Kings’ Jim Hiller Offers Major Injury Update on Drew Doughty

Drew Doughty is inching closer and closer to making a return to the Los Angeles Kings.

Doughty practiced with the Kings on Monday for the first time since suffering a broken left ankle in a preseason game against the Vegas Golden Knights on Sept. 25.

Head coach Jim Hiller gave a positive assessment of Doughty’s progress following his reunion with the Kings.

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“Drew has really, really put a lot of work in. Couldn’t even explain the depths of what he’s had to do to get to this point today. The hard work is starting to pay off. He sees the finish line.”

The two-time Stanley Cup-winning defenseman took part in practice wearing a non-contact jersey, engaging in three- and four-man drills. He also skated solo at the opposite end of the rink while his teammates worked on special teams.

At 35, Doughty is still anchoring the back end for the Kings. He scored 50 points in all 82 games last season and was No. 2 overall in the NHL in time on ice average (25:48).

“It was awesome,” forward Trevor Moore said. “We missed Drew a lot; I think it’s no secret. His energy, his elite hockey sense is missed on our team, so we’re happy to see him out there.”

Doughty’s presence isn’t only large from his all-world level play, but the voice he brings to the locker room mix.

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“He was already hooting and hollering out there the first day back, so it’s great to have him,” forward Trevor Lewis said.

It’s still unknown when Doughty will be able to return to game action.

“You can ask that question. I don’t know when, and that’s the honest answer,” Hiller said. “But I would say this, it’s coming. It’s coming, and it’s hopefully not too far away.”

Defensively, the Kings are in no rush for Doughty’s return as they allow the single fewest goals per game. Though their power play is severely struggling, dwelling at No. 29 overall.

The Kings sit comfortably in the playoffs, ranking third in the Pacific Division with 55 points. They catapulted with a five-game win streak they carried over into the new year, but have now lost three of their last four.

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