Without Drew Doughty, Who Will Fill the Hole for the Kings?
The Kings could be without defenseman Drew Doughty, as the restricted free agent has still yet to sign his second profession contract, just eight days from the start of training camp. If the talented defenseman holds out, who should the Kings turn to?
Drewiske (left) and Muzzin (right) will fight for a roster spot this month, especially if Drew Doughty holds out.
There’s a few options for the Kings, including Davis Drewiske, Jake Muzzin, Voynov and Thomas Hickey. While the 26-year-old Drewiske is safest best to line up alongside Matt Greene in the Kings’ third defensive pairing, a missing Doughty would finally open the door for the young trio of defensemen who have yet to make their mark on the NHL.
Muzzin made the team a year ago with a solid camp, only to be replaced by Alec Martinez last November. He had a solid half season as a Manchester Monarch of the AHL, posting 18 points in 43 games before returning to Los Angeles for July’s Development Camp. In camp, he once again showed is foritude, as the 22-year-old was clearly the best player on the ice each shift. Here’s what I had to say about Muzzin back in July:
"He was almost toying with the other prospects by moving the puck efficiently, creating an offensive role on defense, and staying his ground on the back-check. It will be interesting just how much of a run at Martinez he give in training camp, and surely it’s a depth problem that the Kings love having."
You have to think that Muzzin would get Martinez a run for his money, even he he’s never given the shot at spelling Doughty during a prolonged contract dispute.
In addition to Muzzin, 21-year-old Russian Vyacheslav Voynov could get his big break. A perceived threat to bolt for the KHL if doesn’t wind up in the NHL soon, Voynov boosts absolute speed, winning the AHL’s Fastest Skater competition earlier this year. With a stout defense like the Kings featuring Rob Scuderi and Matt Greene, speed hasn’t exactly been the calling card for the Kings. A shot of Voynov would be an interesting combo along side of Matt Greene, not to mention a strong addition of offense. Voynov has scored 33 goals in three seasons in Manchester, totaling 15 goals and 51 points last season.
A Doughty-less Kings squad would desperately be in search of offensive creativity on the blueline, and Voynov would immediately be the Kings’ second best offensive defenseman behind the inconsistent Jack Johnson.
Here’s what Eric Clooney of ProSportsBlogging had to say last month about this very same issue:
"If the Kings don’t get Doughty locked up by the start of the regular season there are plenty of options to step in for him as a placeholder. There is already likely to be tough competition at camp between Martinez (who has the inside track), Muzzin (who impressed in a few games last year), Voynov (who many feel is NHL ready), Deslauriers (who had an impressive year in the “Q”), and Hickey (who started to round his game into form last season). While losing out on Doughty for any number of games is a loss, the Kings defense can survive a short while without him. Maybe something like:Johnson – ScuderiMitchell – MartinezGreene – Voynov"
Other than Drewiske, Muzzin and Voyvov, Nicolas Deslauriers and Thomas Hickey could looks as well. But even without Drew Doughty, if there’s one thing the Kings can be certain, it’s the defensive depth. There’s definitely plenty of it.
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