Ben Shelley: Reviewing the season: Drew Doughty

I wouldn't say that they're strong on the right side. They're just stronger on the right than on the left. Roy and Walker aren't anything to write home about, IMO, especially because it's been only one season and change. It's almost a miracle as it is that they were as good as they were for a 7th rounder and an undrafted player. I'd love to be wrong, but I wouldn't bet on them improving year after year like most prospects who have potential to grow into.

A month or two ago, I posted a utilization graph that showed that Roy was primarily deployed in the offensive zone and against weaker competition, so his +16 should be taken with a grain of salt and we shouldn't just assume that he can handle more responsibility. I, personally, would be nervous about playing Doughty less and Roy and Walker more.

I wouldn't say that they're strong on the right side. They're just stronger on the right than on the left. Roy and Walker aren't anything to write home about, IMO, especially because it's been only one season and change. It's almost a miracle as it is that they were as good as they are for a 7th rounder and an undrafted player. I'd love to be wrong, but I wouldn't bet on them improving year after year like most prospects who have potential to grow into.

A month or two ago, I posted a utilization graph that showed that Roy was primarily deployed in the offensive zone and against weaker competition, so his +16 should be taken with a grain of salt and we shouldn't just assume that he can handle more responsibility. I, personally, would be nervous about playing Doughty less and Roy and Walker more.
- Osprey

Thanks for reading!

That's a fair statement. That said, it was the first full NHL season for both of them and both performed well. The only way we'll know how either does against tougher competition is to give them the challenge and considering there won't be any expectations to be a playoff team next season, it's the perfect time to see if they're capable of taking on larger roles. Considering Doughty wasn't great this season against the tougher competition anyways, it's at least worth trying out, in my opinion.

Thanks for reading!

That's a fair statement. That said, it was the first full NHL season for both of them and both performed well. The only way we'll know how either does against tougher competition is to give them the challenge and considering there won't be any expectations to be a playoff team next season, it's the perfect time to see if they're capable of taking on larger roles. Considering Doughty wasn't great this season against the tougher competition anyways, it's at least worth trying out, in my opinion.
- Ben Shelley

Yeah, I didn't mean to sound so contradictory. I agree that Roy, especially, has earned a chance to get tougher minutes to see how he handles them. I'm just skeptical of it panning out and hope that the organization doesn't see that as the right side past this upcoming year. I'd like to see players with a little more potential on that 2nd pair, with Roy, ideally, being on the 3rd pair and Walker as the 7th dman by the time that they're ready to challenge for a playoff spot.

Definitely should try to trade him.

Get a bundle in return.

He’ll be too old once you re-boot.

Yeah, I didn't mean to sound so contradictory. I agree that Roy, especially, has earned a chance to get tougher minutes to see how he handles them. I'm just skeptical of it panning out and hope that the organization doesn't see that as the right side past this upcoming year. I'd like to see players with a little more potential on that 2nd pair, with Roy, ideally, being on the 3rd pair and Walker as the 7th dman by the time that they're ready to challenge for a playoff spot.
- Osprey

Yeah that's fair, it's pretty up in the air as to what Roy's ceiling is as a reliable defender. No doubt he could be excellent as a third pairing guy against easier competition but hopefully he can be more than that. I think Walker has quite a bit more upside than playing as a spare though, IMO.

I absolutely love the idea of limiting DD minutes, and focus on putting more emphasis on Offense.
As Kings fans, we all know that his value goes far beyond Goals & Assists.
But we already have enough serviceable Defensive-Defensemen, on our roster. Why not focus on on putting the puck in the net, and acquiring a guy like Rob Scuderi/Matt Greene to eat up all the PK minutes.

A Fresh Drew, is a Norris-calibre Drew.