Kings' Doughty skates ahead of anticipated recovery schedule

Los Angeles Kings defenceman Drew Doughty (8) looks on during a break in the action while playing against the Toronto Maple Leafs. (Nathan Denette/CP)

Los Angeles Kings defenceman Drew Doughty skated with the team in a non-contact jersey on Friday, putting him ahead of schedule in his recovery from a knee injury.

Doughty was injured by an knee-to-knee hit from Dallas defenceman Jani Hakanpaa on Oct. 22. After the injury, the Kings said it would be six weeks before Doughty started skating again and eight weeks until he could return to the lineup.

The Kings have not said if there is an updated timetable for Doughty.

"When it comes to practice, he's probably not pounding the door down saying he wants more out there, but it was amazing to see him excited out there today, and that's good for our group. We need that," Kings coach Todd McLellan said, per NHL.com.

Doughty is a two-time Stanley Cup champion and a two-time Olympic gold medalist for Canada.

The native of London, Ont., has one goal and six assists in four games this season.

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