Players talk about Doughty absence

As noted earlier, among the Kings’ NHL veterans, the only player missing at Hockey Fest today was Drew Doughty. How do some of the other players feel about that? Team captain Dustin Brown and alternate captain Anze Kopitar were asked today about Doughty’s contract statues. (Incidentally, there will be an item later on Kopitar’s summer recovery. In short, he’s doing just fine.)

BROWN: “From the players’ perspective, he’s a big part of our team. From a personal level, you miss him being around. Whether you’re making fun of him or he’s making fun of you, it’s that camaraderie. The contract issue, players don’t really worry about that. It’s more about getting him here around the guys, and being a part of a group, that we’re worried about. I have confidence that they’ll figure it out. He’s not going to not play for us. At least that’s what I think. When it comes to contracts and players, you just kind of stay out of it. It’s none of my business. I just look at it from the team standpoint. We want to get him here as soon as possible. They will get it done. … He’s our teammate and he will be here when he can be here.”

KOPITAR: “I actually haven’t talked to Drew. I’ve sent a few text messages here and there, but nothing major. It is what it is. It’s none of my business. I’m sure they’re going to work out it.”