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Kings' Drew Doughty makes season debut vs. Panthers

Defenseman Drew Doughty was activated from injured reserve by the Los Angeles Kings and made his season debut against the Florida Panthers on Wednesday, played about 24 minutes in the 3-0 loss.

Doughty missed the first 47 games of the season after breaking his ankle in a preseason game against the Vegas Golden Knights on Sept. 25. The injury set off another round of debate about the excessive length of the NHL preseason.

The Kings expected Doughty to miss most of the regular season when his injury required surgery, but the defenseman returned to practice last week in a noncontact jersey.

The 35-year-old Doughty started his 17th NHL season as one of the most accomplished defensemen of his generation. He is a four-time Norris Trophy finalist who won the award in 2016, and he is a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Kings, who drafted him second overall in 2008.

Doughty's game was still at an elite level last season, when he recorded 15 goals and 35 assists while finishing second in the NHL in ice time, recording nearly 26 minutes per game. He also appeared in all 82 games last season -- the seventh time he has accomplished that feat.

Doughty has 156 goals and 513 assists in 1,178 career regular-season games, along with 57 points in 95 playoff games.

Brandt Clarke has emerged as the Kings' top-scoring defenseman in Doughty's absence, posting a career-best 24 points in his first full NHL season.

The Kings sent forward Samuel Helenius to their AHL affiliate in Ontario to make room on the roster for Doughty.

The Associated Press and Field Level Media contributed to this report.