The Los Angeles Kings will face a franchise-defining question when defenseman Drew Doughty – the final player remaining from their 2014 Stanley Cup win – faces free agency in 2027. The 18-year pro has said that he wants to end his career in Los Angeles, and even expressed a desire to take on the captaincy, but Los Angeles won’t be rushing a decision. The Kings aren’t expected to immediately sign Doughty when he becomes eligible for an extension on July 1st, and will instead wait until after the 2026-27 to negotiate a deal, per Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
It is clear that Doughty’s career is beginning to slow down. He looked a step behind opponents at times this season and finished with only 23 points in 72 games – a career-low scoring pace. Doughty remained in a top-pair role despite those struggles, continuing a streak of averaging at least 23 minutes a night that spans back to his rookie season. That run could come to an end next season. Doughty is a decade removed from his 2016 Norris Trophy win and facing pressure for his top-defender title from rising youngster Brandt Clarke. Waiting a year to negotiate with Doughty good give Los Angeles a chance to see that change in power take effect – and find a price for Doughty’s new role in the lineup.
While his play is slipping, Doughty would be a hard player to let go. He has deep roots in the Kings’ organizataion and holds the franchise record for points (709) and games played (1,279). He had recent flashes of solid play, too – only two seasons removed from a 50-point season that seemed set to repeat until a fractured ankle derailed his 2024-25 season. Doughty returned to the 2025-26 season a step slower, and less physical – but could return to a cushy lineup role if either attribute returns with a run of good health.
Los Angeles could lead another pillar of their two Stanley Cup wins into a captaincy and smooth retirement by signing Doughty to a new deal. They could also choose to part from their previous era and embrace a new age led by Quinton Byfield, Artemi Panarin, and Clarke.
That decision will fall in the hands of recently-hired general manager Ken Holland, who managed the Detroit Red Wings and Edmonton Oilers through Los Angeles’ heyday in the 2010s. He will be familiar with what made the former Kings great, and how the club could back to those heights with their young core – two factors that should directly contribute to negotiations with Doughty. Much more important will be how the challenge that the 36-year-old Doughty faces to revitalize his play after a down year.
