Mikey Anderson: the LA Kings’ most valuable defenseman

When Mikey Anderson signed his one-year contract extension with the LA Kings last year, it was very much a “bet on yourself type of deal” to ultimately secure a longer and more lucrative contract.  And so far that bet looks like it will be paying off. 

Since Mikey Anderson had his first full season in the league, he has been playing top minutes for the Kings’ backend. Over the last three years, he has played alongside Drew Doughty on LA’s’ top pairing. 

The former 4th round pick in the 2017 draft, has two goals and nine assists in 46 games and averages 21:48 time on ice. While his statistics don’t jump off the page, what Mikey Anderson brings to the Kings night in and night out, cannot be seen on the stat sheet. 

Anderson, along with Alexander Edler, are the only two left-shot defensemen who have been in the Kings’ line-up on a regular basis this year. Anderson’s presence and impact on the left side stabilize the Kings’ d-pairs.

The Minnesota native is tasked with matching up against the top lines on other teams. Game after game Anderson goes up against the League’s best and he more than holds his own. Playing against top players is not new territory for Anderson, given he has been playing over 20 minutes a night and on the top defensive pairing since his first full NHL season. 

He has become one of the best in the NHL at denying zone entries, breaking up plays at the blueline, and forcing teams to give up possession. Additionally, Anderson has proven to be one of the team’s most effective penalty killers.

Drew Doughty’s play also has benefited from his pairing with Mikey Anderson. Over the last two years in particular, the veteran has played in 84 games and has 10 goals and 48 assists. Doughty’s rating has also improved dramatically as he is a +9 during the same period. 

Doughty’s play has, no doubt, been positively affected by a much improved Kings’ roster, but having a partner like Mikey Anderson is also a significant factor in his elevated overall production.

When watching Anderson play, you can see why opponents get frustrated. He disrupts multiple opportunities on the rush, his active stick and gap control is constantly breaking up plays, and he also has a surprisingly effective physical aspect to his game as he leads the Kings’ defense in hits this season with 98. 

Anderson has been an anchor this season for the Kings. He is just 23 years old and shows maturity well beyond his years. Not many people outside of LA are paying attention to what Mikey Anderson is doing because he isn’t putting up flashy stats. Still, if you ask any Kings fan or member of the organization about Anderson, you will see just how valuable he is to this team.