By Steve Fitzsimmons /

NHL Entry Draft prospects looking for inspiration on making an early impact in the NHL need look no further than the career of Drew Doughty.

For the L.A. Kings sophomore defenceman, success has come very quickly.

It was only two seasons ago that he was the second overall pick in the 2008 NHL Draft. There were questions at the time about whether Doughty would return to the Guelph Storm in the OHL for a fourth season, or whether he would make the jump to play for the Kings.

He put those questions to rest in a hurry.

In only two seasons, Doughty has become one of the top defencemen in the game, including earning himself a nomination for the Norris Trophy this season.

He had an impressive campaign, one that saw him register 16 goals and 59 points in 82 games and play a key shutdown role against other teams’ best players.

He also was a huge contributor in helping Canada win the Olympic gold medal in Vancouver.

Doughty says he has surprised himself with how much he’s been able to achieve in his young career.

“It’s come so fast and it’s been a little overwhelming over this journey, but I’m really excited,” he said. “I’m really pleased that I got drafted by the L.A. Kings. If I had gone to another team, I might not have made it my first season. I probably wouldn’t have made that Olympic team and probably wouldn’t have been enjoying the opportunities that I’ve been getting. It’s been great for me, I’ve been pretty lucky and hopefully it continues.”

Dave Barr, who was Doughty’s coach in Guelph and is now an assistant coach with the NHL’s Minnesota Wild, isn’t surprised at the meteoric rise of Doughty, having seen him first hand for three seasons.

“He might be the best defenceman in the game right now. Our staff in Minnesota thinks he is. He’s got a bright future ahead of him. He’s a real strong kid and his zest for life and for the game is what really puts him over the top, I think, above some other players. He might have six, seven or maybe nine Norris trophies before it’s over.”

For Doughty, he remembers what it’s like being one of the top prospects and, looking back on his OHL career, has nothing but fond memories of his time in the Ontario Hockey League. “I had a great time. I played there for three years and met some unbelievable guys throughout that time – guys that I still talk to every day and still hang out with.”

As for the future, Doughty is excited about the prospects of his young L.A. Kings team and what they may be able to accomplish in the years ahead.

“We have very high hopes. We saw what Chicago did and they were so young a couple of years ago. They’ve put it together and became a Stanley Cup winning team this year. I think we’re going to try and follow in those steps and do the exact same thing.”