NHL Rumors: Kings Re-Sign Top Young Defenseman

It took a bit of time, but it appears that the Los Angeles Kings are finally nearing an agreement with their impressive young 23-year-old top-pair defenseman Mikey Anderson.

We have an extension to announce...🚨

Defenseman Mikey Anderson has been signed to a one-year deal!

— LA Kings (@LAKings) September 10, 2022

As one of their two remaining unsigned restricted free agents, Anderson has signed a one-year, $1M contract. The news was first broken by NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman earlier on Saturday.

That would leave Sean Durzi as the lone unsigned RFA for the Kings. 

As one of the key young pieces on the Kings blueline, getting the underrated Anderson signed was critical, although fans would have no doubt wanted to see more than a one-year pact. He'll be eligible for arbitration after the season. 

Anderson's offense is not his calling card (8 points in 57 games last season), but rather it's his lock-down ability inside the Kings blueline that provides his immense value. He is best without the puck, and has been a perfect complementary pairing for the more offensive-minded Drew Doughty. 

Anderson registered 133 hits (tops among LA defensemen) and 69 blocks this past season, in his average 20 minutes TOI. He was also a staple on the penalty-killing unit.

After this past season, Kings assistant coach Trent Yawney spoke about the value that Anderson brings to the team on the defensive end. “His impact on the game is more about (playing) without the puck. His positioning. His play around our net. His penalty-killing and ability to play against top forwards. You combine that with his leadership, which he is getting more comfortable with, and you can see why he’s worn letters with other teams that he has been on.”

Photos: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports, Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports