Drew Doughty Helmet Watch: Is a Change Coming for the Kings’ Veteran Star?

Over the course of his career, Drew Doughty has not only been one of the league’s most consistent blueliners, but also a fascinating case study for equipment enthusiasts, especially when it comes to his helmet choices. 

With whispers of Bauer phasing out the iconic Bauer 4500, and a recent sighting of Doughty skating in one of Bauer’s Re-Akt models, fans are left wondering if the 2024–25 season was the end of an era for his signature look.

For the first several years of his career, Doughty was firmly associated with Easton Hockey. As one of the brand’s premier ambassadors, he regularly wore their gloves, used their sticks, and for some time he even strapped on their helmets. Around the early 2010s, his on-ice appearance was very much a “full Easton” look minus his skates. 

This consistency made him one of the more recognizable faces for a company eager to carve out its space in the NHL equipment market. However, Easton’s presence in the league began to fade around 2016, with their gear slowly being phased out. 

At first, sticks carrying the Easton name were still permitted, but helmets and other protective gear were no longer part of the landscape. It was during this transitional time that Doughty reached back into his equipment history and returned to one of the most beloved helmets of all time. This helmet of course was none other than the Bauer 4500.

The Bauer 4500 is legendary in hockey circles. Known for its classic design, old-school aesthetic, and comfortable fit, it has been a favorite of both NHLers and recreational players for decades. Doughty himself had dabbled with it as far back as the 2010–11 season, though he set it aside in early 2012 to maintain his commitment to Easton. 

Once free of those obligations, however, he leaned heavily into the 4500, and for years it became his signature piece of equipment. Even as Doughty began to shift his stick and glove preferences to Warrior around 2018, he continued to hold firm with the 4500. 

It wasn’t until late 2019, heading into the early 2020s, that he finally gave Warrior helmets a legitimate try. For roughly two years, the Kings’ cornerstone defenseman sported Warrior lids to match the rest of his equipment setup. But in the fall of 2022, to the delight of many traditionalists, Doughty returned once again to the Bauer 4500.

Just a few weeks ago, though, a surprising development shook up the Doughty equipment narrative. During an informal skate with former NHL forward Robbie Schremp, Doughty was spotted wearing a helmet from Bauer’s Re-Akt family instead of his usual 4500. 

For gear watchers, this was nothing short of stunning. The Re-Akt line represents Bauer’s modern approach to helmet technology with its lightweight construction, advanced impact protection, and an updated look. 

On the other hand, the 4500, while iconic, has been criticized for lagging behind in terms of safety standards and innovation. The potential shift suggests that Doughty, whether by choice or necessity, might be preparing for a new chapter in his on-ice appearance.

Adding fuel to the speculation are whispers that Bauer may be quietly phasing out production of the 4500. If true, this would not only push more players toward newer models like the Re-Akt but also mark the end of an era for one of hockey’s most recognizable helmets. 

Still, many believed that a player of Doughty’s stature would have no trouble securing a steady supply of 4500s for as long as he wanted them. Yet, the sight of him in a Re-Akt raises the question. Was this a one-off experiment, or the beginning of a permanent switch? With training camp just weeks away, the answer could come sooner rather than later.

For longtime fans of Doughty and gear purists alike, the upcoming season will be particularly intriguing. If he commits to the Re-Akt, it would represent not just a practical equipment choice, but also a symbolic shift away from the traditional aesthetic he has carried for so many years. 

If he reverts back to the 4500, it will reinforce his status as one of the NHL’s last holdouts keeping the classic look alive. Either way, Drew Doughty’s helmet saga adds another fascinating wrinkle to the story of a player who has always marched to the beat of his own drum. 

For Kings fans, the focus will remain on his play and leadership on the ice. But for equipment enthusiasts, all eyes will be on his headgear when the puck drops this fall.

Photo Credit: Leila Devlin