It appears that the pace has been slow in negotiations between the Los Angeles Kings and restricted free agent defenceman Drew Doughty.
The Los Angeles Times reported that Doughty and Kings management have not discussed a new contract since mid-July.
Doughty has been training during the off-season at his home in London, Ontario, and provided an update Wednesday about the state of negotiations.
"I guess there's really no rush," said Doughty. "Both sides, we're discussing things, and I'm sure that something is going to get done soon. I don't have a timeframe or anything like that. But I still want to be a King, and I can't wait to get something done just so it's over with."
Doughty completed his three-year entry-level contract this past season with Los Angeles. He scored 11 goals and 29 assists in 76 games on the Kings' blueline, one season after being nominated for the Norris Trophy.
The 21-year-old has compiled 126 points over his three NHL seasons, and has helped the Kings qualify for the playoffs twice in a row after they missed the post-season six straight times before that.
Training camp opens for the Kings on September 17.
