"Drew Doughty will pay close attention to the Toronto Maple Leafs' negotiations with Luke Schenn. Doughty, of the Los Angeles Kings, and Schenn are both defenseman, restricted free agents and top-five picks from the 2008 NHL Draft. And both are connected to agent Don Meehan.

So it's only natural that Doughty to watch Schenn's contract discussions, which reports from Toronto say should open this week. For now, they are the two most experienced young defensemen among an elite four in their draft class and could have big NHL futures.

Doughty's entry-level deal is up, and his camp and the Kings are slowly working toward a long-term pact.

Steven Stamkos, 2008's No. 1 overall pick, signed a five year, $37.5 million contract Tuesday. Doughty was the second pick in 2008. While there's little chance Doughty will get a deal in that range, he could get close. The Los Angeles Times has reported the Kings are believed to be offering up to nine years at more than $6.5 million per year.

Another free-agent issue to follow in Doughty's case is that of Nashville Predators captain Shea Weber. Both these defensemen are looking for longterm deals, and while Weber is older -- he turns 26 in mid-August; Doughty turns 22 in December -- they have similar significance to their teams."