Gern, I expect a new contract for Doughty to be announced soon. If negotiations drag out it will be an agent doing what an agent does best, screwing everyone sideways, IMO. We all know Doughty will be getting paid handsomely, but to be honest last season was sub-par for Drew. He still had a good season but compared to his Norris nominated season this past one was a tad lackluster. His mental lapses, complaining to the refs, and periods of ineffectiveness were noticeable and I'm sure Lombardi is worried about that becoming a trend. All that being said, Doughty is still an absolute phenom and a franchise D-man and a step backwards is not unusual for a still-young player. I suspect this season coming up will see Doughty pushing himself more and more.
As for Jack Johnson, the road wasn't always so rosey. Both Johnson and Doughty have shown propensity for mental lapses. Johnson has come a long way but still has ways to go before he's reached his potential of being a top pairing, physical, shut down D-man with a wicked slapshot. That's why I love that there are vet stalwarts each young player is paired with (Scuderi and Williams) to help continue to show them the ropes and be the safety net for the duo.
Jonesy, I thought of that however that bumps Brown to the 1st line and he's much better suited in a 2nd line role, and perhaps even a 3rd line role. Pairing Brown and Kopi together is very hit-or-miss. Sometimes they catch fire, sometimes they go games at a time being an ineffective match.
