I could have sworn that I had read that before that he was a Kings fan growing up, particularly because of Gretzy.
I guess I can sort of understanding rooting against the Leafs but secretly liking them. He chose a team based on his father's preference but grew up in an area that was very Leaf oriented. I can buy that explanation because I know of a number of people that have said something of similar effect.
I think Doughty's comments are probably more pre-emptive to avoid people jumping on the speculation train after his comments about how all Southern Ontario boys secretly want to play for the Leafs. You don't need to be a Leafs fan to be recognized by Leafs fans, especially around the city. Doughty is from Ontario, he's known as one of the best Dmen in the league, he's represented and won gold for Canada on the international stage, his gf is from Toronto and he's no stranger to the city during his off season - the idea that he doesn't know what it would be like seems unlikely. Then again, maybe he gets noticed so often and that's just on his offseason that he's not sure how he would feel about being surrounded by that for most of his year AND on top of that having people actually talk Leafs hockey with him.
I think for most guys, pay them enough money and they won't mind if fans recognize them on the streets or not - whether that's Toronto, Montreal, etc.