King's Ransom

Today is August the 6th, and at this moment, the man you see is Drew Doughty, who is still unsigned.  No, it isn't because he isn't good, but rather because he is seeking the big bucks.  Because he is a restricted free agent, any team that wanted him would have had to sign him to an offer sheet, in which his current team, the Los Angeles Kings, would have the option to match.  However, no one has stepped to the plate and the Kings still haven't reached an agreement with him, thus why Doughty is still not signed anywhere.

What would an unsigned Doughty do for the Kings?  If he isn't signed by opening night, it would leave a significant hole on the blue line, one that would force Jack Johnson to be the guy.  Johnson is a pretty good defenseman, but he is no number one d-man.  Doughty's absence, would also temper expectations for a team that not only gets Anze Kopitar back from injury, but also welcomes Mike Richards to the fold.  All the firepower up front does a team no good if there isn't someone on the blue line to light the fuse, and that is exactly what Doughty does.  Despite a down year last year, he is still the top guy, and the Kings would be wise to find a way to get him signed soon.  Otherwise, it could be a long year.