NHL’s Best-Kept Secret: Mikey Anderson’s Brilliance on the Kings’ Blue Line

How do you replace a future Hall of Famer like Drew Doughty on your blue line? If you’re Mikey Anderson, you don’t just step up — you elevate. Anderson has taken his game to another level this season, anchoring one of the NHL’s most formidable defensive pairings and proving that the Kings’ defense is in good hands for years to come.

Mikey Anderson: The Kings' Defensive Gem

Mikey Anderson has quietly risen to become one of the NHL’s premier defensemen, anchoring the Los Angeles Kings’ blue line with a blend of elite positional play, puck-moving ability, and unwavering consistency. While many young players falter without a veteran partner, Anderson has not only thrived without Drew Doughty but elevated his game to a new level.

Initially paired with Doughty, Anderson quickly earned the trust of coaches and teammates, consistently taking on shutdown roles against the league's top talent. His adaptability has been key, as seen this season when he transitioned seamlessly into a dominant partnership with Vladislav Gavrikov. Together, they’ve formed one of the NHL’s most defensively sound duos, ranking third in expected goals against per 60 minutes (1.59).

Anderson's ability to excel in possession metrics like Corsi (55.5%) and Fenwick (57.4%) further highlights his role as a cornerstone of the Kings' defense. While he isn’t always recognized as a flashy puck-mover, his intelligent play under pressure and knack for maintaining possession have cemented his reputation as a reliable two-way defenseman.

Selected in the fourth round of the 2017 draft, Anderson is proving to be one of the league’s biggest steals—not just in his draft position but also in his contract value. At a $4.125 million average annual value, his deal is now one of the most cost-effective for a player of his caliber.

In Anderson, the Kings have found a defenseman who combines hockey IQ, adaptability, and an elite defensive presence. As LA continues to push toward playoff contention, Anderson’s growth and dependability make him an indispensable part of their success and a leader for years to come.

Why Mikey Anderson is One of the NHL’s Best Defensemen

What sets Anderson apart is his ability to suppress chances from the league’s top players. Whether it’s neutralizing rush opportunities or shutting down high-danger chances, Anderson thrives in the moments that matter most. His partnership with Gavrikov has demonstrated that he doesn’t need a superstar partner like Doughty to dominate—he can anchor a pair himself.

Beyond the numbers, Anderson’s hockey sense, calm under pressure, and ability to elevate those around him make him a key piece of the Kings' identity as a defense-first team.

For LA, Anderson isn’t just a defensive mainstay; he’s a cornerstone of their present and future, embodying the skill, grit, and poise needed to contend at the highest level.