Los Angeles Kings' Drew Doughty in negotiation process, expects a deal soon – NHL offseason Update
It might be a mysterious to why have not Los Angeles Kings worked out a deal with one of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) top defenseman, Drew Doughty. According to Los Angeles Kings general manager, Dean Lombardi, the negotiation process is under way
and a contract signing could be expected in the upcoming weeks if not days.
"This isn't a standoff like we've been seeing in Washington", Lombardi said regairding Doughty's re-signing issues. "I'm fairly confident that we'll be able to get this done".
Drew Doughty, a 21-year-old defender from London, Ontario, Canada, was selected as the second overall pick during round-one of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by Los Angeles.
The 6-foot, 212lbs player has certainly been living up to expectations during his three-year, entry level contract which he signed before the 2008-2009 season.
During his first season, Doughty became a regular player for LA and managed to pick up 27 points (6 goals, 21 assists) in 81 games. The following season was his career best as he played all 82 games and potted an impressive 59 points (16 goals, 43 assists).
Last season, Doughty was limited to 76 games but still managed to score 40 points (11 goals, 29 assists) along with a plus-minus rating of 13 and 68 penalty minutes.
Earlier in July, Don Meehan, one of Doughty’s representatives termed the negotiation process as something that would give the restricted free agent what he wanted.
“I think he’d be happy to stay if we agree upon terms that are acceptable to him”, Meehan said. “And those are our instructions, to negotiate with L.A. on that basis to secure something that he’d be happy with”.
It was also learned that Los Angeles could be offering a megadeal to the young defenseman, a nine-year contract which could be worth a whopping $6.5 million per year.
Having a defenseman of Drew Doughty’s calibre is certainly a blessing for any NHL team, and it is expected that they will flex their salary cap to ensure he continues to play for them, well into his prime.
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