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Drew Doughty #8 of the Los Angeles Kings looks on prior to the game against the Colorado Avalanche in Game Four of the First Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gary A. Vasquez/NHLI via Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Kings have entered the offseason with renewed attention on their defensive core after Brandt Clarke’s five-year contract extension. The move not only solidifies the organization's commitment to its young defenseman, but it also opens up new speculation regarding the future of veteran blueliner Drew Doughty.Although Kings general manager Ken Holland has indicated extension discussions with Doughty will wait until after the season, league insiders believe the situation could become one of the NHL's most closely watched contract storylines if both sides fail to align on plans.
Los Angeles Kings evaluate Drew Doughty NHL future after Brandt Clarke extension
The Los Angeles Kings likely will spend the 2026-27 NHL season evaluating Drew Doughty’s future before deciding on whether to try to sign him to an extension or look at their options.
The signing of Brandt Clarke to a new five-year deal has bolstered the team’s long-range plans on defence, making Doughty’s situation one of the biggest storylines entering the season.
| Category | Details |
| Player | Drew Doughty |
| Current Team | Los Angeles Kings |
| Position | Defenseman |
| Shoots | Left |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Birthplace | London, Ontario, Canada |
| Age | Born on December 8, 1989 |
| Draft Information | Selected 2nd overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the Los Angeles Kings. |
| NHL Experience | Longtime franchise defenseman and one of the longest-serving players in Los Angeles Kings history. |
| Contract Status | Entering the final year of an $11 million AAV contract during the 2026-27 NHL season. |
| Contract Extension Outlook | General manager Ken Holland has indicated extension discussions are expected after the 2026-27 season. |
| Main Concern for Los Angeles Kings | Balancing Drew Doughty's future while transitioning Brandt Clarke into the organization's top defenseman role. |
| Why Brandt Clarke's Extension Matters | The five-year extension reinforces the Los Angeles Kings' long-term commitment to the young defenseman as a cornerstone of the blue line. |
| Trade Speculation | League insiders have suggested the situation could become comparable to Jonathan Quick's departure if contract expectations differ. |
| Why Drew Doughty Still Holds Value | Despite advancing in age, he remains a respected leader with elite hockey IQ, championship experience, and the ability to contribute in a reduced role. |
| Career Achievements | Two-time Stanley Cup champion, multiple-time NHL All-Star, and Olympic gold medalist with Team Canada. |
| Leadership Role | Considered one of the franchise's most influential veterans alongside Anze Kopitar during the Kings' championship era. |
| Potential Contract Sticking Point | Reports suggest Los Angeles may prefer shorter-term deals, while Drew Doughty could seek a longer commitment to continue his NHL career. |
| Possible Outcome | The Kings could negotiate a short-term extension, allow him to enter free agency, or explore a trade if contract talks stall. |
| League-Wide Impact | Drew Doughty's future is expected to remain one of the NHL's most closely watched veteran contract storylines throughout the 2026-27 season. |
Brandt Clarke's extension signals a changing defensive hierarchy
The five-year extension for Brandt Clarke shows the Los Angeles Kings believe the young defenseman will be a cornerstone of their future blue line. Good underlying numbers and consistent play last year have him in line for more responsibility, including top-pair minutes and a bigger role on the power play and penalty kill.
Drew Doughty remains valuable despite contract uncertainty
Drew Doughty is in the final year of his contract, earning $11 million against the cap each season. The veteran blueliner continues to bring leadership, elite hockey IQ and experience from two Stanley Cup championships and many international tournaments, but his role has grown naturally from earlier stages of his career.As it stands, there’s no indication that the Los Angeles Kings are looking to trade Drew Doughty. But if the veteran wants a multi-year deal and the team prefers shorter-term contracts, both sides may have to take a long look at their future together.
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