**Drew Doughty to Undergo Surgery for Fractured Ankle, Out Indefinitely**

The Los Angeles Kings have confirmed that star defenseman Drew Doughty will be sidelined "month-to-month" after sustaining a fractured ankle during a recent preseason game against the Vegas Golden Knights. The injury, which occurred on Wednesday, will necessitate surgery on Doughty's left ankle. The Kings are optimistic that Doughty will return this season, although the exact timeline for his recovery remains uncertain.

Coach Jim Hiller expressed confidence in Doughty's eventual return but refrained from providing a specific timeline. Drawing comparisons to previous injuries within the team, Hiller noted that while forward Quinton Byfield missed about two months with a similar injury, defenseman Alex Edler was out for closer to three months. However, each injury is unique, and speculations about Doughty's recovery period remain just that—speculations.

Despite Doughty's injury, the Kings will continue with their planned strategies and systems. Hiller emphasized that the team's recent shift to a 1-2-2 system in the neutral zone will remain in place. "We put a lot of time, thought, and energy into making that adjustment," Hiller said, adding that the change was designed more for the forwards than the defensemen.

Doughty is expected to stay involved with the team throughout his recovery. Although it is uncertain whether he will travel with the team, Hiller anticipates that Doughty will be present at the rink as much as possible. His mentorship will be particularly valuable for younger players like Clarke, with whom Doughty has already been working closely. Clarke noted the importance of Doughty's guidance and expressed hope that this would continue despite Doughty's absence from the ice.

The team has rearranged the locker room to accommodate this mentorship role, placing Clarke's locker next to Doughty's—a position previously held by defenseman Mikey Anderson, who also benefited from Doughty's experience earlier in his career. Clarke remains optimistic about continuing to learn from Doughty, even if it is more off-ice than on-ice during this period.

In Doughty's absence, players like Clarke and Kyle Burroughs are expected to step up and fill the crucial minutes and roles that Doughty would have played. While acknowledging that neither can completely replace Doughty, both are considered capable of taking on increased responsibilities.

As the Kings wrap up their final day of training camp in California, the team and its fans are undoubtedly feeling the weight of Doughty's injury. However, the collective focus remains on a hopeful and resilient season ahead.