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/562592\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Drew Doughty Still Fit the LA Kings\u2019 Long-Term Plan? – The Hockey Writers – Los Angeles Kings"},"content":{"rendered":"

For nearly two decades, Drew Doughty<\/a> has been the heartbeat of the Los Angeles Kings\u2019 blue line. He\u2019s a two-time Stanley Cup champion (2012 and 2014) and a Norris Trophy winner. Doughty has defined the franchise\u2019s standard of excellence since he was drafted second overall in 2008. But in a league that is getting younger, faster, and more skilled by the day, the question arises whether Doughty is still a long-term cornerstone, or if he\u2019s become a short-term bridge whose time in Los Angeles should conclude when his contract expires in 2027.<\/p>\n

Doughty\u2019s Many Contributions<\/p>\n

In his career, Doughty has not only won the Cup twice but also two Olympic gold medals with Team Canada (2010 and 2014), and achieved much more. Year after year, he\u2019s delivered elite-level performances as one of the most reliable players in the NHL. He missed time in 2024-25 due to injury<\/a>, but still put together a strong performance when he was on the ice.<\/p>\n

\"DrewLos Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty looks on after scoring an empty net goal against the Winnipeg Jets (Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

But after the Kings were swept by the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday, fans have mixed feelings<\/a> about Doughty\u2019s performance in the 2026 Playoffs. Some say the team would have collapsed without him, but others point to him slowing down due to age. Even as his physical game evolves, his experience has allowed him to adapt and remain effective. <\/p>\n

His legacy\u00a0is firmly established, and beyond his on-ice impact, he helped set a standard that the Kings\u2019 young talent continue to follow. Over time, his influence has become part of the organization\u2019s identity, not just its history. Even as his role evolves, his contributions remain a benchmark for future generations of Kings players.<\/p>\n

Kings Could Have Been Better in 2026 Playoffs<\/p>\n

The Kings\u2019 recent sweep at the hands of the\u00a0Avalanche\u00a0was a wake-up call. While fans are split on Doughty\u2019s performance, the scoreboard doesn\u2019t lie. In the\u00a05-1 Game 4 loss, Doughty led the team in ice time (over 23 minutes), but his speed struggled to contain Colorado\u2019s elite style of game. At 36, Doughty is still a \u201chunter\u201d in spirit,<\/a> but his physical game is naturally evolving.<\/p>\n

The organization has been stuck in a rebuilding phase since they missed the 2017 Playoffs, yet under president Luc Robitaille\u2019s leadership, they have not won a playoff series. For a franchise with as much history and competitiveness, its inability to get over the first-round hump suggests that major changes are long overdue. If the Kings are serious about moving past the first round (something they haven\u2019t done since 2014), they have to decide if a 36-year-old defenseman should still be skating 25 minutes a night.<\/p>\n

Is Doughty Fit for the \u2018C\u2019?<\/p>\n

Next season will be the final year of Doughty\u2019s $88 million contract. While talents like\u00a0Brandt Clarke\u00a0<\/a>and\u00a0Quinton Byfield\u00a0represent the future of the franchise, they haven\u2019t yet reached the maturity required to carry a team navigating an ongoing rebuild. Keeping Doughty in a top-pairing role might actually block their growth.\u00a0Naming him captain for the next two seasons would provide stability while also allowing the team to transition responsibilities and ice time to its younger players without forcing them into leadership roles too soon.<\/p>\n

Doughty is the natural choice for the captaincy because he remains one of the legendary faces of the franchise, embodying the grit and success that defined the team\u2019s most historic era. His presence in the locker room will provide an undeniable sense of authority and history that younger players don\u2019t have. <\/p>\n

However, given the physical toll of his style of play, he may only have two seasons left before he retires. Naming him captain would provide the franchise with a final, much-needed chapter of veteran stability, allowing Doughty to serve as the last remaining link to the team\u2019s most iconic victories. Just because he isn\u2019t the long-term answer doesn\u2019t mean he isn\u2019t needed right now. With An\u017ee Kopitar retired, the room is empty. Doughty should be named captain because he is the only one who can protect the team\u2019s culture while the \u2018kids\u2019 mature. He is a two-year bridge, not a five-year cornerstone.<\/p>\n

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