Kings announce 8-year deal with Drew Doughty *

The Dodgers and Angels both face a trying off season, starting today, while the Lakers and Clippers may lose their entire seasons. But for L.A. Kings fans, the only crisis that matters is the holdout by young unsigned star Drew Doughty. Tonight, the Kings said they have a verbal agreement on a new contract for the 21-year-old defenseman, who the team calls the foundation of the franchise. It's an eight-year deal averaging $7 million a year, according to Canadian hockey columnist Bob McKenzie. The Kings leave in a few days to open the NHL season with games in Stockholm and Berlin.

* Added: Regarding the Kings' Europe trip, Doughty tells the LAT's Helene Elliott "I definitely didn't want to miss that."