In a post on X (formerly Twitter), NHL insider Kevin Weekes wrote, "With the return of Doughty to [the Kings] lineup, [Brandt] Clarke—who leads the team in PTS by [a defenseman]—appears to be a healthy scratch tonight."

The calling card of the Kings during their championship years (2012, 2014), led by Doughty and center Anze Kopitar, was being a heavy, possession-savvy team, and their shot attempts percentage at 5-on-5 has once again been near the top of the NHL over the past four seasons: Kings’ recent SAT% percentages:

Los Angeles Kings star Drew Doughty practiced for the first time on Monday since sustaining an ankle injury in September. Drew Doughty's return could be on the horizon for the Los Angeles Kings. The veteran, who broke his ankle in late September in ...

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty is nearing his long-awaited return from a preseason ankle injury and has his sights set on more than just rejoining his NHL team. With Alex Pietrangelo withdrawing from the 4 Nations Face-Off, Doughty sees an opportunity to once again represent Team Canada.

Doughty plays about 24 minutes in his season debut but the Kings fall, 3-0, and have lost seven of their past nine games, scoring just 15 goals in that stretch.

The first major impact that Doughty will add is that once he is back in the mix, his presence should reshape the defensive lineup, potentially pushing players with strong seasons into reduced roles. The Kings' goaltending is much to thank for why it's been difficult to score on them; the team allows the single-most shots on goal per game.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Drew Doughty will make season debut for the Los Angeles Kings against the Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena on Wednesday (7 p.m. ET; FDSNW, SCRIPPS, TVAS-D).

Kings defenseman Drew Doughty will make his season debut after recovering from October surgery to repair a fractured left ankle.

Auston Matthews will serve as captain for the United States in the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off, and his team is the only one involved without a glaring injury question to answer.

Though there's still season left to play, the Edmonton Oilers will likely face one of these four teams in the first round of the playoffs.

As the 4-Nations Face-Off tournament and the resulting break loom in February, the Tampa Bay Lightning are seeking one key as January comes to a close: normalcy.