In a significant blow to their defensive corps, the Los Angeles Kings announced that star blueliner Drew Doughty will be sidelined indefinitely after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured left ankle. The 34-year-old veteran suffered the injury during a preseason matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights on September 25.
A two-time Stanley Cup champion and former Norris Trophy winner, Doughty is an integral part of the Kings’ lineup, consistently logging heavy minutes and producing points at an elite level. Last season, he averaged 25 minutes and 48 seconds of ice time per game, good for second in the league, while also leading the team’s defensemen in scoring with 15 goals and 35 assists.
Throughout his illustrious career, Doughty has amassed 669 points (156 goals, 513 assists) in 1,177 games, cementing his status as one of the premier defensemen in the NHL. The Kings will undoubtedly feel his absence, but hope to have him back on the ice as soon as possible.
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