The Los Angeles Kings are poised to secure their fourth consecutive playoff berth, demonstrating consistent regular season success. However, their focus shifts beyond simply qualifying for the postseason; the ultimate goal is to overcome the hurdle of the first round and make a deeper playoff run. A key factor in their pursuit of playoff success is the anticipated return of veteran defenseman Drew Doughty. Sidelined for the entirety of the 2024-25 season due to a preseason ankle injury, Doughty’s impending comeback provides a significant boost to the Kings’ roster. Though the exact date remains uncertain, his return to the lineup during the regular season is highly anticipated.
Doughty’s absence has undoubtedly been felt by the Kings, but the team has demonstrated resilience and resourcefulness in his stead. Boasting the league’s best goals-against average (2.41), they have consistently stifled opposing offenses, winning five of their last seven games. This defensive prowess, however, masks an underlying offensive struggle. Despite strong underlying metrics, such as the second-best expected goals rate at 5-on-5, the Kings have struggled to convert those chances into actual goals, ranking 25th in goals scored. This discrepancy highlights the need for an offensive spark, which Doughty’s return promises to provide.
Doughty’s impact will be multi-faceted. His presence alone strengthens the defensive core, potentially leading to a reshuffling of the defensive pairings and allowing the Kings to strategically deploy their defensive talent. While their goaltending has been exceptional, facing the highest number of shots per game, Doughty’s return will alleviate some of the pressure on the Kings’ netminders. Beyond his defensive contributions, Doughty’s offensive capabilities, particularly his booming shot from the point, will inject much-needed firepower into the Kings’ power play. Currently ranked 29th in the league with a meager 14.9% conversion rate, the power play stands to benefit significantly from his quarterbacking skills.
Even in his thirties, Doughty remains a reliable point producer, consistently achieving 50-point seasons, largely due to his power-play prowess. He offers a more potent shooting threat than younger defenseman Brandt Clarke, adding another dimension to the Kings’ offensive arsenal. While the pairing of Doughty with Mikey Anderson may not be a substantial upgrade defensively over the existing Anderson-Vladislav Gavrikov duo, the offensive boost Doughty provides on the power play and at 5-on-5 outweighs any perceived defensive trade-off.
While Doughty’s return will undoubtedly bolster the Kings’ offense, it’s not a panacea for all their scoring woes. The team’s offensive inconsistencies require a more holistic solution. With Doughty’s substantial salary no longer counting against the Long Term Injured Reserve (LTIR), General Manager Rob Blake has greater financial flexibility to explore trade options ahead of the deadline to address the Kings’ offensive deficiencies. Acquiring a skilled forward could complement Doughty’s offensive contributions and provide the necessary scoring punch to make the Kings a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.
The Kings have admirably weathered Doughty’s absence, showcasing the depth and resilience within the team. Captain Anze Kopitar’s earlier assertion that the team would need a collective effort to compensate for Doughty’s absence has proven prescient. The Kings have stepped up, particularly on the defensive end. Maintaining this collective effort and seamlessly integrating Doughty back into the lineup will be crucial for the Kings’ playoff aspirations. His return, coupled with potential trade acquisitions, positions the Kings to not only reach the playoffs for a fourth straight season but to finally advance beyond the first round and make a deeper run. The challenge lies in sustaining their strong defensive play while maximizing Doughty’s offensive impact and finding the right complementary pieces to unlock the team’s full offensive potential.
