Scuderi: no distraction from absence

For some final Kings-player thoughts on Drew Doughty’s absence from training camp, here’s Rob Scuderi, known around the locker room for his level-headed analysis of all situations. To clarify on Doughty’s situation, he’s not being docked $25,000 a day, or any amount, because he’s not being paid. The idea of reducing Doughty’s salary for every day he doesn’t report is something Dean Lombardi publicly kicked around yesterday, but if he decided to do it, it would be reflected in contract offers. Anyway, here are Scuderi’s thoughts on the situation and on the start of camp.

Question: Is it a distraction at all, not having Doughty here?

SCUDERI: “Obviously we all realize that he’s not around, and it would be nice to have him here, but at this time of the season I think everyone has their own kinks to work out, so no one is really concerned about Drew and his business. It’s a part of the game, having to go through the business side of it. Everyone in the locker room has had to do it at one time or another. Maybe not as lengthy, but everyone has had to do it. I don’t think it’s a real big distraction for anyone.”

Question: But he’s obviously a big part of the team…

SCUDERI: “If you want to argue for him as the face of the franchise, as far as a player, you’re not going to find many arguments, I’m sure, within management or the team. Like I said, we miss him, we wish he was here. I think he misses out on a little bit of the preparation, but it’s the business side of it, and sometimes it’s a little ugly.”

Question: Did you ever have a situation like this?

SCUDERI: “Not me, personally, but I don’t think I’m as good as Dewey, so I don’t see it being a problem for me now or in the near future. [smiles] Like I said, it is business sometimes. We would love to have him here, but hopefully it works itself out in due time.”