Report: Kings, Doughty begin contract talks

The Los Angeles Kings have reportedly commenced discussing the possibility of an extension with their franchise defenseman.

As expected, Drew Doughty and the Kings have started to get into contract talks, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun, who reports that the two sides have had "a few conversations regarding the overall concept of the deal and will soon get into term and numbers."

Doughty has one more season left on his current contract, and as such, he and the club can start discussing a potential extension as early as July 1.

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Doughty is on the books for $7 million in 2018-19. He inked an eight-year, $56-million deal with the Kings in 2011.