Drew Doughty has played for the Los Angeles Kings for almost 20 years. He has won championships and become one of the team's biggest stars. Even after playing more than 1,200 NHL games, he will not get a new contract this summer.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman shared on X that Kings general manager Ken Holland has decided not to offer Doughty a contract extension during the offseason.

Friedman wrote: "Got a bit lost in everything last night, but LA GM Ken Holland said the Kings will not extend Drew Doughty this summer."

Friedman added that the Kings still see Doughty as part of their future, but they want to evaluate his next season before offering a new deal.

He added, "Holland did say the organization wants Doughty to finish his career as a King, but that will likely be dealt with after the 2026-27 season -- when the franchise cornerstone is eligible to be a free agent."

Friedman shared the news after Holland spoke to the media.

According to Skyler Walker of MarkerZone, Doughty will play the final year of his current contract in the 2026-27 season. After that, he can become a free agent.

Instead of negotiating an extension this offseason, the Kings will wait until after the 2026-27 season to revisit Doughty's future. The Kings still respect and value their longtime leader, but they also want to make decisions that are best for the team's future.

Kings balancing loyalty with a changing roster

Markerzone also shared more details about the situation. The report said Doughty had a solid 2025-26 season. He played all 82 games and finished with five goals, 18 assists, and a plus-four rating. He played well, but the report said those numbers were not enough to earn an automatic contract extension at his age.

The report also said the Kings are building for the future. Young defenseman Brandt Clarke had a 40-point season and is taking on a bigger role. Because the team has more young talent on defense, management wants to think carefully before giving Doughty a long-term contract.

The Kings have not ended Doughty's time with the team. Instead, they want to watch him play one more season before deciding on a new contract. They will closely look at his performance, his role, and whether he can still play as a top defenseman.

The team has kept the door open for Doughty to stay in Los Angeles. However, they want him to earn his next contract with his play on the ice.

Doughty will enter the final year of his contract knowing his long-term future in Los Angeles will be decided after the 2026-27 season.

Should the Kings have extended Drew Doughty now, or was waiting the right call? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Rudra Dubey