REALITY CHECK: He may be the next captain but the LA Kings need to reevaluate Drew Doughty's role

The Los Angeles Kings face a decision as Drew Doughty's future comes into sharp focus. With age and diminishing offensive stats, should Doughty take on a reduced role, or is he still vital as the Kings' top defenseman and likely next captain? Eddie Garcia reevaluates Doughty’s legacy, his recent performance alongside Brandt Clarke’s rise, and the franchise’s plans for contract extensions as the Kings look to balance sentiment with on-ice results. Key topics include the impact of Doughty’s leadership after Anze Kopitar’s retirement and speculation on the Kings’ next head coach—with names like Jay Woodcroft and Bruce Cassidy in the mix. Plus: Auston Matthews likely stays with the Toronto Maple Leafs after the draft lottery shakes up expectations, and a Kings rival bolsters its roster with a top pick. Can the Kings evolve while honoring their franchise icon? 00:00 Drew Doughty's Future with Kings 10:58 Doughty’s Captaincy & Contract Outlook 21:05 NHL Draft Lottery & Coaching Search Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: lockedonlakings.supercast.com/ Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. 5-Hour ENERGY The Cotton Candy flavor is HERE on https://5hourEnergy.com or Amazon, crack open Cotton Candy 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today! Rugiet Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men. QuoMake this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away.Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go tohttp://Quo.com/lockedonnhl.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.