Monarchs' Doughty to have operation on fractured ankle
The Los Angeles Kings' standout defender, Drew Doughty, will have surgery to fix a broken left ankle, as announced by the team on Friday.
The perennial All-Star's status is listed as month-to-month.
Doughty, who is 34 years old, sustained the injury during Wednesday night's 3-2 preseason victory over the Vegas Golden Knights in Las Vegas.
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Doughty was the recipient of the Norris Trophy for the NHL's best defenseman in 2015-16 and was a key player in the Kings' Stanley Cup wins in 2012 and 2014.
The injury occurred in the first period while he was battling with the Golden Knights' Tanner Pearson. Doughty attempted to play the puck, but his left leg collided with the boards, causing him to be assisted off the ice.
According to multiple media reports, Doughty was seen on Thursday at the Kings' practice facility in El Segundo, California, wearing a protective boot and using a knee scooter.
Kings' captain Anze Kopitar stated, "We can't change what happened now. We know Drew will do everything in his power to return as soon as possible, and we'll have to play without him for the time being."
Doughty is consistently among the league's top players in minutes per game, and last season was no exception. He ranked second with an average of 25 minutes and 48 seconds, just behind the Washington Capitals' John Carlson (25:54). Doughty also led all Kings' defensemen in scoring with 15 goals and 35 assists in 82 games.
The London, Ontario native is entering his 17th NHL season after being selected second overall in the 2008 draft. He has recorded 156 goals, 513 assists, and a plus-60 plus-minus in 1,177 career games.
