Adam,
Back to ask about the draft again now that the lottery is over. I'm excited about the playoffs, but as a Kings fan, I've been looking to next season since December.
With the Kings winning the second-overall pick and needing to rebuild their defensive core, it stands to reason Dean Lombardi will take Drew Doughty. My question for you is: When do you think Doughty will have an impact on whatever team drafts him?
I know defensemen generally take more time to adapt to the NHL level of play, but do you think there's a chance he could crack the Kings’ lineup next season and have an impact? Thanks!
Rory Weden, La Crescenta, Calif.
Rory,
First of all, I wouldn’t be so sure Lombardi and the Kings (sounds like an Italian jazz band, if there is such a thing) are taking Doughty, as Peterborough Petes blueliner Zach Bogosian is making a late charge up the draft rankings. Either way, though, you’re right in thinking it’s likely L.A. will take a defenseman in the No. 2 spot.
You’re also right in thinking it takes longer for guys playing that position to develop, but you need look no further than Erik Johnson in St. Louis to see that Bogosian or Doughty could make an NHL roster as quickly as the second year after they’re drafted. Every case is different, of course, but there’s no arguing this is a younger man’s game now.
Ask Adam: Shut yer trap (The Hockey News) 
