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Mikey Anderson | D
Brandt Clarke | D
Alexander Edler | D
Vladislav Gavrikov | D
Drew Doughty
ON-ICE VALUE
First-Pairing Defenseman
STRENGTHS
Defense: Doughty is one of the few star blueliners who are actually committed to playing defense. He keeps a solid gap in the neutral zone, uses an active stick and will throw the body when necessary. He’s stellar on the PK and among the very best defensemen in the world at preventing passes in 2-on-1 situations. Doughty is a true all-situations rock back there.
Poise: When he’s in possession, he displays calm and judicious decision-making. He makes smart, crisp and accurate passes, and he can snake his way to a zone entry through agility and deception. Doughty also handles forecheckers very well, shoulder-checking to assess his options and uncover escape routes.
Power Play: Though he isn’t known as a sniper, Doughty has quietly developed the league’s most effective point shot on the PP. He can unleash wicked one-timers or hold on to the puck, fake would-be blockers out of the way and then fire wristers on goal. His pinpoint passing and clever movement ensure that he can find lanes consistently.
WEAKNESSES
Hero Ball: Doughty is reliable in nearly every scenario, but when the Kings are mounting a charge to erase a deficit, he can fly off the rails. He will attempt to do everything himself, stick-handling through a maze of defenders instead of making the smart choices he usually does. He suffers from tunnel vision in such late-game situations.
Skating: He’s an elusive and generally fluid skater, but pure burners give him a lot of trouble. Whereas he can typically face his opponent and break up plays via sound gap control and stick work, faster puck-carriers will find Doughty spinning and tripping over himself to keep pace.
