Doughty isn't signing a moment before he wants to. He's in the driver's seat on this. He's the exceptional talent. It only makes sense for him to keep the Kings hanging in suspense as long as possible. He's going to get his giant contract one way or another, and no reason to take the Kings out of the potential bidding mix.
He's not going anywhere at this deadline, or this next draft, or July 1st. The earliest he'll get traded is the 2019 deadline, and only if the Kings aren't in the race.
If the cap goes up again, Doughty can get a couple extra pennies in his deal. He's not signing until he gets every dollar he can. It's going to be at least the 2nd half of next year when he does. Most likely just how Stamkos played out. All the way to July 1st, he'll talk to other teams, and probably re-sign for the most money. He could also walk. I'm guessing nothing will happen until at least the 2019 deadline though.
We'll talk about all the potential deals that could or should be made. How the Kings must choose as early as possible. Which is all fine and good, but that's not how these things go. They drag on, and on, and on. The Kings need to keep selling tickets. Reporters need something to talk about. Toronto needs to think they'll finally get one of their good Canadian boys to come home.
