8 more years of 8

That sound you just heard wasn’t America celebrating it’s birthday, or even a cheer for the weekend. That was the collective cheer that Norris Trophy winner, two time Gold medalist, two time Stanley Cup Champion Drew Doughty is staying in Los Angeles for 8 more years.*

*Does not apply to Toronto Maple Leaf fans

Doughty, who has played 770 regular season games and 84 post-season games with the Kings since he was drafted in 2008, was the Kings biggest question mark this season, as his UFA status at the end of 2019 weighed heavy on many minds. After his entry level contract expired in 2011, he refused the Kings initial offer of $6.8 million for 7 years. He had been nominated for the Norris trophy for the first time the season before, only the second King to have done so (Rob Blake being the other.) Kings management didn’t want to pay him more than Anze Kopitar’s contract, but ultimately conceded to his current $7 million, 8 year contract. It paid off – after he signed on September 29, 2011, the Kings went on the win the Stanley Cup for the first time that season, helped by Doughty’s 16 points in 20 games, the highest point total of any defenseman. (Even more impressive considering the Kings played almost the fewest games played to reach the level of raising Lord Stanley.) So while Doughty has stated unequivocally that he wants to stay in Los Angeles, we’ve heard that before (cough Milan Lucic cough.)

Unlike last time, the two parties didn’t seem to have any issues, and seemed to reach an agreement quite easily, a full year before Doughty was set to become a UFA. And like last time, he will receive more than current Selke trophy winner Anze Kopitar, who’s contract was a huge source on contention last season. His $10 million contract seemed a big hit against the cap, so it’s sure that fans with balk at an $11 million hit for Doughty on top of that. They’d be wrong. (I mean do I really need to assail you with details of Doughty’s greatness? His time on ice is the highest in the league for a reason. He’s been nominated for the Norris in 2010, 2015, won in 2016, and was nominated again this season. He’s been part of the All Star team four years running, and when he’s on the ice, chances are no one on the other team is scoring. And goodness he’s just fun to watch.) With Dustin Brown locked up until 2021 and Jonathan Quick until 2022, the Kings core necessary to make any Cup run successful is firmly in place. And with no cloud over their heads, Doughty and co. can focus solely on that. (Well, he’s getting married in August, so once he’s back from his honeymoon. Then they can focus on the Cup.)