Does Drew Doughty’s Injury Threaten His Olympic Chances?

The Los Angeles Kings were already hoping that Drew Doughty’s injury wasn’t serious after exiting Sunday’s game with a lower-body injury, and is ruled out week-to-week. 

But, it’s the timing of this injury that raises larger questions beyond what the Kings can do without Doughty; it’s whether the 35-year-old’s hopes of representing Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics just took a big hit.

Kings Defenseman Drew Doughty Out ‘Week-To-Week,’ Will Not Play Against Capitals Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty has been sidelined with a lower-body injury that he suffered on Saturday. He'll miss Monday's clash with the Washington Capitals.

Drew Doughty is a big name in the Winter Olympics, having won two gold medals for his country in 2010 and 2014. And he’s one of the best defensive players that hockey has seen this generation, and the veteran has long made it clear that he wants another chance at bringing home the gold. 

After missing the 2018 and 2022 Olympics due to scheduling conflicts and COVID-19, the Milan-Cortina could be his final shot. But, with this injury arriving mid-November, just around the time when Canada is evaluating its long list of candidates for the team, the window is slowly closing for Doughty. 

PuckEmpire (@puckempire) on X Brutal news, Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty left the arena in a walking boot tonight. He's hopeful to make Team Canada at the 2026 Olympics, so a brutal injury for him and LA.

Here is where Doughty stands as of right now with the other leading contenders for Team Canada. 

Lock Tier (High Chance)

Cale Makar (COL) - The Best defenseman on the planet. 

Owen Power (BUF) - Future star of Canada who made his debut in the 2022 Winter Olympics at 19 years old. 

Strong Contenders

Aaron Ekblad (FLA) - Healthy and still is one of the best two-way defenders in the league. 

Bowen Byram (BUF) - Young legs who can be a perfect addition to Team Canada with veteran leadership surrounding him.

Noah Dobson (MC) - Dobson's size, mobility, and ability to move the puck align with what the Canadiens are looking for in their philosophy. The strong start he has with the Canadians is also giving him a great chance. 

Bubble Tier (Doughty’s Group)

Drew Doughty

Mackenzie Weegar 

Dougie Hamilton

Thomas Chabot

Why The Injury Matters More For Doughty Than Others

For a younger player, a two or three-week absence from injury wouldn’t shift their Olympic considerations. But, given Doughty’s age and how his game relies on athleticism and speed, it will be hard to tell how he will come back at this stage in his career. 

Coming back from this injury puts heavy pressure on whether he can be trusted to play heavy minutes in high-leverage moments, on his performance in clutch situations, and on his speed against young legs. 

He Still Has A Chance

If the injury isn’t as serious as we think, and Doughty comes back playing well again, he will have a high chance of qualifying for Canada. Also, if Canada decides they want a veteran anchor on their team to help mentor the younger dynamic players, Doughty becomes a strong candidate.