LeBrun: Kings’ Drew Doughty still a throwback, even as he looks to evolve

The Intricacies of Complimenting a Veteran Player

When it comes to complimenting a veteran player by telling them they look like their younger self, there are two potential interpretations. On the one hand, the player may appreciate the recognition of their recent excellent performances and take the comment at face value. On the other hand, some players may see it as a backhanded compliment, implying that they haven’t been as good in recent years.

During a recent episode of the Got Yer Back podcast, which I co-host with Ryan Rishaug, I had the opportunity to suggest to Drew Doughty that he seemed to have found the fountain of youth with his current level of play. Much to my relief, Doughty didn’t take any offense and instead embraced the comment. The 33-year-old Los Angeles Kings star acknowledged that he has been playing with a more offensive mindset lately.

Doughty explained, “I’m definitely playing with a lot more offense in my game. I’m trying to make more things happen. I realized that I used to take over games more frequently in the past, and I want to bring that aspect back to my playing style.”

These remarks from Doughty were particularly meaningful because they originated from a conversation he had with his close friend and former defense partner, Jake Muzzin. Muzzin reminded Doughty of his ability to dominate games, which struck a chord with the veteran defenseman.

Doughty shared, “When Muzz said that to me, I realized that I need to start doing that again. There have been certain instances this year where I’ve been able to step up, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m focused on elevating my offensive game.”

Throughout his career, Doughty has transitioned from being an offensive-minded defenseman to primarily focusing on the defensive aspects of the game. Now, he wants to regain that offensive prowess that made him such a force early on. As he stated, “I may have become too fixated on defense, neglecting the offensive side of the puck. I’ve worked hard this summer to reintegrate that component into my game. I’ve studied videos and observed other players to improve my offensive skills.”

It’s truly fascinating when an elite player like Doughty is willing to divulge his thought process regarding tinkering with his craft. It’s reminiscent of a musician revealing how a hit song came together. Moreover, the fact that Doughty values Muzzin’s opinion so highly speaks volumes about the mutual respect they share. This explains why the Toronto Maple Leafs made an effort to retain Muzzin within their organization, recognizing his valuable contributions.

Furthermore, Doughty’s continuous pursuit of improvement is noteworthy. Despite possessing an impressive resume, which includes two Stanley Cup victories, two Olympic gold medals, and a Norris Trophy, Doughty remains unsatisfied with his accomplishments. He constantly pushes himself to reach higher levels and appreciates any insights he can gain from his peers.

Doughty expressed, “There are many guys I’ve played with who would tell me the truth and offer similar perspectives, but my relationship with Muzzin is exceptional. We’re always brutally honest with each other, even if it may be difficult to hear. I always welcome constructive criticism. I value the honesty we share and the connections I have with my former teammates.”

I find it inspiring how the bond forged by winning the Stanley Cup together endures even after all these years, even after Muzzin’s departure from the Kings. Turning to the specifics of Doughty’s game adjustments, he mentioned his aversion to high flip passes from defensemen to forwards. Despite his personal dislike for this strategy, he understands the evolving nature of the game and acknowledges the need to adapt.

Doughty admitted, “It frustrates me when I see guys resorting to high-flipping the puck without making plays. They end up creating odd-man rushes. However, I recognize that I have to incorporate that element into my game. The game is changing, and I must change along with it.”

Witnessing a veteran star like Doughty embracing this adjustment can have a profound impact on younger teammates. There’s an inherent selflessness in his approach that rubs off on others. Nevertheless, Doughty also possesses a healthy ego, as evidenced by his enjoyment of playing extensive minutes and relishing the top defensive matchups assigned to him by the coaching staff.

For example, in the last two playoff series, Doughty frequently faced off against Connor McDavid, a formidable opponent. Doughty remarked, “Those matchups and the opportunity to shut down players like McDavid mean more to me than scoring a goal. I take immense pride in those matchups, as I have for a long time. If the coach didn’t put me on the ice against him, I’d be sitting on the bench, frustrated, wondering why I’m not out there.”

At the same time, Doughty admitted that going up against McDavid can be daunting. He emphasized, “It’s not necessarily scary, but facing McDavid makes me think, ‘Oh no, I need to perform my best, but there’s a high chance he’ll outplay me at some point. He’s just that good.'”

Despite the challenges, Doughty embraces these matchups wholeheartedly, striving to be an imposing force on the ice. His desire to be a difficult player to compete against is a sentiment shared by many top players.

Speaking of contentious relationships on the ice, during our podcast, when asked about the opponent he most respected but also despised, Doughty’s response aligned perfectly with my prediction. Without hesitation, he named Joe Thornton. Doughty playfully referred to Thornton as a “dirty little bugger” and acknowledged the instances of cheap shots he experienced from the legendary forward. However, he made it clear that he held Thornton in high regard and enjoyed spending time with him off the ice.

This encapsulates the essence of hockey. Players can have intense animosity on the ice but forge friendships outside the rink. Drew Doughty exemplifies an old-school hockey mentality within a skillset perfectly suited for today’s game.

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