NHL Power Rankings: Top Western Conference Defensemen

Apr 9, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty (8) skates against the Calgary Flames during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

2. Drew Doughty 

Doughty finished second in Norris Trophy voting and was one of the biggest reasons the Los Angeles Kings even contended for a playoff berth this season.

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There are few things Doughty can’t do. He scored seven goals with 39 assists and posted a plus-3 rating for a disappointing Kings team that failed to qualify for the postseason after winning the Stanley Cup in 2014. Doughty is a machine and averaged nearly 29 minutes per night last season, which was the second-highest average in the league.

There isn’t much wrong with Doughty’s game, but he did seem to put a bigger emphasis on offense last season. Doughty took 219 shots in 2014-15. Until then, his highest shot total of his career was 177. Doughty is a stud, but he may need some help carrying the offensive load in Los Angeles. It isn’t easy being a great two-way defenseman, but Doughty finds a way year after year.

Next: Who's The Top Western Conference Defenseman?

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