Gruesome Drew Doughty Injury A Big Blow For LA Kings

This is why preseason games are the bane of every front office's existence. In a meaningless exhibition contest Wednesday night, Los Angeles Kings star defenseman Drew Doughty suffered a gruesome-looking ankle injury. X-Rays have confirmed a fracture. 

Doughty Update: Sources say #LAKings defenseman Drew Doughty sustained a left ankle injury. Initial quick x-ray showed a fracture, but he's scheduled for additional imaging today. Hope is that it is only a fracture and not additional structural damage.

Timeline TBD.

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) September 26, 2024

Per insider Frank Seravalli, further imaging on Thursday will determine if any other structural damage was incurred by the 34-year-old former Norris Trophy winner. For now, there is no timeline for his return.

Doughty went into the side boards to battle for a puck and fell awkwardly, his left leg and ankle bending in an unnatural direction.

Oh this doesn’t look good! Check out this video from @stevekouleas Doughty could be seriously injured here. #GoKingsGo
pic.twitter.com/4DogCZ3kfy

— Mike @ Top Shelf Hockey (@topshelfhkyvids) September 26, 2024

An extended absence by Doughty will leave a massive hole on the Kings' blueline. The first-pairing D-man is counted on for over 25 minutes a night and 50 points a season. He has received Norris votes in nearly all of his 16 NHL seasons. 

Doughty has an $11 million cap hit, but it remains to be seen if his absence will be long enough for the Kings to be able to place him on LTIR, which would give them that cap relief to find a solid replacement. 

The Kings will also be hoping that a couple of young emerging blueliners will take the opportunity to step up and help fill the void, like Brandt Clarke, 21, and Jordan Spence, 23, who has a chance now for plenty more ice time from the 14 minutes he averaged in his first full season last year. 

Doughty recorded 15 goals and 50 points last season, with a plus/minus of +15.