Los Angeles Kings defenceman Drew Doughty could be close to making his season debut.
Doughty wore a full-contact jersey during Wednesday's practice and will join the Kings for their upcoming five-game road trip, according to Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period.
The 35-year-old Doughty has yet to play this season after fracturing his ankle during a pre-season game in October and undergoing surgery.
Doughty appeared in all 82 games during the regular season in 2023-24 and recorded 15 goals and 35 assists for 50 points. He also chipped in two goals and three assists in five playoff games.
The London, Ont., native was drafted second overall by the Kings in 2008. He has 669 points (156 goals and 513 assists) in 1,177 career games over 16 seasons with the franchise. Doughty won the Stanley Cup with the Kings in 2012 and 2014 and earned the Norris Trophy as the league's top defenceman in 2016.
Los Angeles (25-14-5) is third in the Pacific Division with one win in his past five games. The Kings host the Florida Panthers on Wednesday night before hitting the road to face the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday.
Watch the Kings take on the defending Stanley Cup champion Panthers live on Sportsnet 360 and Sportsnet+ starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.
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