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Who was the LA Kings MVP for this season?

By Scott Kinville

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - MAY 05: Anze Kopitar #11 of the Los Angeles Kings is congratulated by Olli Maatta #6 and Sean Walker #26 for recording his 1,000th career point after assisting on an empty-net goal against the Arizona Coyotes during the third period of the NHL game at Gila River Arena on May 05, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. The Kings defeated the Coyotes 4-2. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - MAY 05: Anze Kopitar #11 of the Los Angeles Kings is congratulated by Olli Maatta #6 and Sean Walker #26 for recording his 1,000th career point after assisting on an empty-net goal against the Arizona Coyotes during the third period of the NHL game at Gila River Arena on May 05, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. The Kings defeated the Coyotes 4-2. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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LA Kings Anze Kopitar
Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

It’s LA Kings awards time here at Rink Royalty! Might as well come out swinging and name the team’s MVP first.

The LA Kings finished the 2021 NHL season with a 21-28-7 record, good for 49 points and sixth place in the Honda West Division. The team did not make the playoffs, and yes, there are needs that will hopefully be addressed in the offseason – but there are still reasons for optimism as well.

The Kings were able to integrate young defensemen Mikey Anderson and later Tobias Bjornfot into the lineup. Anderson, in particular, showed he is a legitimate NHL defenseman. He was Drew Doughty‘s partner for most of the season, and even though he struggled at first, he really found his stride by the end of the year.

The NHL playoff format was modified for this season so that the top four teams in each division make the postseason. The LA Kings were not expected to be playoff contenders this season, but they managed to stay in the hunt until the last month of the year. Buoyed by a six-game win streak in February, the team showed flashes that brighter days lie ahead.

So who is the 2021 MVP for the LA Kings? Read on to find out.

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