Doughty hungry to quiet naysayers: 'A lot of people have me written off'

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty believes he has plenty left in the tank, and the five-time All-Star is using his doubters as motivation for this upcoming season.

"A lot of people have me written off as not even a good player anymore," Doughty said Thursday, according to The Athletic's Lisa Dillman.

"And so, all that becomes personal and all that drives me to be better this year to make our team better."

Doughty, 31, helped the Kings capture a pair of Stanley Cups in 2012 and 2014. He also earned the Norris Trophy as the league's top blue-liner in 2016.

However, Los Angeles has missed the playoffs four times in the last six seasons and has just one postseason win in that span.

Doughty, who helped Canada earn a gold medal at both the 2010 and 2014 Olympic Games, also admitted it's been upsetting to hear pundits disregard him for the international team at the 2022 Games.

"I'm seeing guys not having me (slotted) to make the Olympic team," Doughty said. "And so, that just frustrated me."

Yet the veteran blue-liner says he'll be at his best entering 2020-21 thanks to the Kings' extended time off, as Los Angeles hasn't played a game since March 12.

"My body is ready," Doughty said. "I was able to actually lift weights - for real - get heavy, get much stronger. Whereas in the past, it was all maintenance stuff. So, it was a blessing in disguise for me personally. And I think for our entire team. We're all healthy again."

Doughty recorded seven goals and 35 points through 67 games last season. He was on pace to reach the 40-point mark over 82 games for the sixth consecutive campaign.