from Lisa Dillman of The Athletic,

Drew Doughty knew there would be pain. He realized that last season.

But Doughty certainly didn’t anticipate the Kings’ struggles would last this long and run quite this deep. What looks to be their continuing membership in the Lottery Club is difficult to accept for someone with Doughty’s winning pedigree — a two-time Stanley Cup champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist and Norris Trophy winner in 2016.

“It’s frustrating. Being one of the top guys, I never expected to be (in this position). I always expected that I would be able to help push my team to a playoff spot every single year,” Doughty said. “But now back-to-back years, being in last place, it’s been stressful and depressing a little bit.

“Sometimes you’ve got to sit back and realize you don’t have the team you once had.”

continued (paid)

Doughty's AAV is $11M through the 2026-27 season.

Full contract details.