OT: So What's The Deal With Drew Doughty?

[Everyday I'm Byfuglien]

Reading a recent article reminded me that Doughty still hasn't signed a deal with the kings. According to ESPN, he won't report to training camp until he has a new deal:

...his availability for the start of the Kings' training camp remains uncertain, thanks to a stalemate in contract talks. Doughty and his representatives haven't talked to the Kings in almost a month and the blue-chip defenseman will not attend camp until a contract is signed, agent Don Meehan told ESPN.com.

Anyone know what he's looking for (besides the obvious A LOTTA CASH)? He's really good (I loved his play in the Olympics) and he's super young with a ton of upside, but how has he not signed a deal yet? Weber getting a ton and Keith's monster contract are probably shaping his view, but at 21 years old on a strong team, would it really be horrible if he signed a short deal before getting his long term pay day?

:thinking:

 

[Jntg4]

He wants to be traded to the Blackhawks for nothing in return...

 

[Everyday I'm Byfuglien]

Actually I heard the Kings were seeking Huet in return.

 

[TheChicagoFan]

Actually I heard the Kings were seeking Huet in return.

That would be the smartest move ever. LETS DO IT!! :crazydance:

 

[LonghornBob]

I'd trade Huet for Drew Doughty's autograph.

 

[Captain Iago]

I'd trade Huet for Drew Doughty's autograph.

I'm sure Rocky would go bananas for that deal, too.

 

[DewsSox79]

Reading a recent article reminded me that Doughty still hasn't signed a deal with the kings. According to ESPN, he won't report to training camp until he has a new deal:

...his availability for the start of the Kings' training camp remains uncertain, thanks to a stalemate in contract talks. Doughty and his representatives haven't talked to the Kings in almost a month and the blue-chip defenseman will not attend camp until a contract is signed, agent Don Meehan told ESPN.com.

Anyone know what he's looking for (besides the obvious A LOTTA CASH)? He's really good (I loved his play in the Olympics) and he's super young with a ton of upside, but how has he not signed a deal yet? Weber getting a ton and Keith's monster contract are probably shaping his view, but at 21 years old on a strong team, would it really be horrible if he signed a short deal before getting his long term pay day?

:thinking:

Too risky.

 

[HawkWriter]

^^^ For who? Real risky for both the Kings and Doughty to not have a contract. Really hard to get a feel for this situation. I could easily see them locking Doughty up for 1 year at 6Mil+ and then having to deal with the same situation next year. Kind of what the Preds had to do with Weber this year (even though he had arbitration rights) and they are going to have to deal with Weber being a RFA again next offseason.

 

[Everyday I'm Byfuglien]

Recent article:

Drew Doughty, and a Question for LA Kings Fans: Is This the Leader You Want? | Bleacher Report


He has already reportedly turned down a nine-year deal worth $6.5 million.
...
My question is a simple one.

Looking at the offers Doughty has turned down, it is clear that being one of the highest paid blueliners in the league is more important than winning to him. It isn't like LA lowballed him like Nashville did with Weber.

$6.5 million is Nicklas Lidstrom money. And that guy is arguably better than Doughty, and he is over 40. Doughty has a lot of upside. No one questions that. And he is an outstanding hockey player.

But, with what he has shown this summer, is he the guy that could lead the Kings to a Cup? Is this a guy who puts winning above all else?


Some valid questions being asked. Also recently written was an article discussing whether or not LA should trade his rights:

NHL Free Agents: Should the L.A. Kings Consider Trading Drew Doughty's Rights? | Bleacher Report


If anything, this makes me appreciate the way the Hawks dealt with Keith's (along with Kane and Toews) huge extension. :clap:

 

[HawkWriter]

^^^ My guess is that Doughty would have more of an issue with the 9 years instead of the $6.5Mil. After an arbitrator awarded Weber 7.5Mil and Stamkos is getting $7.5Mil, you have to figure that Doughty could get awarded around $7Mil or that $7Mil is possibly market value for him. Both Doughty/Weber are young (doughty younger), both have been candidates for the Norris in the last two years, both were on Team Canada, and both are obviously up and coming (or already here) defenders in the NHL.

9 years would eliminate a whole lot of UFA possibilities for Doughty. I think around 5 - 6 years (See Kane, Toews, Stamkos) is the fair market value in terms of years for a player of Doughty's age and talent.

Also, bringing up Lidstrom in this argument is useless because it is a completely different situation. Lidstrom is taking a pay cut to stay with the Red Wings. He is on a one year deal and is over 40. Lidstrom would easily be making over $7Mil on the market if he wanted to.