Norris Trophy finalist Drew Doughty is looking to land a new, long-term deal with the Los Angeles Kings, and has affirmed his commitment to staying in Los Angeles.
“I always wanted to be an L.A. King and I want to stay an L.A. King,” Doughty said on Friday, according to NHL.com’s Dan Greenspan. “I can’t remember what day we can start talking, but I’m sure we will when the time comes.”
Doughty will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2019, and while the Kings can sign him to a new deal at that time, Doughty has made it clear that he looking for more money that Nashville Predators’ P.K Subban makes.
Despite an early exit from the playoffs, Doughty sees big things for the Kings.
“(General manager) Rob Blake and (president of business operations) Luc Robitaille, they took this job because they want to win and they want to transform this team into their winning ways again,” Doughty said. “Whether or not they do a lot in the offseason, I don’t know, but we have these young guys coming up that I think are going to make a difference. I think that shows me how much potential we have in the future and I’m good with it and I’m happy to hopefully re-sign here.”
