The Los Angeles Kings are poised for a significant reinforcement as they gear up for their Thursday night clash against the Chicago Blackhawks. The team's defensive cornerstone, Drew Doughty, is set to return to the ice after a brief absence due to injury, confirmed by team reporter Zach Dooley. This comeback is further amplified by the expected returns of forwards Warren Foegele and Phillip Danault, providing the Kings with a much-needed triple boost.
Injury Timeline and Recovery Details
The veteran defenseman has been sidelined since November 15, when he suffered a lower-body injury during a game against the Ottawa Senators. The incident occurred as Doughty bravely blocked a shot from Senators' defenseman Tyler Kleven. He was visibly in discomfort as he slowly left the ice and did not return to that contest. Post-game reports confirmed he exited the arena wearing a walking boot, sparking concerns about a prolonged absence.
Meanwhile, forward Warren Foegele has been out of action since October 26, also due to an upper-body injury sustained in a previous matchup against the very same Chicago Blackhawks. Phillip Danault's return adds further depth and experience to the Kings' forward lines.
Doughty's Form and Career Legacy
In a positive update on his fitness, Drew Doughty has reportedly shown significant improvement in his conditioning over recent days. This progress has paved the way for him to reclaim his spot on the Kings' top defensive pairing, a role crucial to the team's structure.
Looking at his current season statistics, through 19 games in the 2025-26 campaign, Doughty has contributed 8 points, comprising 2 goals and 6 assists, while averaging an impressive 23:08 minutes of ice time per game. Reflecting on his illustrious career, the No. 2 overall pick from the 2008 NHL Entry Draft has amassed 694 points (162 goals, 532 assists) over 1,225 regular-season games across 18 seasons, with a career average ice time of 26:07 minutes.
Impact on the Kings' Season Outlook
The return of this key trio arrives at a critical juncture for the Los Angeles Kings. The team has been grappling with inconsistent performances, and persistent injury issues have been a major contributor to this lack of stability. While the final line combinations will be confirmed during the pre-game warmups, the mere presence of Doughty, Foegele, and Danault is expected to inject a dose of reliability and skill.
This bolstered lineup offers renewed hope for the Kings as they seek to find a consistent winning form. The experience and quality brought back into the fold could be the catalyst needed to steady their season and make a strong push in the competitive NHL landscape.
