A regular occurrence at the NHL Draft is that the first pick is the highest touted offensive player, and the second pick is the highest praised defensemen. In the 2008 draft, the LA Kings picked a prized d-man in Drew Doughty. After a solid rookie campaign, Doughty has opened up this year; on the verge of his breakout season.
The 6'0'' 211 lb. London, Ontario, native grew up watching the London Knights (Ontario Hockey League), his local junior team; however he ended up playing three impressive seasons with the Guelph Storm.
Doughty also got to play for Team Canada in the World Junior Championships during the '06-'07 season recording a goal and 6 assists in 9 games. There may be more opportunities for international play down the line in this young man's career.
Coming into his rookie season, Doughty was pegged as a calm, puck-moving defenseman as he emulated the game of Nicklas Lidstrom. In his rookie season last year, he netted 3 goals and 27 points.
This year, 26 games in, he has already equaled those 6 goals from the previous year. In addition, he's looking better in all areas of the game compared to his rookie season, equaling his powerplay goals, doubling his game winning goals and shooting three times more accurately.
Still a kid at 19 years old, he can be often found on the bench singing whatever pump-up song is currently playing and lightening up his teammates with his humor. The LA Kings are coming alive this year with improved play from Anze Kopitar, another LA prospect success story -- they'll be even happier to see their top blueline prospect perform at a similar level.
With his placement on a hot team coupled with his ability to be a key in big wins, let's expect to see Doughty continue on his current journey to big-name status.
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For your viewing pleasure Drew Doughty's first NHL goal.
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