Defenseman Drew Doughty has been activated from injured reserve by the Los Angeles Kings ahead of his season debut against the Florida Panthers.

Drew Doughty ’s long-awaited return to the Los Angeles Kings became imminent this week. The anticipation of the future Hall of Fame defenseman’s first game this season was such that Jim Hiller brought some levity to end a downbeat media session after a one-sided loss to Pittsburgh on Monday.

Kings defenseman Drew Doughty will make his season debut after recovering from October surgery to repair a fractured left ankle.