Drew Doughty Nominated for Prestigious Masterton Trophy for Perseverance

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA — The Los Angeles chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association announced on April 9, 2025, that defenseman Drew Doughty has been nominated for the prestigious Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.

Doughty, who suffered a fractured ankle and ligament damage during a preseason game last September, spent nearly four months rehabbing before making a successful return in January. His nomination highlights his resilience and commitment amidst adversity in a challenging season for both him and the LA Kings.

“When I first came back, I’m not going to lie, I was lacking a little bit of confidence because I wasn’t playing the way that I wanted to play,” Doughty stated after rejoining the team. “Making that team gave it to me and I proved to myself that I could still play with those big boys. It made me feel really good about myself, and I came back here excited to go down this playoff stretch.”

In total, 32 players from each NHL team were nominated for the Masterton Trophy, which recognizes not only on-ice performance but also the struggle and dedication required to return from injury. The award is named after Bill Masterton, who remains the only player in NHL history to die as a direct result of injuries sustained in a game.

During his absence, the Kings faced uncertainties without their veteran presence. Upon his return, Doughty played in six consecutive games, logging an average of 24 minutes of ice time per game. In that stretch, he contributed 17 points (four goals and 13 assists).

While acknowledging the challenges of returning to form, Doughty has remained a crucial player for the Kings, who hold a .661 points percentage in games he has participated in, a stark contrast to their .612 record without him.

LA Kings head coach Jim Hiller praised Doughty’s accomplishments this season, emphasizing the importance of his return from injury amidst a demanding hockey schedule. “He’s truly a unique player, one of the best of his generation, and this year, he showed us the commitment off the ice and how much it means to him,” Hiller remarked.

Throughout his 17 NHL seasons, Doughty has compiled impressive statistics, including 686 points across 1,205 games played. He has also been a key player in securing two Stanley Cup Championships for the Kings and has earned multiple accolades, including Olympic gold medals and All-Star selections.

As the NHL gears up for the announcement of the Masterton Trophy winner, Doughty remains humble about his nomination, recognizing the competition prowess within the league. “I don’t expect to win the Masterton. I feel like I didn’t play at a high enough level when I came back from the injury,” he stated.

Despite his modesty, it’s evident that Doughty’s journey and performance this season have made him a deserving candidate for the Masterton Trophy, reflecting the very essence of what the award represents: perseverance through adversity.