Ironically, in the same game where Kings alternate captain Drew Doughty was injured last week, fellow defenseman Mikey Anderson wore a letter on his jersey for the first time as a member of the team.
Originally selected by LA at the 2017 NHL Draft, the 25-year-old Minnesota native has been a winner and leader his entire career. Anderson won a pair of national championships while playing at the University of Minnesota-Duluth and served as Team USA captain at the 2019 World Junior Championships. One year later, he was in the NHL.
When former coach Todd McLellan was the Kings bench boss he began singing the praises of Anderson right from the start — calling him a “cerebral player who doesn’t get frustrated.” McLellan and Doughty both noted how the young blueliner was almost like a veteran from the moment he arrived in Los Angeles, both on and off the ice.
Showing their commitment to Anderson, the organization signed him to an eight-year max contract with a $4.13M AAV in February 2023. His game has only improved since, as referenced via this note from Zach Dooley at the conclusion of last season:
217 defensemen played at least 500 minutes this season at 5-on-5. Among them, just eight ranked better than Mikey Anderson in terms of fewest goals against per/60.
A look at Anderson's season on @lakingsinsider! https://t.co/qYzji863Jl
— Zach Dooley (@DooleyLAK) June 3, 2024
Monday night in Anaheim marked the second time Anderson was chosen to be an alternate captain in less than a week. Mayor’s Manor editor John Hoven asked new coach Jim Hiller about the honor and responsibilities after the Kings 4-0 shutout win over the Ducks.
“Mikey usually gives you what he has, like everybody else,” began Hiller. “You have good nights, and you can have some off nights, but Mikey’s somebody that gives you what he has. I think he has room to grow as a player. I think he has room to grow as a leader.”
It was somewhat of an eyebrow raising moment in a world filled with NHL coaches who often only offer praise in public and speak in cliches during postgame scrums. Instead, Hiller cut right to the core and spoke rather frankly.
“You’re always satisfied with Mikey, but Mikey can’t be satisfied with Mikey,” he continued. “There’s more there and we expect more from him. I think, with a letter on his chest, that’s a clear indication from the coaching staff and management that we value [him], but we expect more.”
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Wow!
Great coaching!
Mikey is a hidden legend that has the potential to be a lot more visible.
Very positive challenge