Drew Doughty Eyes New Contract With Kings
The veteran defenseman hopes to extend his career in Los Angeles past the age of 40.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Hockey
Live Poll
Would you take a pay cut to stay with your favorite local sports team?
At 37 years old, Drew Doughty has expressed his desire to sign a new contract to remain with the Los Angeles Kings. The veteran defenseman is currently in the final season of his eight-year, $88 million deal.
Why it matters
Doughty aims to finish his professional career in Los Angeles and believes he can maintain his high-level play beyond his 40th birthday. Despite current team struggles, he remains committed to securing a team-friendly extension to stay with the franchise.
Doughty is currently averaging 20:58 of ice time per game this season, a decrease from his 23:05 average during the 72 games played in the 2025-26 campaign. The Kings hold a 2-5-2 record, while Doughty has recorded one assist in nine appearances.
The players
Drew Doughty
He is a long-time professional hockey defenseman who has spent his entire NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings organization.
Ken Holland
He is a veteran hockey executive who is currently involved in personnel decisions for the Los Angeles Kings franchise.
Los Angeles Kings
The team is a professional NHL franchise based in California that has employed Doughty since he entered the league in 2008.
The details
Doughty, who was selected second overall in the 2008 NHL Draft, intends to pursue a team-friendly deal after Ken Holland confirmed no extension would be offered during the summer. The defenseman remains focused on health management to sustain his performance level for the remainder of his playing career.
Timeline
2008: Doughty selected second overall in NHL Draft
2010: Doughty won Olympic gold medal
2012: Doughty helped Kings win Stanley Cup
June 2026: Ken Holland announced no summer contract extension
October 2026: Doughty expressed intention to sign new contract
Season Trajectory
The push for a new deal follows the disappointment of the 2026 playoffs where the Colorado Avalanche swept the Los Angeles Kings. Doughty is now working to stabilize his future as the team looks to rebound from its current 2-5-2 standing in the Pacific Division.
Doughty's status will significantly impact the team's salary-cap flexibility moving into the next offseason. His current usage and performance metrics serve as the primary indicator for whether the front office will prioritize a long-term veteran extension.
The takeaway
Doughty remains a central figure for the Kings as he attempts to align his desire for longevity with the franchise's competitive timeline. Players aiming for long-term career extensions often focus on evolving their physical preparation to match the demands of the modern game.
Further reading
For more news on the team, visit Los Angeles Hockey.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TSN.
Live Poll
Would you take a pay cut to stay with your favorite local sports team?
