The Los Angeles Kings have a daunting task to replace defenseman Drew Doughty for months. Will that lead them to the UFA or trade market?
The Los Angeles Kings suffered a major blow last week when Drew Doughty suffered a fractured ankle, leaving him sidelined for months.
Doughty, 34, is a former Norris Trophy winner and a blueline stalwart for the Kings going back to their Stanley Cup years in 2012 and 2014. His absence depletes a defense corps already grappling with the off-season departures of Matt Roy and Sean Walker.
Finding a suitable replacement for Doughty will be a daunting task. Since 2011-12, he has led all NHL skaters during that period in ice time per game (26:34) and sits eighth among all defensemen with 543 points. No other Kings blueliner has his level of skill, experience and leadership.
Eric Stephens of The Athletic believes the Kings will look internally for a solution, suggesting a collective effort to offset Doughty's absence. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman shared that view, looking at Brandt Clarke, Jordan Spence or Kyle Burroughs as possible replacements. Stephens noted the Kings were planning to lean more heavily on Clarke and Spence this season before Doughty's injury.
Kings management could seek an affordable short-term depth option via waivers, the trade market or free agency.
The Hockey News' Spencer Lazary mentioned Justin Schultz as a potential replacement. The right-shot, offensive offensive defenseman remains a free agent.
Friedman also mentioned Schultz and Kevin Shattenkirk, another UFA. Stephens brought up Tyson Barrie, who's on a PTO with the Calgary Flames.
Cam Fowler of the Anaheim Ducks is the notable defenseman in recent media trade conjecture. The Ducks are rebuilding and want to give more playing time to their younger rearguards. Fowler could accept a move to an acceptable destination.
It's unlikely the Ducks ship Fowler to the rival Kings. He's also a left-hand shot, while Doughty shoots right and carries an average annual value of $6.5 million through 2025-26. The Kings could also be on his “no-trade” list.
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